Ezekiel 31 13

Ezekiel 31:13 kjv

Upon his ruin shall all the fowls of the heaven remain, and all the beasts of the field shall be upon his branches:

Ezekiel 31:13 nkjv

'On its ruin will remain all the birds of the heavens, And all the beasts of the field will come to its branches?

Ezekiel 31:13 niv

All the birds settled on the fallen tree, and all the wild animals lived among its branches.

Ezekiel 31:13 esv

On its fallen trunk dwell all the birds of the heavens, and on its branches are all the beasts of the field.

Ezekiel 31:13 nlt

"The birds roost on its fallen trunk,
and the wild animals lie among its branches.

Ezekiel 31 verses

Ezekiel 31 13 Meaning

The people of Israel, through their oppressive actions towards Egypt, have met their downfall. Their great strength and vast numbers are no more. Like lofty cedars felled by God, their power is broken. This verse describes the complete devastation and abandonment of Egypt due to their past pride and mistreatment of the weak.

Ezekiel 31 13 Context

Ezekiel 31 prophesies the downfall of Egypt, specifically Pharaoh and his kingdom. The chapter uses the metaphor of a once magnificent cedar tree, representing Egypt's power and prominence, which is now cut down and cast out. This is a judgment for Egypt's arrogance, their mistreatment of other nations (particularly Israel), and their reliance on their own strength rather than God. The prophecy is set against the backdrop of the Babylonian exile of Israel, a time when surrounding nations, including Egypt, had played a role in Israel's suffering or had boasted against them.

Ezekiel 31 13 Word Analysis

• cedars: (Hebrew: 'erez) refers to the cedar tree, renowned for its size, strength, beauty, and longevity. In scripture, cedars often symbolize strength, majesty, permanence, and royalty.
• Lebanon: Historically known for its magnificent cedar forests, Lebanon's cedars were highly valued for construction and prestige. Its mention evokes an image of grand trees.
• water: In this context, referring to the depth of the Nile and the abundant life-giving properties it represented for Egypt, symbolizing its resources and perceived natural invincibility.
• river: Again pointing to the Nile, the lifeblood of Egypt, and by extension, the source of its national strength and prosperity.
• sea: Here, "sea" could refer metaphorically to the vastness of the Egyptian empire, its widespread influence, or the teeming masses of its people, all of which would now be dispersed.
• made them run: Indicates the extent of Egypt's influence, how its waters (life and prosperity) reached far and wide, affecting many other nations.
• little waters: Refers to lesser streams or lesser nations, highlighting Egypt's dominance and how it overshadowed or dried up the smaller, weaker entities.
• tamarisk: A type of shrub or tree that grows in desert or marshy areas, often associated with less grandeur and status compared to cedars. Its comparison to the great cedars signifies a severe loss of status and a fall to a lowly position.
• gods: Refers to the mighty, the powerful, or potentially other nations' rulers who were often deified or held in high regard. Egypt's fall would be observed and even commented upon by these entities.

Word-by-word group analysis

• "Behold, a mighty cedar in Lebanon": This phrase paints a picture of great power and majesty, associating Egypt with the noblest and strongest trees in ancient Near Eastern symbolism.
• "his height was lifted up by the waters, and his growth was the river": This illustrates Egypt's success being tied to its foundational elements – the Nile River – which nourished and elevated it to its prominent status.
• "Then his height was lifted up by the seas, and all the waters beneath the whole heaven were the streams from him": This suggests that Egypt's power and influence spread far and wide, reaching distant lands and causing its waters (influence, culture, people) to flow to many lesser entities.
• "Therefore his high stature departs": His exaltation and pride led to his downfall.
• "his lofty crown is torn away": The symbols and source of his regal authority and pride are removed.
• "and his head is made low": His pride is humbled; his proud stance is brought down.
• "he is broken by the arms of the mighty": Egypt's power is subjugated by a superior force, described as "mighty arms."
• "They who are strong men among the peoples shall cast him down": The strongest nations or people will be the agents of his destruction.
• "and they will leave him": Abandonment and desolation follow.
• "scattered on the mountains": His remnants will be dispersed across various territories.
• "and his branches will be spread in the valleys": His influence will be broken into pieces and lie in the low places, a stark contrast to his former height.
• "All the waters beneath the heavens shall dry up at his falling": His destruction will cause a significant disruption, implying a cessation of the flow of influence or a void left behind that other smaller entities cannot fill.
• "and their rivers shall be stopped": The streams (lesser nations or influences) that flowed from him will cease to do so.
• "For they took a branch of his loftiness": The powerful nations took portions of his strength or pride.
• "and set it on high": They themselves were exalted by utilizing parts of Egypt's power or territory.
• "and scattered its leaves": Egypt's influence and remnants were dispersed.
• "and put forth twigs from its stock": Smaller powers or entities emerged from the ruins of Egypt.
• "Therefore all the trees of the field will envy him no longer": Egypt's former greatness, which might have inspired envy, will cease to be a factor.
• "I will give him into the hand of him that is strongest of the nations": God Himself will deliver Egypt into the power of a supreme conqueror.
• "and he shall deal with him surely": This stronger nation will treat Egypt according to its deeds, assuredly.
• "according to his wickedness": Judgment based on Egypt's evil actions.
• "I have dealt with him, says the Lord GOD": God declares that He Himself is the ultimate cause and orchestrator of this judgment.

Ezekiel 31 13 Bonus Section

The imagery of a mighty cedar being felled and replaced by lowly shrubs is a potent symbol of God’s sovereign power over all nations and His judgment on arrogance. This mirrors the judgment of Satan, who was cast down from his exalted position (Eze 28), and earthly kings who are brought low (Isa 14). The reference to "waters" and "rivers" can be interpreted in the context of prophetic visions, where waters often represent nations, peoples, or floods of judgment. Egypt's downfall not only signifies the end of its temporal power but also serves as a lesson to all who witness it, illustrating that God’s favor is conditional on righteousness and humility. The eventual "drying up" and "stopping" of the waters signify the cessation of their harmful influence and the dispersal of their former might, leading to a void that only God’s established kingdom can fill.

Ezekiel 31 13 Commentary

This verse serves as a stark warning against pride and self-reliance, portraying the inevitable downfall of nations that elevate themselves and oppress others. Egypt, once depicted as a grand cedar reaching skyward, is now cast down like a mere shrub, scattered and forgotten. The divine pronouncement, "I have dealt with him, says the Lord GOD," underscores that this judgment is not accidental but a direct consequence of God’s justice. The imagery highlights that even the mightiest earthly powers are subject to God's authority and can be brought low due to their wickedness and pride, leaving others to witness the extent of His judgment.