This verse underscores that mighty Egypt will be lamented by nations who witness its downfall.
In this verse, the prophet Ezekiel records the sweeping declaration of the Lord against the nation of Egypt. He proclaims, “This is a lamentation and they shall chant it. The daughters of the nations shall chant it; over Egypt and over all her hordes they shall chant it,” declares the Lord GOD. (v.16) At the time of his ministry (ca. 593-571 BC), Ezekiel delivered oracles to the exiles in Babylon, foretelling both the judgment awaiting rebellious nations and the ultimate sovereignty of the true God. This pronouncement reveals that Egypt, a nation long recognized for its power, would provoke sorrow and mourning among the people it once influenced.
Egypt was located in northeastern Africa, centered on the Nile River. It had been a potent empire throughout the ancient world, dominating various regions and engaging in enormous building projects such as the pyramids. By Ezekiel’s day, Egypt had experienced internal struggles and foreign pressures from powers like Babylon. In this lament, the prophet speaks of a funeral dirge that would be sung not only within Egypt but also among “the daughters of the nations,” emphasizing the far-reaching impact of Egypt’s downfall. The mourning signifies that Egypt’s prideful might would collapse under the Lord’s hand, serving as a warning for all nations who might place their trust in human kingdoms instead of relying on the Lord.
Spiritually, “This is a lamentation…” (v.16) reminds us that God holds every nation accountable. When a powerful empire succumbs, it stands as a sober testimony that no worldly strength—be it military prowess, economic wealth, or political influence—can stand forever apart from God’s will. Like other prophetic messages recorded by Ezekiel, this oracle demonstrates that the Lord’s purposes extend beyond Israel. His call to repentance constantly beckons humankind to humility and faithfulness, warning that pride invariably results in mourning.
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Ezekiel 32:16 meaning
In this verse, the prophet Ezekiel records the sweeping declaration of the Lord against the nation of Egypt. He proclaims, “This is a lamentation and they shall chant it. The daughters of the nations shall chant it; over Egypt and over all her hordes they shall chant it,” declares the Lord GOD. (v.16) At the time of his ministry (ca. 593-571 BC), Ezekiel delivered oracles to the exiles in Babylon, foretelling both the judgment awaiting rebellious nations and the ultimate sovereignty of the true God. This pronouncement reveals that Egypt, a nation long recognized for its power, would provoke sorrow and mourning among the people it once influenced.
Egypt was located in northeastern Africa, centered on the Nile River. It had been a potent empire throughout the ancient world, dominating various regions and engaging in enormous building projects such as the pyramids. By Ezekiel’s day, Egypt had experienced internal struggles and foreign pressures from powers like Babylon. In this lament, the prophet speaks of a funeral dirge that would be sung not only within Egypt but also among “the daughters of the nations,” emphasizing the far-reaching impact of Egypt’s downfall. The mourning signifies that Egypt’s prideful might would collapse under the Lord’s hand, serving as a warning for all nations who might place their trust in human kingdoms instead of relying on the Lord.
Spiritually, “This is a lamentation…” (v.16) reminds us that God holds every nation accountable. When a powerful empire succumbs, it stands as a sober testimony that no worldly strength—be it military prowess, economic wealth, or political influence—can stand forever apart from God’s will. Like other prophetic messages recorded by Ezekiel, this oracle demonstrates that the Lord’s purposes extend beyond Israel. His call to repentance constantly beckons humankind to humility and faithfulness, warning that pride invariably results in mourning.