Ezekiel 31:17

They too descended with it to Sheol, to those slain by the sword. As its allies they had lived in its shade among the nations.

Study Bible

They too descended with it to Sheol
This phrase refers to the fate of those who were associated with the great tree, symbolizing Egypt and its fall. "Sheol" is the Hebrew term for the realm of the dead, often depicted as a shadowy place where the deceased reside. The descent to Sheol signifies judgment and the end of earthly power and glory. In biblical context, Sheol is not just a physical grave but a spiritual realm, emphasizing the finality of divine judgment. This imagery is consistent with other prophetic writings, such as Isaiah 14:9-11, where the fall of Babylon is similarly described.

to those slain by the sword
This part of the verse highlights the violent end that awaits those who oppose God's will. The sword is a common biblical symbol for war and divine judgment. In Ezekiel's time, being slain by the sword was a typical fate for nations that defied God, as seen in the destruction of Jerusalem and other cities. This phrase underscores the inevitability of divine retribution for those who live in opposition to God's commands, as seen in the broader narrative of the Old Testament.

As its allies they had lived in its shade
The imagery of living in the shade of a great tree suggests protection and prosperity. Egypt, represented by the tree, was a powerful nation that provided security and economic benefits to its allies. However, this alliance was based on human strength and political maneuvering rather than reliance on God. The fall of Egypt serves as a warning against placing trust in worldly powers. This theme is echoed in Jeremiah 17:5-8, where trust in human strength is contrasted with trust in the Lord.

among the nations
This phrase indicates the widespread influence and connections Egypt had with other nations. Egypt was a dominant power in the ancient Near East, and its alliances extended across many regions. The fall of such a significant power would have had far-reaching implications, affecting all who were connected to it. This serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly kingdoms and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all nations, as affirmed in Daniel 2:21, where God is described as the one who changes times and seasons and deposes kings.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Sheol
In Hebrew thought, Sheol is the realm of the dead, a place of darkness and silence where the deceased reside. It is often depicted as a pit or grave.

2. Those Slain by the Sword
This phrase refers to individuals who have died in battle or through violent means, often seen as a judgment or consequence of sin.

3. Allies
These are the nations or groups that were in alliance with the subject of the prophecy, benefiting from its power and protection.

4. Nations
The various peoples and kingdoms that interacted with the subject of the prophecy, often representing the broader world outside of Israel.

5. The Subject of the Prophecy
While not explicitly named in this verse, the broader context of Ezekiel 31 refers to Egypt and its fall, symbolized by a great tree.

Teaching Points

The Inevitability of Divine Judgment
God's judgment is certain and inescapable for those who live in pride and sin, as seen in the fall of great nations like Egypt.

The Consequences of Alliances with the Wicked
Aligning with those who oppose God can lead to shared judgment and downfall, as the allies of Egypt experienced.

The Transience of Earthly Power
Earthly power and glory are temporary and can be swiftly taken away by God, reminding us to place our trust in Him rather than in worldly strength.

The Reality of Sheol
The concept of Sheol reminds us of the reality of death and the importance of living a life that honors God, knowing that our earthly actions have eternal consequences.

The Importance of Righteous Living
In contrast to the fate of the wicked, the righteous are promised stability and blessing, encouraging us to live according to God's ways.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of Sheol in Ezekiel 31:17 shape our understanding of life after death in the Old Testament context?

2. What lessons can we learn from the downfall of Egypt and its allies about the dangers of pride and self-reliance?

3. How can we apply the warning of shared judgment with wicked allies to our personal and communal relationships today?

4. In what ways does the transience of earthly power challenge us to reevaluate our priorities and where we place our trust?

5. How does the contrast between the fate of the wicked and the righteous in scriptures like Psalm 1 encourage us in our daily walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 14
This chapter also speaks of the fall of a great power and its descent into Sheol, drawing a parallel to the fate of Babylon and its king.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon the Great in Revelation echoes the themes of judgment and the downfall of powerful nations due to their pride and sin.

Psalm 1
Contrasts the fate of the righteous, who are like a tree planted by streams of water, with the wicked, who are like chaff blown away by the wind.