Ezekiel 31:17
They also went down into hell with him unto them that be slain with the sword; and they that were his arm, that dwelt under his shadow in the midst of the heathen.
Ezekiel 31:17 (KJV)
Context
Ezekiel delivers a message against a powerful empire using the metaphor of a great cedar tree. The surrounding verses (Ezekiel 31:1-16) describe a majestic cedar that rose lofty toward the heavens, its branches spreading widely and providing shade and shelter to other trees and animals. This tree represents Assyria, a once-mighty empire that flourished in strength and influence but was brought down by God because of its pride and arrogance. Its fall serves as a warning and a type of what will happen to Egypt.
Meaning
Verse 17 declares that the tree and all who relied on it will go down to Sheol, the Hebrew realm of the dead, which the KJV often translates as “hell.” Sheol is understood as the abode of departed spirits rather than a place of eternal punishment. The verse also mentions those “slain with the sword,” referring to the peoples and nations killed in the empire’s campaigns, indicating that they too will descend to Sheol alongside the fallen tree.
The passage further speaks of those who were “his arm” and who dwelt under his shadow. These were the peoples and nations that sought protection and security from the empire’s strength, depending on its power rather than on God. The imagery underscores the biblical principle that those who align themselves with a proud and ungodly power will share in its judgment.
Biblical connections
The chapter’s final verse (Ezekiel 31:18) explicitly applies the lesson to Pharaoh, asking who is like him in glory and greatness, yet declaring that he too will be brought down to the nether parts of the earth, lying among the uncircumcised, slain by the sword. This is the fate of Pharaoh and all his multitude, says the Lord GOD.
Application
For believers today, the passage serves as a reminder to place trust in God alone, not in powerful human institutions or leaders. True security and salvation come from reliance on the divine rather than on earthly might. The certainty of divine judgment against pride warns us against the danger of placing our confidence in human power.
