Ezekiel 32:3

This is what the Lord GOD says: 'I will spread My net over you with a company of many peoples, and they will draw you up in My net.

Study Bible

This is what the Lord GOD says:
This phrase emphasizes the authority and divine origin of the message. In the prophetic books, this introduction is common, underscoring that the words are not merely human opinion but a direct communication from God. It reflects the role of prophets as God's mouthpieces, as seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in Jeremiah 1:9 and Amos 3:7.

I will spread My net over you:
The imagery of a net is often used in the Bible to signify capture or entrapment, as seen in Job 19:6 and Lamentations 1:13. In the context of Ezekiel, it symbolizes God's judgment and the inescapability of His decrees. The net metaphor is particularly poignant given the fishing culture of the ancient Near East, where nets were a primary tool for capturing fish, illustrating the certainty and thoroughness of God's judgment.

with a company of many peoples:
This phrase indicates that God will use various nations as instruments of His judgment. Historically, this reflects the alliances and coalitions that were common in ancient warfare. It also points to the Babylonian Empire's practice of employing troops from conquered peoples, as seen in the accounts of Nebuchadnezzar's campaigns. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God using foreign nations to accomplish His purposes, as seen in Isaiah 10:5-6 with Assyria.

and they will draw you up in My net:
The act of drawing up in a net suggests a complete and unavoidable capture, akin to a fisherman pulling in a catch. This reflects the certainty of Pharaoh's downfall and Egypt's defeat, as prophesied by Ezekiel. The imagery connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's sovereignty over nations, as seen in Daniel 4:17, where God is described as having authority over the kingdoms of men. The phrase also foreshadows the ultimate judgment and deliverance themes found in the New Testament, where Christ's work is seen as a means of drawing people to God, as in John 12:32.

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. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and covenant-keeping God of Israel, who speaks through Ezekiel to deliver His messages of judgment and hope.

3. Pharaoh and Egypt
The primary subjects of this prophecy. Egypt, under Pharaoh's rule, is depicted as a great sea creature that God will capture and judge.

4. Babylonian Exile
The historical context in which Ezekiel prophesied. The Israelites were in captivity, and God used Ezekiel to communicate His plans and purposes.

5. The Net
A metaphor for God's judgment and the means by which He will capture and bring down Egypt, symbolizing His control over nations.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God is in control of all nations and their leaders. His plans and purposes will prevail, regardless of human power or pride.

The Certainty of Divine Judgment
Just as God promised to capture Egypt in His net, His judgments are sure and will come to pass. This serves as a warning to all who oppose Him.

The Use of Metaphors in Prophecy
Understanding the symbolic language in prophecy helps us grasp the depth of God's messages. The net symbolizes God's inescapable judgment.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets like Ezekiel were chosen to deliver God's messages. Their faithfulness in conveying God's word is a model for us to speak truth boldly.

Hope Amidst Judgment
While judgment is certain, God's ultimate plan includes restoration and hope for those who turn to Him. This encourages us to seek His mercy.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of a net in Ezekiel 32:3 help us understand God's method of judgment?

2. In what ways does the prophecy against Egypt serve as a warning to other nations and leaders today?

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

4. What can we learn from Ezekiel's role as a prophet about our responsibility to share God's truth?

5. How does the theme of judgment and hope in Ezekiel relate to the message of the Gospel in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 16:16
This verse also uses the imagery of a net and hunters to describe God's judgment, emphasizing His ability to find and capture those who oppose Him.

Habakkuk 1:14-17
The imagery of a net is used to describe the Babylonians as fishermen who capture nations, highlighting the theme of divine judgment through human agents.

Matthew 13:47-50
Jesus uses the parable of the net to describe the kingdom of heaven and the final judgment, drawing a parallel to God's sovereign gathering and separation of people.