Ezekiel 31:15

This is what the Lord GOD says: 'On the day it was brought down to Sheol, I caused mourning. I covered the deep because of it; I held back its rivers; its abundant waters were restrained. I made Lebanon mourn for it, and all the trees of the field fainted because of it.

Study Bible

This is what the Lord GOD says
This phrase emphasizes the divine authority and sovereignty of God. The Hebrew term for "Lord GOD" is "Adonai Yahweh," which underscores God's supreme power and covenantal relationship with His people. It is a reminder that the message comes directly from the Creator, who is both just and merciful.

On the day it was brought down to Sheol
"Sheol" refers to the abode of the dead in Hebrew thought, a shadowy place of silence and forgetfulness. The imagery of being "brought down" signifies a fall from power and glory, often associated with judgment. This reflects the fate of nations or individuals who rise in pride against God.

I caused the deep to mourn and cover it
The "deep" (Hebrew: "tehom") is often associated with the primordial waters of chaos. Here, it is personified as mourning, indicating a cosmic response to the fall of a great power. This mourning signifies the disruption of order and the impact of divine judgment on creation.

I restrained its rivers, and abundant waters were withheld
Rivers and waters symbolize life, prosperity, and sustenance. The act of restraining them signifies a divine intervention that leads to desolation and drought. This imagery is a powerful reminder of God's control over nature and His ability to withhold blessings as a form of judgment.

I clothed Lebanon in black for it
Lebanon, known for its majestic cedars, represents strength and beauty. To "clothe in black" is a metaphor for mourning and lamentation. This phrase indicates the widespread impact of the judgment, affecting even the most splendid and seemingly untouchable parts of creation.

and all the trees of the field wilted away because of it
Trees often symbolize nations or leaders in biblical literature. The wilting of trees signifies the withering of life and vitality, a direct consequence of divine judgment. This serves as a warning of the fragility of human power and the ultimate authority of God over all creation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and authoritative voice in this passage, delivering a message of judgment.

2. Sheol
The realm of the dead, often depicted as a place of darkness and silence in the Old Testament.

3. The Deep
Refers to the primordial waters, symbolizing chaos and mourning in this context.

4. Lebanon
Known for its majestic cedars, representing strength and pride, now clothed in mourning.

5. Trees of the Field
Symbolic of nations or people affected by the judgment pronounced.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God is in control of all creation, including the forces of nature, to execute His judgment.

The Consequences of Pride
The imagery of Lebanon and the trees serves as a warning against pride and self-exaltation.

Mourning and Repentance
The mourning of creation reflects the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance.

The Reality of Sheol
Sheol serves as a reminder of the reality of death and the ultimate accountability before God.

Interconnectedness of Creation
The impact on Lebanon and the trees illustrates how sin and judgment affect the broader creation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of mourning in Ezekiel 31:15 help us understand the seriousness of God's judgment?

2. In what ways does the fall of the tree in this passage parallel the fall of Babylon in Revelation 18?

3. How can we guard against pride in our own lives, considering the warnings in this passage?

4. What does the concept of Sheol teach us about the finality of God's judgment and the hope of redemption?

5. How can we apply the lesson of interconnectedness in creation to our responsibility towards the environment and each other?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 14
Similar imagery of a fallen tree and mourning in Sheol, emphasizing the downfall of prideful nations.

Revelation 18
The lament over Babylon's fall, echoing the themes of mourning and judgment.

Psalm 104
Describes God's control over creation, including the deep and waters, highlighting His sovereignty.