The Tragic Finale of the Nations (Ezekiel 32)

Scripture reading – Ezekiel 32

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* Please note that words and phrases in brackets are the author’s amplification.

Our focus on the prophecies foretold against Egypt began in Ezekiel 29 and concludes in Ezekiel 32, where the LORD foretold His judgment on all the nations of the world.

Ezekiel recorded the date he received a message from the LORD to deliver to the exiles in Babylon. It was “the twelfth year, in the twelfth month, in the first day of the month” (i.e., twelve years after Ezekiel’s exile began; Ezekiel 32:1). Chronologically, two months before chapter 32, the Jews in Babylon had received news of Jerusalem’s fall and destruction (Ezekiel 33:21).

A Lament for Pharaoh, king of Egypt (Ezekiel 32:2-6)

The LORD instructed Ezekiel, “Take up a lamentation for Pharaoh king of Egypt” (Ezekiel 32:2a). The LORD then described Pharaoh’s harsh reign and said: “Thou art like a young lion of the nations, and thou art as a whale [i.e., a serpent or perhaps a crocodile] in the seas: and thou camest forth with thy rivers, and troubledst the waters with thy feet, and fouledst their rivers” (Ezekiel 32:2).

In essence, the kings of Egypt troubled “the waters” (i.e., the people and nations, Ezekiel 32:2). Because of Pharaoh’s wickedness, the LORD foretold that He would cast His net of judgment upon him and Egypt (Ezekiel 32:3). Figuratively, the king would be dragged from his throne in a net and cast into the wilderness, where the “beasts of the whole earth” (i.e., the nations) would feed on his flesh (Ezekiel 32:4-5). Egypt’s fall was foretold as destructive, with the land and the waters stained red with the people’s blood (Ezekiel 32:6).

A Dreadful Picture of God’s Final Judgment (Ezekiel 32:7-10)

As earlier studies have shown, prophecies often carry immediate implications and far-reaching applications. Ezekiel 32:7-10 followed that pattern, describing the LORD’s imminent judgment of Egypt as a time of great darkness. The same description was also given for the LORD’s final judgment in the last days (Isaiah 13:9-11; 34:1-4; Matthew 24:29-31; Revelation 6:12-17; 8:12).  

Ezekiel foretold that Egypt’s fall would be so great that “the hearts of many people” would be troubled when the news reached countries unknown to Pharaoh (Ezekiel 32:9). The kings of the nations would “be horribly afraid” as the LORD declared, “I shall brandish my sword… and they shall tremble” (Ezekiel 32:10). 

Nebuchadnezzar: The Agent of God’s Judgment (Ezekiel 32:11-16)

Once again, the LORD identified Nebuchadnezzar as His servant, for His sword would be wielded by “the king of Babylon” (Ezekiel 32:11). Ezekiel prophesied that Egypt’s fall to Babylon was certain. Babylon’s ruthless reputation was portrayed as “the terrible [i.e., terror] of the nations” (Ezekiel 32:12). Nebuchadnezzar’s army would wreak havoc on the land, plunder Egypt’s treasures, and kill the people and livestock (Ezekiel 32:12-13). 

The rivers and streams of Egypt would “run like oil” (smooth and undisturbed by man or beast, Ezekiel 32:14). The waters and canals that irrigated Egypt’s fields would run dry as the land became “desolate,” and “the country [would] be destitute” (Ezekiel 32:15).

To what end or purpose did Egypt’s fall and humiliation serve? The LORD declared, “When I shall smite all them that dwell therein, then shall they know that I am the LORD” (Ezekiel 32:15). The world’s nations would look upon Egypt’s sorrows and lament her fall (Ezekiel 32:16).

The Nations Sentenced to Hell (Ezekiel 32:17-32)

Picturing Hell as it is, a place of death and torment for sinners who reject the LORD and His Word (Ezekiel 32:17-32), Ezekiel was commanded, “Son of man, wail for the multitude of Egypt” (Ezekiel 32:18). The Egyptians were warned that they would share the fate of other nations (Ezekiel 32:18). Despite Egypt’s glory, that nation would take her place “with the uncircumcised” [i.e., heathen nations] and be slain (Ezekiel 32:19-22).

Asshur [i.e., Assyria] “and all her company” had fallen to Babylon, and the graves of her slain were said to be “set in the sides of the pit [hell]” (Ezekiel 32:23). Thus, Assyria joined other ancient nations whose graves were in hell: Elam, Meshech, Tubal, Edom, and Zidon had all borne “their shame with them that go down to the pit” (Ezekiel 32:24-30).

Pharaoh and Egypt would not be spared or favored above the nations. Ezekiel warned, “Thou shalt be broken in the midst of the uncircumcised, and shalt lie with them that are slain with the sword” (Ezekiel 32:28). The king of Egypt and his army would be “slain by the sword, saith the LORD GOD” (Ezekiel 32:31). Pharaoh would take his place “in the midst of the uncircumcised” among the eternal damned (Ezekiel 32:32).

Ezekiel’s prophecy of Egypt’s imminent judgment concluded with the words, “saith the LORD God” (Ezekiel 32:32). Thus, all that the LORD revealed to Ezekiel came to pass. Although His purpose was for the people to know He was LORD, the people and nations rejected Him and perished. 

 Closing thought –  

Friend, our prophetic Bible studies have given us insight into the LORD’s heart and His longsuffering toward His chosen people (Israel and Judah) and the nations. I look forward to sharing the remaining chapters of Ezekiel, which foretell a glorious future for God’s people (Ezekiel 33:1-39:29).

2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

Copyright © 2026 – Travis D. Smith 

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