Ezekiel 32:16

This is the lament they will chant for her; the daughters of the nations will chant it. Over Egypt and all her multitudes they will chant it, declares the Lord GOD."

Study Bible

This is the lament they will chant for her;
The term "lament" refers to a traditional form of mourning or expression of grief, often used in the context of funerals or national tragedies. In the biblical context, laments are poetic expressions found throughout the Scriptures, notably in the Book of Lamentations and various Psalms. This particular lament is directed towards Egypt, a nation that was once a powerful empire. The use of a lament signifies the depth of the fall and the sorrow associated with it. In the prophetic tradition, laments often serve as a warning or a reflection on the consequences of sin and rebellion against God.

the daughters of the nations will chant it.
The phrase "daughters of the nations" suggests that the lament will be taken up by surrounding peoples, indicating that Egypt's downfall will be widely recognized and mourned. In ancient Near Eastern culture, women often led in public expressions of mourning, such as wailing and chanting. This reflects the communal nature of grief and the impact of Egypt's fall on neighboring nations. The involvement of "daughters" also highlights the cultural practice of women participating in lamentation rituals, which were integral to expressing collective sorrow.

Over Egypt and all her multitudes they will chant it,
Egypt, known for its wealth, military power, and influence, is the subject of this lament. The "multitudes" refer to the vast population and the various peoples under Egypt's control or influence. The lament over "all her multitudes" underscores the comprehensive nature of the judgment and the widespread impact of Egypt's downfall. Historically, Egypt was a dominant force in the region, and its decline would have significant geopolitical implications. This phrase emphasizes the totality of the judgment and the end of Egypt's era of dominance.

declares the Lord GOD.”
The declaration by the "Lord GOD" (Yahweh) affirms the divine authority behind the prophecy. It underscores that the lament and the events it describes are not merely human observations but are decreed by God Himself. This divine declaration assures the certainty of the prophecy's fulfillment. Throughout the Bible, God's declarations are portrayed as powerful and unchangeable, reinforcing the idea that His purposes will be accomplished. This phrase also serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over nations and history, a central theme in the prophetic literature.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He is known for his vivid visions and symbolic actions.

2. Egypt
A powerful nation in the ancient Near East, often seen as a symbol of worldly power and opposition to God’s people.

3. Daughters of the Nations
This phrase refers to the women of various nations who would traditionally sing laments or dirges, especially in times of mourning or national tragedy.

4. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and covenant-keeping God of Israel, who declares judgment and redemption through His prophets.

5. Lament
A traditional form of mourning expressed through song or poetry, often used in the Bible to express sorrow over sin or impending judgment.

Teaching Points

The Sovereignty of God
God is in control of all nations and their destinies. His judgments are just and serve His greater purposes.

The Role of Lament
Lament is a biblical response to sin and judgment. It allows us to express sorrow and seek God’s mercy.

The Consequences of Pride
Egypt's downfall serves as a warning against pride and reliance on worldly power rather than God.

The Universality of God's Judgment
God's judgment is not limited to Israel but extends to all nations, emphasizing His authority over the entire world.

Hope Beyond Judgment
While judgment is certain, God’s ultimate plan includes redemption and restoration for those who turn to Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of lament in Ezekiel 32:16 help us understand the appropriate response to God's judgment in our own lives?

2. In what ways does the judgment of Egypt serve as a warning to modern nations and individuals who rely on their own strength?

3. How can we apply the concept of God's sovereignty over nations to current global events and our personal lives?

4. What are some practical ways we can incorporate lament into our spiritual practices, especially when facing personal or communal sin?

5. How does the theme of hope beyond judgment in the Bible encourage us to trust in God's ultimate plan for redemption?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 46
This chapter also contains prophecies against Egypt, highlighting the theme of God's judgment on nations that oppose His will.

Isaiah 19
Isaiah prophesies about Egypt's future, including both judgment and eventual healing, showing God's sovereignty over all nations.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon in Revelation echoes the themes of lament and judgment found in Ezekiel, illustrating the ultimate downfall of worldly powers opposed to God.