What is the meaning of Ezekiel 32:20? They will fall among those slain by the sword • Ezekiel envisions Egypt joining the ranks of nations already judged (Ezekiel 31:17–18). • “They” refers to Pharaoh, his army, and the proud nation behind him. Their downfall is certain, just as Assyria’s corpses already litter the pit (Ezekiel 32:22–23). • This is literal judgment, not mere metaphor; God’s word declares actual military defeat. • Cross references: Isaiah 14:9–11 shows other nations greeting a fallen tyrant in Sheol; Jeremiah 47:6 speaks of the relentless sword cutting down Philistia. In each case, the Lord’s justice is consistent. The sword is appointed! • The “sword” is God-ordained warfare—instrument of divine wrath (Ezekiel 30:24–26). • Not chance, but appointment: God sovereignly raises kings and armies (Daniel 4:17). • Pharaoh prided himself on the Nile and his chariots; yet the very sovereignty he ignored now wields the sword against him (Ezekiel 29:3–5). • Cross references: Romans 13:4 identifies governing authorities as “God’s servant, an avenger who brings wrath,” underscoring that earthly swords carry heavenly authorization when executing God’s purposes. Let them drag her away along with all her multitudes • “Her” is Egypt personified; “multitudes” covers citizens, allies, and pagan idols (Ezekiel 30:5). • Being “dragged” paints the humiliating procession of captives and corpses to the grave (Ezekiel 32:18). • The picture echoes Psalm 9:17—“The wicked return to Sheol—all the nations who forget God.” • God’s intent is not annihilation alone but a global lesson: “Then they will know that I am the LORD” (Ezekiel 32:15). summary Ezekiel 32:20 declares a real, divinely ordered military defeat for Egypt. Pharaoh and his hordes will literally fall by the sword, a weapon God Himself assigns, and be hauled to the grave alongside previously judged nations. The verse underscores God’s absolute sovereignty, His sure justice against pride, and His purpose to reveal His glory among the nations. |
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