Ezekiel 31
The King of Assyria's Greatness.This prophecy was given about a month before Jerusalem was captured. At this time, God’s people were suffering, but this message was meant to comfort them. It also warned the proud nations around them that their own time of judgment was coming. God was about to take the cup of suffering from Israel and give it to their enemies instead (Isaiah 51:22–23 a). v. 2: God tells Ezekiel to speak to Pharaoh and his people. Pharaoh was proud of his many followers and his strong army. God asks, Whom are you like in your greatness? People often compare themselves to others and think they are as great as famous rulers. But God reminds Pharaoh that even the greatest rulers have fallen. Their end should warn us not to be proud or think we are safe from trouble. v. 3: God gives an example for Pharaoh to consider: the king of Assyria. The Assyrian empire had been powerful for a long time, but it fell and was replaced by Babylon. The king of Assyria is compared to a tall cedar tree in Lebanon, higher than all the other trees. He was greater than all the rulers around him, just as the cedar was taller than all the trees of the field. v. 4: The greatness of Assyria was supported by wealth and resources, like a tree fed by many waters. The empire had many riches and strong support, which helped it grow and spread its power everywhere. v. 5: The branches of this cedar became long and strong because of the abundant water. In the same way, the Assyrian king’s power and influence grew, and he ruled over many nations. v. 6: Many nations found shelter under Assyria’s power, just as birds nest in the branches of a great tree and animals rest in its shade. People from many lands depended on Assyria for protection and support. v. 7: The cedar was beautiful and impressive because of its size and the number of its branches. In the same way, the Assyrian empire was admired for its greatness and well-managed government. v. 8: No other tree in God’s garden, not even those in Eden, could compare to this cedar in beauty. In the same way, no other ruler or nation was as admired as Assyria at its height. v. 9: God Himself made the cedar beautiful and strong. All the other trees in Eden envied it. This shows that God is the one who gives greatness, but He can also take it away. Even the most admired and powerful can become the target of envy and eventually fall. The King of Assyria's Downfall; The Fall of Assyria.Earlier, we saw how the king of Egypt was compared to the king of Assyria in greatness and power. Now, we see that Egypt will also be like Assyria in pride and in downfall. This is a warning that even the greatest nations can fall if they become proud and forget God.v. 10: The king of Egypt, like the king of Assyria, became proud because of his power and success. When people rise in status, they often become proud. The king of Assyria was proud and boasted about his achievements, even challenging God and oppressing His people (Isaiah 36:4; Isaiah 52:4 b). Pride is dangerous because it leads people to look down on others and forget their need for God. v. 11: Because of this pride, God handed the king of Assyria over to a powerful enemy. History shows that the Assyrian empire was destroyed by the Medes and Babylonians. God is the one who decides who rises and who falls (Psalm 75:7 c). The king of Assyria was punished for his wickedness, and God used another powerful nation to bring him down. v. 12–13: The fall of Assyria is described like a great cedar tree being cut down. Its branches were broken off, and the nations that once depended on Assyria left it. When powerful people lose their strength, those who depended on them quickly leave. Other nations even celebrated Assyria’s fall, while some mourned, knowing they could fall next (Daniel 4:23; Job 14:9 d; Zechariah 11:2 e). – v. 14: God explains that He brought down Assyria to warn other nations not to become proud because of their strength or position. No matter how high someone rises, they should not trust in themselves or look down on others. The fall of Assyria is a lesson for everyone to stay humble. v. 15–17: When Assyria fell, it caused shock and sadness among the nations. God made the nations tremble at the sound of Assyria’s fall. The king and his followers went down to the grave like ordinary people, losing all their glory and power (Psalm 82:7 f). Many who depended on Assyria also fell with him. When a great leader falls, many others are affected too. – – v. 18: God says that Pharaoh, king of Egypt, will fall just like Assyria did. Even though Pharaoh thought he was as great as the Assyrian king, he too will be brought down to the grave, losing all his glory. He will lie among the uncircumcised, those who die without honor or hope. People who once feared him will see how low he has fallen and realize that pride and power do not last forever.
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