Ezekiel 32 4

Ezekiel 32:4 kjv

Then will I leave thee upon the land, I will cast thee forth upon the open field, and will cause all the fowls of the heaven to remain upon thee, and I will fill the beasts of the whole earth with thee.

Ezekiel 32:4 nkjv

Then I will leave you on the land; I will cast you out on the open fields, And cause to settle on you all the birds of the heavens. And with you I will fill the beasts of the whole earth.

Ezekiel 32:4 niv

I will throw you on the land and hurl you on the open field. I will let all the birds of the sky settle on you and all the animals of the wild gorge themselves on you.

Ezekiel 32:4 esv

And I will cast you on the ground; on the open field I will fling you, and will cause all the birds of the heavens to settle on you, and I will gorge the beasts of the whole earth with you.

Ezekiel 32:4 nlt

I will leave you stranded on the land to die.
All the birds of the heavens will land on you,
and the wild animals of the whole earth
will gorge themselves on you.

Ezekiel 32 verses

Ezekiel 32 4 Meaning

This verse describes a fierce battle where an enemy ruler is brought down to the depths of the pit, symbolizing complete destruction and downfall. The image is of a powerful king being overthrown, his might extinguished, and his armies scattered and left for the wild animals. It paints a vivid picture of total defeat and utter ruin for a tyrannical leader.

Ezekiel 32 4 Context

Chapter 32 of Ezekiel is a powerful oracle of judgment against Pharaoh and Egypt. Pharaoh, often depicted as a mighty Pharaoh like the one from the Exodus, is metaphorically compared to a ferocious dragon (a crocodile) in the Nile. Ezekiel proclaims God's judgment, stating that Pharaoh will be captured, killed, and his carcass left exposed in the wilderness, becoming food for scavenging birds. This verse, specifically Ezekiel 32:4, begins the description of this dramatic downfall. Historically, this passage would resonate with the Israelites, who had a long history of oppression under Egyptian rule. The imagery serves as a strong polemic against Egypt's pride and its perceived invincibility, showing that even the most powerful nation is subject to God's sovereign judgment.

Ezekiel 32 4 Word Analysis

• "I will cast": (Hebrew: וְהִשְׁלַכְתִּי - v'hishlachti). From the root שלח (shalach), meaning "to send," "to throw," or "to cast forth." This signifies a forceful and definitive removal.
• "you": Refers to Pharaoh, the "lion of nations," a symbol of Egypt's power and influence.
• "on the ground": (Hebrew: אֶל־הָאֲדָמָה - el ha'adamah). Literally "to the earth" or "to the land." This emphasizes the physical desolation and exposure of the fallen leader.
• "I will lay you out": (Hebrew: וְהִשְׁכַּבְתִּיךָ - v'hishkavtikha). From the root שׁכב (shakhav), meaning "to lie down" or "to lie." Here, it suggests being laid down ignominiously, spread out for all to see.
• "in the open fields": (Hebrew: בַּשָּׂדֶה הַגָּלוּי - b'sadeh ha'galui). "In the open field" or "exposed field." This highlights the public shame and vulnerability of the defeated ruler, stripped of any protection or concealment.
• "On you": The pronoun emphasizes that the judgment is directed specifically at this powerful ruler.
• "the birds of the heavens": (Hebrew: עֹוף הַשָּׁמַיִם - oph ha'shamayim). A common biblical phrase referring to birds of prey.
• "will feed": (Hebrew: וְיֹאכְלוּ - v'yo'kelu). From the root אכל (akhal), meaning "to eat." This depicts the ultimate degradation, becoming sustenance for carrion birds.
• "and the beasts of the field": (Hebrew: וְחַיַּת הַשָּׂדֶה - v'chayyat hasadeh). Refers to wild animals.
• "will nourish": (Hebrew: וְתַרְוֶה - v'tarveh). From the root ר.ו.ה (r.v.h), meaning "to drink until full" or "to saturate," here implying consumption and satiation.

Words/Groups of Words Analysis:

• The parallel structure "cast you on the ground" and "lay you out in the open fields" emphasizes the thoroughness of the judgment.
• The inclusion of both "birds of the heavens" and "beasts of the field" covers all forms of scavenging creatures, leaving no part of the fallen untouched. This signifies complete obliteration and disgrace, with no proper burial.

Ezekiel 32 4 Bonus Section

The comparison of Pharaoh to a dragon or crocodile is a common trope in ancient Egyptian literature, but here Ezekiel repurposes it to signify judgment rather than power. This use of Egyptian imagery, turning it against them, is a classic prophetic technique. The language is stark and designed to evoke disgust and revulsion, powerfully conveying the finality of God's judgment on those who oppose Him. The prophecy’s fulfillment involved not just a military defeat but the complete humiliation of Egypt as a regional power for a significant period.

Ezekiel 32 4 Commentary

This verse illustrates a complete and humiliating downfall. It's not just about defeat in battle, but about utter ruin and public disgrace. The powerful Pharaoh, who fancied himself a god and oppressed God's people, is reduced to mere carrion for scavengers. This serves as a stark reminder that God's power supersedes that of any earthly ruler or nation. The imagery is consistent with ancient Near Eastern notions of what constituted the worst possible fate: a lack of proper burial, leaving the body exposed to the elements and scavengers.