Ezekiel 32:20

They shall fall in the midst of them that are slain by the sword: she is delivered to the sword: draw her and all her multitudes.

Ezekiel 32:20 (KJV)

Context

Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile, when Judah had been taken captive. In this oracle, he pronounced judgment against Egypt, a powerful nation that had relied on its military strength and alliances. The verse pictures Egypt as a woman delivered to the sword, dragged away with all her multitudes to a common grave among the fallen.

Meaning

The pronoun “she” personifies Egypt. The phrase “fall in the midst of them that are slain by the sword” means Egypt will share the fate of those already killed in battle—defeated and slain by the conqueror’s sword. “Draw her and all her multitudes” is a command to drag Egypt away to her downfall, including her allies and vast numbers of people. The sword represents divine judgment executed through the Babylonians, specifically Nebuchadnezzar, as God’s instrument of wrath. This command emphasizes the totality of Egypt’s downfall: she and all her multitudes are included, dragged away to burial not in honor but in disgrace, like carcasses pulled to a common pit.

Biblical connections

This verse is part of a larger lamentation over Egypt’s fall, leading to the description of Egypt descending into Sheol, the place of the dead, among other fallen, uncircumcised nations. It echoes the broader biblical principle that God brings judgment upon nations that persist in pride, idolatry, and oppression of His people. The underlying reasons for this judgment include Egypt’s pride, arrogance, and oppression of Israel.

Application

Egypt’s judgment reminds us of the frailty of human power and the certainty of divine retribution. No nation or individual can escape the consequences of ungodly choices; all will be held accountable before God. Egypt trusted in military might and alliances, but these proved futile against God’s decree. As believers, we should place our confidence in God alone rather than in worldly powers. This passage serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of pride and opposition to God, and it points to the ultimate accountability of all nations before Him.

Reflection

This sobering passage affirms God’s sovereignty over nations and His justice in punishing sin. It calls us to examine where we place our trust, and to live humbly before the God who rules over all earthly powers.