Ezekiel 31:11

I delivered it into the hand of the ruler of the nations, for him to deal with it according to its wickedness. I have banished it.

Study Bible

I delivered it into the hand of the ruler of the nations
This phrase refers to God's judgment upon the nation symbolized by the great tree in Ezekiel 31, often interpreted as Assyria or Egypt. The "ruler of the nations" is typically understood as Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, who was used by God as an instrument of judgment. This reflects the biblical theme of God using foreign powers to execute His will, as seen in Isaiah 10:5-6, where Assyria is described as the rod of God's anger. The sovereignty of God over all nations is emphasized, showing that He can raise up and bring down kingdoms according to His purposes.

for him to deal with it according to its wickedness
The phrase highlights the principle of divine retribution, where nations are judged according to their actions. The wickedness of the nation, likely referring to its pride and idolatry, warranted divine judgment. This is consistent with the biblical narrative that God judges nations for their moral and spiritual failures, as seen in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19) and the fall of Babylon (Revelation 18). The concept of reaping what one sows is a recurring biblical theme (Galatians 6:7).

I have banished it
The finality of God's judgment is underscored here. The term "banished" indicates a complete removal or destruction, akin to the fate of the Canaanites (Deuteronomy 9:4-5) and the exile of Israel (2 Kings 17:23). This reflects the seriousness of divine judgment and the consequences of turning away from God. The imagery of a tree being cut down and removed is also a type of Christ, who spoke of Himself as the true vine (John 15:1), contrasting the faithfulness of Christ with the unfaithfulness of the nations.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He conveyed God's messages, often through vivid imagery and allegories.

2. Assyria
Represented as a great cedar tree in this chapter, symbolizing its former power and majesty before its downfall due to pride and wickedness.

3. Ruler of the Nations
Likely referring to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, who was used by God as an instrument of judgment against Assyria.

4. Babylon
The empire that conquered Assyria and was used by God to execute His judgment.

5. God's Judgment
The event of God handing over Assyria to Babylon as a consequence of its pride and wickedness.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God is in control of all nations and uses them to accomplish His purposes, even when they are unaware of it.

The Danger of Pride
Pride leads to downfall. Assyria's greatness led to arrogance, which ultimately resulted in its destruction.

Divine Judgment is Just
God's judgment is based on righteousness and justice. He deals with nations and individuals according to their actions.

God Uses Unlikely Instruments
God can use even those who do not know Him, like Nebuchadnezzar, to fulfill His divine plans.

Repentance and Humility
The account of Assyria serves as a warning to remain humble and repentant before God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the cedar tree in Ezekiel 31 help us understand the nature of Assyria's power and its downfall?

2. In what ways does the account of Assyria's judgment in Ezekiel 31 parallel the account of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4?

3. How can we apply the lesson of pride leading to downfall in our personal lives and communities today?

4. What does Ezekiel 31:11 teach us about God's sovereignty and His use of nations to accomplish His purposes?

5. How can we ensure that we remain humble and avoid the pitfalls of pride as seen in the example of Assyria?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 10
This chapter also speaks of Assyria as an instrument of God's judgment, highlighting the theme of God using nations to fulfill His purposes.

Daniel 4
Nebuchadnezzar's dream of a great tree parallels the imagery in Ezekiel 31, emphasizing themes of pride and divine judgment.

Proverbs 16:18
This verse speaks to the downfall that follows pride, a central theme in the judgment of Assyria.