Ezekiel 31
What once seemed unshakable fell in silence—but God remains the root of true strength.
In Ezekiel 31, the prophet delivers a poetic allegory just two months before the fall of Jerusalem. Speaking the word of the Lord, Ezekiel holds up the image of a mighty tree—Assyria—as a metaphor to warn Egypt. The Assyrian Empire, once towering in majesty and strength, was envied by all but ultimately brought low because of its pride. Egypt is now compared to this once-glorious tree. The message is clear: no empire, no matter how impressive, is exempt from God’s judgment when its heart is lifted up in arrogance.
Verses 1–9 describe the grandeur of Assyria, likening it to a flourishing cedar in Lebanon—tall, abundant, and well-nourished by the deep waters God provided. Yet, in verses 10–18, the tone shifts. Because of its pride, Assyria was handed over to the nations, brought down to the pit, and left in ruin. The fall is recited as a funeral lament, reminding the reader that this is not just about a tree or a story of the past, but a mirror held up to Egypt—and by extension, to any nation or leader who sets themselves up without humility before the Lord.
The closing declaration makes it personal: “This is Pharaoh and all his hordes.” No one is too lofty for God to bring low. Majesty apart from submission leads to ruin. Greatness without dependence on God is merely a stage for coming judgment.
Personalized Journal Entry in the Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture
I am the One who raises nations and the One who brings them down. I planted Assyria as a cedar in Lebanon, making it beautiful and strong, towering high with branches that shaded many. I gave it deep roots and flowing waters, and it flourished in the sight of the nations. Yet its heart grew proud because of its height. It forgot the hand that made it tall and the fountain that fed its strength.
So I delivered it into the hands of the mighty among the nations, and they felled it. Its boughs were broken, its limbs scattered on the mountains and in the valleys. The birds made nests on its fallen trunk, and the beasts of the field took shelter in its ruins. I brought it down to the realm of the dead, to those who go down to the pit, and its beauty was no longer remembered among the living.
This is the pattern of the proud. Egypt has lifted itself up, boasting in its greatness, but it will follow the same path. Its downfall is certain because it has not regarded Me as its source. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who walk in pride I am able to abase. I oppose the proud but give grace to the humble. Those who rely on their own glory are like trees without roots, destined to fall.
Yet I dwell with the one who is humble and contrite in spirit, to revive the heart of the lowly. My eyes are on those who tremble at My Word, not those who parade their power. So walk with Me, not in the shadow of your own stature, but in the covering of My grace. Let Me be your strength, your shade, and your glory.
Scriptures referenced: Ezekiel 31:1–18; Daniel 4:37; Isaiah 57:15; Isaiah 66:2; James 4:6.
Prayer
Father, I rest tonight with the quiet confidence that You are the Source of all things—power, position, and purpose. You’ve already shown us through history that pride always ends in collapse. Thank You that in Christ, I no longer have to prop myself up. You are my glory, and I gladly defer to Your life within me. May I never seek to be admired for my own stature but simply abide in the humility of being Yours. I trust that Your life in me will bear whatever fruit You desire, and I need not fear falling, because You are the One who holds me. Let this awareness be my covering, tonight and always.
Credits:
Devotional insights adapted from the Grace and Truth Study Bible.
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