Book of Ezekiel: Chapter 32
The two messages delivered in chapter 32 of Ezekiel continue to pertain to the fall of Egypt. The first message acts as a lament for the Pharaoh. God’s grief over the loss of this nation is heavy. The second message predicts Egypt’s demise to be similar to other fallen nations. The comparison is made to show how Egypt is not exempt from God’s judgment.
In verses 1 – 16, God laments over the coming loss of the Pharaoh. God speaks of how the king of Egypt may see himself as a lion, but in fact he is nothing but a sea monster. God makes this metaphor to show that Pharaoh is not the strong predator he thinks he is. Instead, he is nothing but a sea monster, creating havoc amongst his population. But God makes the point to show that like other sea creatures, Pharaoh can be caught in a net and taken away.
In verses 17 – 32, God depicts the fall of Egypt as a tumble into a pit. This pit is filled with Egypt’s neighboring countries: Assyria, Elam, Meshech, Tubal, Edom, and Sidon. All these nations have something in common. Their pride made them fall into this vast pit of death.
When we read these two messages in this chapter, we must try to remember a couple of points. First is that we are not as strong and protected as we may think we are. No matter how much our feelings of security rise, God can always sweep that from under us. The second point is one that has been reiterated many times throughout the book of Ezekiel; do not let pride overtake us. Being prideful has caused many a great nation to fall. Pride is not something to lean on. God is the strongest support in our lives.
Key Verses:
“You think of yourself as a strong young lion among the nations, but you are really just a sea monster, heaving around in your own rivers, stirring up mud with your feet. Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will send many people to catch you in my net and haul you out of the water.” ~ Ezekiel 32:2-3 NLT
Question to ponder:
- How does the imagery of a lion relate to the sin of pride?
