Study 21 From the Book of Ezekiel is: Ezekiel
31 and 32
With this study, we are taking a pause to go through a few chapters
of the book of Psalms and we will go right back studying the second installment
of the book of Ezekiel.
These chapters contain
three more prophecies concerning Egypt. In chapter 31, Egypt is likened to a
might cedar, whose fall causes the other threes to mourn. In 32: 1-6 the figure
of the dragon or crocodile is resumed cf. 29:3-5), and in 32:7, 8 Egypt is
likened to a bright star. The imagery is very vivid, depicting the utter
destruction of Pharaoh and his hosts. In 32:17-32 the prophet in a vision
follows Pharaoh and his armies into Sheol, and sees them among others also
slain by the sword who bear the shame of their lack of proper burial.
1.
How
does chapter 31 further enforce the lesson of chapter 30? What is the reason
given for the tree’s destruction, and what effect is this intended to have on
other nations?
2.
Observe
how often in these chapters the personal pronoun ‘I’ occurs. Do we realize
enough that God is the thief actor in the developments of history? Over what
realms, in addition to that of Israel, is His dominion here asserted?
Note. 32:17-32. This is not
to be regarded as a literal description of the state of men after death, but as
an imaginative picture intended to show that all who use violence and lawless
might, causing terror on the earth (cf. Verse 23 ff), shall alike meet with
retribution. Pharaoh’s only consolation will be in the multitude of his
companions (verse 31).
