What can we learn about God's justice from Ezekiel 32:31? Setting the Scene • Ezekiel 32 is God’s lament over Egypt’s downfall. • Verse 31 pictures Pharaoh in the realm of the dead, looking on the slain armies of other nations. • The line “Pharaoh will see them and be comforted over all his multitude … slain by the sword” is God’s verdict: Egypt will share the very fate of the nations it once threatened. Justice Is Inevitable • Sovereign judgment catches up with every ruler: “For God will bring every deed into judgment” (Ecclesiastes 12:14). • No empire, strategy, or army can delay God’s timetable (Isaiah 40:23). Justice Is Impartial • Pharaoh receives the same sentence as Israel’s pagan neighbors; privilege or power does not sway God: “For there is no partiality with God” (Romans 2:11). • The sword that fell on Assyria, Elam, and Meshech now falls on Egypt (Ezekiel 32:22–30). Justice Is Thorough • “All his multitude” reminds us God’s judgment addresses collective and individual guilt. • The scene underscores total accountability—leaders and followers alike (Jeremiah 46:25). Justice Brings a Strange “Comfort” • Pharaoh’s “comfort” is grim: seeing others judged proves his own fall is not an isolated tragedy. • God’s justice vindicates truth, exposing every false boast (Psalm 52:5–7). Justice Reflects God’s Moral Order • Egypt’s oppression of Israel (Exodus 1–14) and later betrayals (Isaiah 30:1–3) violated the standards of a holy God. • Ezekiel’s oracle shows divine justice operates across centuries; sin’s due wages are always paid (Romans 6:23). Justice Warns and Invites • The vision acts as a warning to every nation and person: “He will render to each one according to his deeds” (Romans 2:6). • Yet the same God offers mercy to all who repent (Isaiah 55:6–7). Living It Out Today • Take God’s moral law seriously; hidden sins will be exposed. • Do not envy the power of the wicked; their end is certain (Psalm 73:18–19). • Stand with the oppressed, knowing the Judge of all the earth will do right (Genesis 18:25). • Thank God that justice was satisfied at the cross for all who trust Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). |
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