Ezekiel 31 11

Ezekiel 31:11 kjv

I have therefore delivered him into the hand of the mighty one of the heathen; he shall surely deal with him: I have driven him out for his wickedness.

Ezekiel 31:11 nkjv

therefore I will deliver it into the hand of the mighty one of the nations, and he shall surely deal with it; I have driven it out for its wickedness.

Ezekiel 31:11 niv

I gave it into the hands of the ruler of the nations, for him to deal with according to its wickedness. I cast it aside,

Ezekiel 31:11 esv

I will give it into the hand of a mighty one of the nations. He shall surely deal with it as its wickedness deserves. I have cast it out.

Ezekiel 31:11 nlt

I will hand it over to a mighty nation that will destroy it as its wickedness deserves. I have already discarded it.

Ezekiel 31 verses

Ezekiel 31 11 Meaning

This verse speaks of God's direct action in delivering judgment upon the proud and powerful king of Egypt, portrayed as a formidable cedar tree. God's hand, meaning His direct intervention and sovereign power, is extended to destroy him. The phrase "by the hand of strangers" indicates that foreign nations would be the instruments through which this judgment would be executed, fulfilling God's justice.

Ezekiel 31 11 Context

Chapter 31 of Ezekiel presents a prophetic oracle against Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. Pharaoh is compared to a majestic cedar tree in Lebanon, illustrating his former glory, power, and prosperity. However, this prominence led to pride and oppressive actions against Israel. The surrounding nations, like the Assyrians and Babylonians, are also depicted in this complex prophetic tapestry as instruments of God's judgment against such pride. This specific verse, Ezekiel 31:11, is a pivotal statement of God's direct intervention to dismantle this powerful, yet arrogant, ruler. It falls within the broader context of God judging nations for their wickedness and self-exaltation.

Ezekiel 31 11 Word Analysis

• And: (Hebrew: וְ, ve) - A common conjunctive, linking actions and ideas.
• now: (Hebrew: עַתָּה, attah) - Indicates immediacy, presenting the consequence or the moment of action.
• will I: (Hebrew: אֲנִי, ani) - Emphasizes the personal agency of God in the action.
• bring: (Hebrew: הֵבֵאתִי, heveta) - Hif'il (causative) stem of bo' (to come). Means "to bring forth," "to cause to come." Here, it signifies God actively causing something to come upon the subject.
• upon: (Hebrew: עַל, al) - A preposition indicating direction or location, here signifying "upon" or "against."
• the head: (Hebrew: רֹאשׁ, rosh) - Primarily means "head." Figuratively, it signifies the chief, the ruler, or the pinnacle of power.
• of: (Hebrew: י, of) - A possessive marker or a part of a compound noun construction.
• it: (Hebrew: -ָו, -v) - Refers back to the "king of Egypt" or the powerful entity represented by the cedar.
• strangers: (Hebrew: זָרִים, zarim) - Plural of zar, meaning "foreigner," "stranger," or "alien." In this context, it refers to foreign nations, not people with intimate connection.
• the terror: (Hebrew: חֲרָדָה, charadah) - Means "trembling," "terror," "fear." It signifies the dread and panic that God will instill through His instruments.
• of nations: (Hebrew: גּוֹיִם, goyim) - Plural of goy, meaning "nation," "people," or "gentile."
• shall they: (Hebrew: הֵמָּה, hemmah) - Pronoun for "they."
• destroy: (Hebrew: יַשְׁמִידוּ, yashmidu) - Hif'il (causative) stem of shamad (to destroy, to exterminate). Implies utter ruin and annihilation.

Group Analysis:

• "And now will I bring upon the head of it": This phrase strongly asserts God's imminent and personal intervention against the leadership or apex of power. It’s God initiating the downfall.
• "strangers, the terror of nations": This collocation highlights that the instruments of God's judgment are foreign entities who will instill fear and dread among all peoples. Their very presence and action are a cause for widespread apprehension, orchestrated by God.
• "shall they destroy": This final part signifies the complete eradication that will be brought about by these foreign agents under God's command.

Ezekiel 31 11 Bonus Section

The imagery of "strangers, the terror of nations" can be understood not just as human armies, but also as the ultimate, terrifying revelation of God's power when it is brought to bear against those who oppose Him. This concept is echoed in the New Testament's presentation of Christ's return as a time of great judgment, striking terror into those who have rejected God. The use of foreign instruments is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, demonstrating God's sovereign control over history and His ability to use even ungodly nations to achieve His purposes (e.g., Assyria and Babylon against Israel). This verse reassures God's people that, while judgment falls on oppressors, it is orchestrated by a higher power for ultimate righteousness.

Ezekiel 31 11 Commentary

God declares His personal and immediate decision to unleash judgment. He will personally direct foreign powers to confront and destroy the proud king of Egypt, who is symbolized as a magnificent cedar. These foreign nations, in turn, will become instruments of terror, their very existence and actions causing widespread fear among other peoples. This divine action serves to dismantle earthly pride and reassert God's sovereignty over all kingdoms. The verse emphasizes that human power, however great, is ultimately subject to God's decree and can be used by Him as tools for His justice. This isn't arbitrary violence but a consequence of defiance and self-exaltation against the Creator.