How does Ezekiel 31:2 connect with God's judgment in other Old Testament passages? The Scene in Ezekiel 31:2 “Son of man, say to Pharaoh king of Egypt and to his multitude, ‘Whom are you like in greatness?’” • A direct, literal address to Pharaoh, delivered through Ezekiel. • God invites Egypt to compare itself with Assyria (vv. 3-9) so that Egypt might see its coming downfall (vv. 10-14). • The verse launches a judgment oracle, echoing how the Lord has judged arrogant nations before. A Pattern of Judgment on Pride Scripture records a consistent, literal pattern: when nations exalt themselves, God brings them low. • Genesis 11:1-9 — Babel’s tower halted; language confused. • Exodus 14:17-18 — Egypt’s army drowned for defying God’s glory. • Isaiah 10:12-19 — Assyria felled “like a forest” for boasting against the LORD. • Ezekiel 28:1-10 — Tyre’s prince judged for claiming to be a god. • Daniel 4:28-37 — Nebuchadnezzar humbled until he acknowledged “the Most High.” Ezekiel 31:2 fits seamlessly: Egypt, swollen with pride, will join this line of fallen empires. Assyria as the Object Lesson Verses 3-9 describe Assyria as a mighty cedar, yet vv. 10-11 foretell its snap by Babylon. Isaiah had foretold the same: • Isaiah 10:18-19: “The glory of his forest and orchard will be consumed… only a remnant of trees will be left.” • The cedar image matches Ezekiel’s language, underscoring that God’s word never fails. Egypt Mirrors Assyria Ezekiel 29-32 repeatedly labels Egypt a river-monster—another proud creature soon to be hooked and hauled away. Ezekiel 31:2 therefore: • Warns Egypt by recounting Assyria’s literal fall in 612 BC. • Shows God’s impartial standard: He judges every nation by the same measure (Jeremiah 25:29). • Anticipates Egypt’s defeat by Babylon in 568-567 BC (Ezekiel 30:10-12). “Whom Are You Like?” — A Recurrent Divine Question • Jeremiah 49:19; 50:44 — God asks Edom and Babylon the same question before judging them. • The device drives home that no earthly power matches the Almighty; every boast invites His response. Themes Threading Through the Old Testament • Pride precedes destruction (Proverbs 16:18). • God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (cf. 1 Samuel 2:3-8; Proverbs 3:34). • Sovereignty belongs to the LORD alone (Psalm 22:28). Takeaways for Today • History validates God’s literal proclamations; His Word proves true every time. • Nations and individuals alike must heed Ezekiel 31:2: compare yourself to God’s standard, not human greatness. • The consistent pattern of judgment encourages humble obedience, affirming that “the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8). |
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