What is the meaning of Ezekiel 32:16? This is the lament they will chant for her • A “lament” in Scripture is a formal funeral dirge, signaling that God has already pronounced death upon the subject (2 Samuel 1:17; Ezekiel 19:1). • Here, the “her” is Egypt—once proud, now treated as deceased while still alive, because God’s verdict is final (Isaiah 14:3–4). • The tone matches other prophetic laments that underscore the certainty of judgment (Jeremiah 7:29; Revelation 18:9–11). • By introducing the song as a lament, the Lord announces Egypt’s destiny: humiliation, loss of power, and burial among fallen empires. the daughters of the nations will chant it • “Daughters” often represent surrounding peoples (Jeremiah 46:19; Zechariah 2:10). Their participation shows that Egypt’s collapse will be public and memorable. • Outsiders become mourners, not out of sympathy but because they witness God’s justice (Psalm 9:19–20). • The scene mirrors earlier judgments where neighboring nations mocked or lamented a fallen power (Lamentations 2:15; Ezekiel 26:16–17 over Tyre). • Even pagan spectators are compelled to acknowledge the hand of the Lord (Exodus 15:14–16). Over Egypt and all her multitudes they will chant it, declares the Lord GOD. • Judgment targets both the nation and “all her multitudes,” from rulers to commoners (Ezekiel 30:4–5). • The repetition—“they will chant it”—highlights the completeness of the sentence; no one in Egypt escapes the lament. • “Declares the Lord GOD” is the prophetic seal (Ezekiel 24:14; Isaiah 40:5). What He pronounces cannot be reversed (Numbers 23:19). • Cross references underline God’s authority to humble proud empires: Exodus 12:12; Isaiah 19:1; Daniel 4:35. summary Ezekiel 32:16 announces a divinely authored funeral song for Egypt. By calling it a “lament,” God treats Egypt as already dead. Surrounding nations will echo the chant, making Egypt’s downfall a worldwide lesson in God’s justice. The decree covers every Egyptian and is guaranteed by the sovereign word of the Lord. The verse reminds readers that God’s judgments are certain, public, and total, while His people can trust His promises and fear His holiness. |
    |