Ezekiel 31:17

They too descended with it to Sheol, to those slain by the sword. As its allies they had lived in its shade among the nations.

Study Bible

They too descended with it to Sheol
The phrase "They too descended with it to Sheol" refers to the fate of those who were associated with the great tree, symbolizing Egypt, in its pride and eventual downfall. "Sheol" in Hebrew culture is the realm of the dead, a shadowy place where the departed spirits reside. This descent signifies not just a physical death but a spiritual and national demise. The imagery of descending to Sheol underscores the totality of judgment and the inescapable nature of divine justice. Historically, this reflects the fate of nations that align themselves with powers that oppose God, emphasizing the biblical principle that pride precedes a fall.

to those slain by the sword
The phrase "to those slain by the sword" indicates a violent end, a common fate for those who live by the sword or align themselves with oppressive powers. In the context of ancient Near Eastern warfare, being slain by the sword was a typical outcome for defeated nations. This serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of living in opposition to God's will. Theologically, it highlights the justice of God in dealing with nations and individuals who perpetuate violence and injustice.

As its allies they had lived in its shade
"Allies" in this context refers to the nations and peoples who aligned themselves with Egypt, seeking protection and prosperity under its power. "Lived in its shade" is a metaphor for the security and benefits they enjoyed while Egypt was strong. In ancient times, shade was a symbol of protection and relief, especially in the harsh desert climate. This phrase suggests a temporary and false sense of security, as the protection offered by Egypt was ultimately unreliable. It serves as a cautionary tale about placing trust in worldly powers rather than in God.

among the nations
The phrase "among the nations" situates Egypt and its allies within the broader context of the world stage. It emphasizes that Egypt's influence and the subsequent judgment were not isolated but had implications for the surrounding nations. This reflects the interconnectedness of ancient Near Eastern politics and the widespread impact of Egypt's fall. Scripturally, it underscores the theme of God's sovereignty over all nations, reminding readers that no nation is beyond His reach or judgment. This serves as a call to recognize God's ultimate authority and the futility of relying on human power.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Sheol
In Hebrew thought, Sheol is the realm of the dead, a place of darkness and silence where the deceased reside. It is often depicted as a pit or grave.

2. Those Slain by the Sword
This phrase refers to individuals who have died in battle or through violent means, often seen as a judgment or consequence of sin.

3. Allies
These are the nations or groups that were in alliance with the subject of the prophecy, benefiting from its power and protection.

4. Nations
The various peoples and kingdoms that interacted with the subject of the prophecy, often representing the broader world outside of Israel.

5. The Subject of the Prophecy
While not explicitly named in this verse, the broader context of Ezekiel 31 refers to Egypt and its fall, symbolized by a great tree.

Teaching Points

The Inevitability of Divine Judgment
God's judgment is certain and inescapable for those who live in pride and sin, as seen in the fall of great nations like Egypt.

The Consequences of Alliances with the Wicked
Aligning with those who oppose God can lead to shared judgment and downfall, as the allies of Egypt experienced.

The Transience of Earthly Power
Earthly power and glory are temporary and can be swiftly taken away by God, reminding us to place our trust in Him rather than in worldly strength.

The Reality of Sheol
The concept of Sheol reminds us of the reality of death and the importance of living a life that honors God, knowing that our earthly actions have eternal consequences.

The Importance of Righteous Living
In contrast to the fate of the wicked, the righteous are promised stability and blessing, encouraging us to live according to God's ways.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of Sheol in Ezekiel 31:17 shape our understanding of life after death in the Old Testament context?

2. What lessons can we learn from the downfall of Egypt and its allies about the dangers of pride and self-reliance?

3. How can we apply the warning of shared judgment with wicked allies to our personal and communal relationships today?

4. In what ways does the transience of earthly power challenge us to reevaluate our priorities and where we place our trust?

5. How does the contrast between the fate of the wicked and the righteous in scriptures like Psalm 1 encourage us in our daily walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 14
This chapter also speaks of the fall of a great power and its descent into Sheol, drawing a parallel to the fate of Babylon and its king.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon the Great in Revelation echoes the themes of judgment and the downfall of powerful nations due to their pride and sin.

Psalm 1
Contrasts the fate of the righteous, who are like a tree planted by streams of water, with the wicked, who are like chaff blown away by the wind.