Ezekiel 32:16

This is the lamentation wherewith they shall lament her: the daughters of the nations shall lament her: they shall lament for her, even for Egypt, and for all her multitude, saith the Lord God.

Ezekiel 32:16 (KJV)

Context

The book of Ezekiel is a prophetic book in the Old Testament. Ezekiel was a prophet called by God to deliver messages to the exiled Israelites in Babylon. In chapter 32, Ezekiel pronounces a lamentation against Egypt, a powerful nation that had opposed God and oppressed Israel.

Meaning

In this verse, the prophet describes a lamentation, which is a poetic expression of mourning or sorrow, often a formal funeral song or dirge. The lamentation is directed towards Egypt, and it signifies the grief and mourning that will come upon the nation. The phrase “daughters of the nations” refers to the women of the surrounding peoples who will perform this lament. This indicates that Egypt’s downfall will be a public spectacle, known and mourned by other nations, not a private or hidden event.

The verse emphasizes that the daughters of the nations will lament not only for Egypt as a whole but also for “all her multitude.” This suggests that the mourning will encompass all the people and resources of Egypt, including its armies and its entire population. The totality of the nation’s destruction is in view.

The verse concludes with the statement, “saith the Lord God.” This phrase emphasizes that the lamentation and mourning over Egypt’s downfall are not merely human responses but are declared by God Himself. It indicates that God is orchestrating and bringing judgment upon Egypt for its sins, and that this judgment is certain and universally acknowledged.

Biblical connections

The chapter depicts Egypt’s fall as a descent into the pit, a humiliation shared with other uncircumcised nations. This verse serves as a solemn conclusion to that prophecy, emphasizing that God’s judgment on a proud and powerful nation is certain and will be recognized by all.

Application

Ezekiel 32:16 portrays a scene of lamentation and mourning over the downfall of Egypt. The mourning extends beyond Egypt, encompassing the surrounding nations. The verse underscores that this lamentation is divinely ordained by God as a consequence of Egypt’s sinful actions. As with any passage of Scripture, it is important to study it in its broader context to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.