R³ Devotional - Day 249

Ezekiel 32 is a powerful and somber prophecy, comprising two distinct oracles against Pharaoh and the nation of Egypt. It continues the theme from chapter 31, using vivid, metaphorical language to describe the inevitable downfall of a proud and mighty nation.

Real, Relevant, Ready.

• The Folly of Pride and Self-Exaltation: The chapter's central principle is the ultimate futility of human arrogance. Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, is described with imagery of a "young lion among the nations" and a "monster in the seas" (Ezekiel 32:2). This grandiose self-image is contrasted with the reality of God's judgment, which will bring him down from his high position. The prophecy teaches that a nation's or an individual's self-proclaimed greatness is a delusion when it ignores the sovereignty of God.

•  Divine Judgment is Complete and Visible: The judgment against Egypt is not a quiet, private affair. God promises to "trouble the hearts of many peoples" (Ezekiel 32:9) and cause kings to "shudder with horror" (Ezekiel 32:10). The destruction is described in graphic detail, with the land and rivers being "watered" with the blood of the slain (Ezekiel 32:6). This serves as a public spectacle, a lesson to all other nations that God's justice is inescapable and visible to all.
  
  
• No Nation is Exempt from Judgment: The second half of the chapter presents a vision of the afterlife, or Sheol, where the slain of Egypt are cast down alongside other great, fallen empires—Assyria, Elam, Meshech-Tubal, Edom, and the princes of the North. The point is that no matter how powerful a nation was in its time, it is ultimately destined for the same fate as all the others who have rebelled against God. This demonstrates that divine judgment is a universal principle that applies to all nations, regardless of their status or history.
  
  
• The Purpose of Judgment is to Know God: A recurring theme in Ezekiel's prophecies against the nations is that the purpose of judgment is so they will "know that I am the LORD" (Ezekiel 32:15). The destruction is not just a display of power, but a means of revealing God's character, justice, and ultimate authority to those who have denied or ignored Him.

     Applications from Ezekiel 32

•  A Call for Personal Humility: Much like Ezekiel 31, this chapter is a potent reminder for individuals to abandon pride. We are called to recognize that our strength, success, and influence are not our own, but gifts from God. A proud heart leads to a downfall, while a humble heart that acknowledges God's sovereignty is protected.
  
  
• Rethinking Our Trust in Worldly Systems: The prophecy of Egypt's fall served as a warning to the people of Israel not to put their faith in Egypt as a political or military ally. For a modern audience, this passage encourages us to be cautious about placing our ultimate trust in political leaders, economic systems, or powerful nations. All human institutions, no matter how great, are temporary and subject to God's ultimate authority. Our trust should be placed in Him alone.