Ezekiel 31:15

This is what the Lord GOD says: 'On the day it was brought down to Sheol, I caused mourning. I covered the deep because of it; I held back its rivers; its abundant waters were restrained. I made Lebanon mourn for it, and all the trees of the field fainted because of it.

Study Bible

This is what the Lord GOD says:
This phrase emphasizes the authority and divine origin of the message. It is a common introduction in prophetic literature, underscoring that the message is not from the prophet himself but from God. This establishes the seriousness and authenticity of the prophecy.

On the day it was brought down to Sheol:
Sheol is the Hebrew term for the realm of the dead, often depicted as a shadowy place where the deceased reside. The imagery of being brought down to Sheol signifies judgment and the end of life or power. This reflects the fate of nations or leaders who oppose God, as seen in other scriptures like Isaiah 14:9-11, where Babylon's fall is similarly described.

I caused mourning:
Mourning here indicates a profound sense of loss and lamentation. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, mourning was a communal activity, often involving rituals and expressions of grief. This phrase suggests that the fall of the entity being judged is significant enough to warrant widespread lament.

I covered the deep because of it;
The "deep" refers to the primordial waters, often associated with chaos in ancient Near Eastern cosmology. Covering the deep could symbolize a return to chaos or a disruption of the natural order, indicating the severity of the judgment.

I held back its rivers; its abundant waters were restrained:
Rivers and abundant waters symbolize life, prosperity, and sustenance. Restraining them signifies a withdrawal of blessing and life, leading to desolation. This imagery is reminiscent of God's control over creation, as seen in Genesis 1:9-10, where He gathers the waters.

I made Lebanon mourn for it:
Lebanon, known for its majestic cedars, symbolizes strength and beauty. The mourning of Lebanon indicates a significant loss, affecting even the most splendid and powerful. This can be connected to the lament over Tyre in Ezekiel 27, where the fall of a great city causes widespread grief.

and all the trees of the field fainted because of it:
Trees often symbolize nations or leaders in biblical literature. The fainting of the trees suggests a widespread impact, where the fall of one great entity causes fear and instability among others. This is similar to the imagery in Daniel 4:10-14, where a great tree representing a kingdom is cut down, affecting all who depended on it.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and authoritative voice in this passage, delivering a message of judgment.

2. Sheol
The realm of the dead, often depicted as a place of darkness and silence in the Old Testament.

3. The Deep
Refers to the primordial waters, symbolizing chaos and mourning in this context.

4. Lebanon
Known for its majestic cedars, representing strength and pride, now clothed in mourning.

5. Trees of the Field
Symbolic of nations or people affected by the judgment pronounced.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God is in control of all creation, including the forces of nature, to execute His judgment.

The Consequences of Pride
The imagery of Lebanon and the trees serves as a warning against pride and self-exaltation.

Mourning and Repentance
The mourning of creation reflects the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance.

The Reality of Sheol
Sheol serves as a reminder of the reality of death and the ultimate accountability before God.

Interconnectedness of Creation
The impact on Lebanon and the trees illustrates how sin and judgment affect the broader creation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of mourning in Ezekiel 31:15 help us understand the seriousness of God's judgment?

2. In what ways does the fall of the tree in this passage parallel the fall of Babylon in Revelation 18?

3. How can we guard against pride in our own lives, considering the warnings in this passage?

4. What does the concept of Sheol teach us about the finality of God's judgment and the hope of redemption?

5. How can we apply the lesson of interconnectedness in creation to our responsibility towards the environment and each other?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 14
Similar imagery of a fallen tree and mourning in Sheol, emphasizing the downfall of prideful nations.

Revelation 18
The lament over Babylon's fall, echoing the themes of mourning and judgment.

Psalm 104
Describes God's control over creation, including the deep and waters, highlighting His sovereignty.