Bible Commentaries
Ezekiel 31

Verses 1-18

Elimination of the Tall Cedar (31:1-18)

With yet another figure, the prophet describes the judgment of God upon Egypt. In this instance the Nile empire is likened unto a tall cedar tree in whose branches birds live and under whose shade the beasts rest (vs. 6). Greater than the cedars of Lebanon (vs. 3), superior to the cedars in the garden of God (vs. 8), and watered by the rivers, the tree is envied by all other trees of creation. This oracle is similar to the concept found in chapter 28, which relates the king of Tyre to creation and to Eden.

The tree, because of its pride in height and beauty, will be utterly destroyed (vss. 10-13) and its remains will be sent to the region of the dead (the Pit). Such contemptible arrogance will not again occur. When Egypt descends into the Pit, there will be mourning and great fear among the nations. "The trees of Eden" represent the peoples of God’s creation, because these who dwell under the shadow of Egyptian protection will be destroyed also (vs. 17). The tree will be destroyed and thrust into Sheol forever. To make sure that nobody misunderstands what Ezekiel is talking about, a footnote has been added: "This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, says the Lord God" (vs. 18b).