What can we learn from Ezekiel 31:7 about God's view on arrogance? Setting the Scene Ezekiel 31 portrays Assyria as a towering cedar—majestic, envied, apparently invincible. In verse 7 the prophet writes: “ ‘It was beautiful in its greatness, in the length of its branches, for its roots extended to abundant waters.’ ” The Picture of Impressive Grandeur • “Beautiful in its greatness” – outward success, power, reputation • “Length of its branches” – far-reaching influence over nations • “Roots extended to abundant waters” – the best resources, continual provision from God Himself Everything that makes a kingdom (or any person) strong is ultimately supplied by the Lord. Yet Assyria mistook God-given privilege for self-made glory. The Hidden Root of Arrogance • Abundance without gratitude breeds pride (Deuteronomy 8:11-17). • Assyria gloried in the gift rather than the Giver (Ezekiel 31:10). • Unchecked arrogance blinds a person or a nation to dependence on God. God’s Response to Arrogance • He brings down the proud: “Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because it towered high… I will deliver it into the hand of the mighty one of the nations.’ ” (Ezekiel 31:10-11) • Principle repeated throughout Scripture: – “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5) – “The LORD Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty.” (Isaiah 2:12) Lessons for Us Today • Every achievement, ability, or resource is a stewardship, not a trophy. • Visible success can mask a spiritual drought if gratitude and humility are absent. • Arrogance invites God’s opposition; humility invites His favor. • God measures greatness by dependence on Him, not by size, reach, or reputation. Living the Humility God Honors 1. Acknowledge daily that all strength and supply flow from the “abundant waters” of God’s grace (1 Corinthians 4:7). 2. Guard the heart: confess pride quickly, refuse to boast in accomplishments (Jeremiah 9:23-24). 3. Serve others with whatever influence God has entrusted, following the example of Christ, “gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29). Ezekiel 31:7 illustrates that impressive stature without humble dependence becomes a warning, not a model. God loves to bless, but He will not share His glory with the arrogant; instead, He lifts up the humble. |
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