Main Idea: There is none too great to be cut down by the God who spreads terror in the land of the living.
A Look at the Text:
With Egypt still in focus, the downfalls of other nations are recalled to essentially provide a resumé of God’s judgment. First, there was Assyria. Assyria was likened to one of the great cedar trees in Lebanon (Ezek. 31:3-9), with beauty and greatness surpassing the trees in Eden (Ezek. 31:8-9).
Tragically, its greatness led to pride, and as such, it was cut down and left to rot (Ezek. 31:10-14). Its fall was so great and so unexpected that it even caused the nations to quake when it hit the ground (Ezek. 31:16).
In like manner, Egypt and its Pharaoh would be cut down and fall (Ezek. 31:18). The Pharaoh thought of himself as a mighty lion (Ezek. 32:2), but God said he was a dragon of the seas that was going to be taken out of his water to die (Ezek. 32:2-9).
Egypt would be brought down to Sheol, just as Assyria, Elam, Meshech-Tubal, Edom, and the princes of the north once were (Ezek. 32:22-32).
They had spread terror in the land of the living, so they were taken down to the realm of the dead. Now, Egypt would join them, being subjected to God’s terror in the land of the living (Ezek. 32:32).
Bringing it Home:
God’s resumé as the all-powerful One who can bring down nations is impressive. Though they had brought terror upon others, there was an even greater Terror that would return their evil upon their own heads.
Many believe that they are insulated from judgment. Perhaps on a national level they are powerful, prosperous, and advanced. Or on a personal level, they might be healthy, wealthy, and seemingly secure. However, there is no tree strong enough to withstand the axe of the Almighty.
Let us then always walk in humility and a reverent fear of the Lord. Human beings might bring a terror upon the land, but only God can cast one into the realm of the dead (Matt. 10:28).
Challenge:
Is God or man my chief fear?