Ezekiel 32:2

"Son of man, take up a lament for Pharaoh king of Egypt and say to him: 'You are like a lion among the nations; you are like a monster in the seas. You thrash about in your rivers, churning up the waters with your feet and muddying the streams.'

Study Bible

Son of man
This phrase is a frequent designation for Ezekiel, used over 90 times in the book. In Hebrew, it is "ben adam," which emphasizes the prophet's humanity and his role as a representative of the people. It underscores the humility and frailty of man in contrast to the divine majesty of God. This title connects Ezekiel to the earthiness and mortality of humanity, reminding us of our dependence on God.

take up a lament
The Hebrew word for "lament" is "qinah," a type of mournful song or poem often used in funerals or to express deep sorrow. This indicates that the message Ezekiel is about to deliver is one of mourning and judgment. Laments were a common literary form in the ancient Near East, used to express grief over the fall of cities or nations. Here, it serves as a prophetic tool to convey the seriousness of God's impending judgment.

over Pharaoh king of Egypt
Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, represents not just a political leader but a symbol of worldly power and arrogance. Egypt was a significant power in the ancient world, often seen as a rival to Israel. Historically, Egypt had been both a refuge and a threat to Israel, and Pharaoh's downfall signifies the futility of relying on earthly powers instead of God.

and say to him
This directive from God to Ezekiel emphasizes the role of the prophet as a mouthpiece for divine communication. The phrase underscores the authority of the message, as it is not Ezekiel's own words but those given by God. It highlights the responsibility of the prophet to deliver God's message faithfully, regardless of its reception.

‘You compare yourself to a lion of the nations
The lion is a symbol of strength, power, and dominance. In the ancient Near East, lions were often associated with royalty and divine authority. Pharaoh's self-comparison to a lion suggests his pride and self-perception as a mighty ruler. However, this is contrasted with God's view, which sees through the facade of power to the reality of impending judgment.

but you are like a monster in the seas
The "monster" here is likely a reference to a crocodile or sea creature, symbolizing chaos and destruction. In Hebrew, the word "tannin" can refer to a dragon or sea monster, often associated with chaos in ancient mythology. This imagery contrasts Pharaoh's self-image with God's perspective, portraying him as a chaotic force that will be subdued. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all creation, including the forces of chaos.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God, called to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile.

2. Pharaoh
The king of Egypt, representing the nation’s power and pride, often seen as an adversary to Israel.

3. Egypt
A powerful nation in biblical times, often symbolizing worldly power and opposition to God’s people.

4. Lament
A form of mourning or expression of grief, often used in prophetic literature to convey impending judgment.

5. Lion and Monster Imagery
Symbolic representations of power and chaos, used to describe Pharaoh’s perceived strength and actual destructive nature.

Teaching Points

Pride and Perception
Pharaoh’s self-comparison to a lion reflects human pride and self-deception. We must guard against overestimating our strength and position.

True Nature Revealed
Despite appearances, Pharaoh is likened to a chaotic sea monster. God sees beyond our facades to our true nature.

Consequences of Chaos
Pharaoh’s actions muddy the waters, symbolizing how prideful and chaotic leadership can lead to confusion and destruction.

God’s Sovereignty Over Nations
This passage reminds us that no earthly power is beyond God’s control and judgment.

Call to Humility
Recognizing our limitations and submitting to God’s authority is crucial for personal and communal peace.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of a lion versus a sea monster in Ezekiel 32:2 reflect Pharaoh’s true nature and actions?

2. In what ways can pride lead to self-deception in our own lives, and how can we guard against it?

3. How does the concept of lament in this passage help us understand the seriousness of God’s judgment?

4. What are some modern-day "monsters" that muddy the waters of our spiritual lives, and how can we address them?

5. How can we apply the lesson of God’s sovereignty over nations to current global events and our personal lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 30:7
Egypt is described as a "Rahab who sits still," highlighting its ineffectiveness despite its perceived power.

Jeremiah 46:7-8
Egypt is likened to a flood, emphasizing its pride and eventual downfall.

Revelation 13:1
The imagery of a beast rising from the sea can be connected to the chaotic and destructive nature of worldly powers opposed to God.