Ezekiel_31.asp

Atlanta Bible Students

The Book of Ezekiel

Chapter 31

Go To Verse 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

[1] And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the third month, in the first day of the month, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, [2] Son of man, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, and to his multitude; Whom art thou like in thy greatness? [3] Behold, the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon with fair branches, and with a shadowing shroud, and of an high stature; and his top was among the thick boughs. [4] The waters made him great, the deep set him up on high with her rivers running round about his plants, and sent out her little rivers unto all the trees of the field. [5] Therefore his height was exalted above all the trees of the field, and his boughs were multiplied, and his branches became long because of the multitude of waters, when he shot forth. [6] All the fowls of heaven made their nests in his boughs, and under his branches did all the beasts of the field bring forth their young, and under his shadow dwelt all great nations. [7] Thus was he fair in his greatness, in the length of his branches: for his root was by great waters. [8] The cedars in the garden of God could not hide him: the fir trees were not like his boughs, and the chestnut trees were not like his branches; nor any tree in the garden of God was like unto him in his beauty. [9] I have made him fair by the multitude of his branches: so that all the trees of Eden, that were in the garden of God, envied him.

Verses 1-2 Expanded Bible Comments

And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the third month, in the first day of the month, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, [2] Son of man, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, and to his multitude; Whom art thou like in thy greatness?
Question	Suggested Answer
When does this take place?	"In the eleventh year, in the third month, in the first day of the month."
What does this indicate to us?	That the LORD has a specific time-oriented plan.
What does this date mean to us?	?? Note: In chapter 30:20 we are told in year 11, month 1, day 7. – Here it is year 11, month 3, day 1.
To whom is this part of the prophecy addressed?	"The word of the LORD came unto me" – Ezekiel. In vs 2, "Son of man" – a clear reference to the 7^th messenger which clearly indicates that this message was delivered by Pastor Russell.
To what individual is this message aimed at?	"Pharaoh king of Egypt," i.e., Satan.
Who else is this message delivered to?	"To his multitude."
"Whom art thou like in thy greatness?" What is this telling us?	It tells us that what follows will be compared to "Pharaoh king of Egypt."

Verse 3 Expanded Bible Comments

Behold, the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon with fair branches, and with a shadowing shroud, and of an high stature; and his top was among the thick boughs.
Question	Suggested Answer
In vs 2 "son of man" is told to "speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt." Why does this verse refer to "the Assyrian?" Why is this the only time "the Assyrian" is mentioned in this chapter?	We may remember in chapter 23 we concluded that Assyria pictured Pagan Rome who became the paramour of Aholah, the church of Rome.
What do we know about "A cedar in Lebanon?"	The following is from our study of chapter 26: v5 Known for being both strong and resistant to decay and insects. It may be the most famous of the evergreens, a favorite of carpenters. v6 "In Ezekiel 27:6 we read "the Ashurites have made thy (Tyre's) benches of ivory, brought out of the isles of Chittim"; rather, as the Hebrew orthography requires, "they have made thy (rowing) benches of ivory, inlaid in the daughter of cedars" or "the best boxwood" (bath ashurim), from Cyprus and Macedonia, from whence the best boxwood came (Pliny)." – Fausset's Bible Dictionary v24 Symbolic of everlasting life. "The Cedars of Lebanon (Cedrus libani) are majestic evergreen trees native to the mountains of the Eastern Mediterranean. They hold deep historical and religious significance, appearing in ancient texts, including the Bible, where they symbolize strength and longevity." – Microsoft copilot Our thought is that this Cedar tree pictures (so-called) Christendom. Cedar is water proof. So is Christendom.
What does it mean that it has "fair branches?"	"Fair" H3303 Strong's H3303 יָפֶה yâpheh yaw-feh' From H3302; beautiful (literally of figuratively): - + beautiful, beauty, comely, fair (-est, one), + goodly, pleasant, well. Total KJV occurrences: 42 Young David is described as being "of a beautiful countenance" (1 Sam 16:12) and "of a fair countenance" (1 Sam. 17:42.) Clearly these are branches that appear to be healthy.
What is a "shroud?"	A burial cloth.
Why is this "a shadowing shroud?"	Because, in spite of its appearance as being that of a strong healthy Cedar Tree, death goes wherever its branches go.
What is indicated by this tree being "of an high stature?"	In its appearance it appears to be very high (important) indeed.
"His top was among the thick boughs." What does that mean?	A bough is a main branch of a tree, and this one is "thick." It is at the top of the tree.

Verse 4 Expanded Bible Comments

The waters made him great, the deep set him up on high with her rivers running round about his plants, and sent out her little rivers unto all the trees of the field.
Question	Suggested Answer
"The waters made him great." Who is him? [Is it the Assyrian or is it Pharaoh?]	Pharaoh, Satan. At times it looks like Satan but may be more applicable to Satan's worldly organization, (so-called) Christendom.
This verse mentions "The waters," "the deep," "her rivers," and "her little rivers." What, if any, is the difference between these?	The waters Strong's H4325 מַיִם mayim mah'-yim Dual of a primitive noun (but used in a singular sense); water; figuratively juice; by euphemism urine, semen: - + piss, wasting, water (-ing, [-course, -flood, -spring]). Total KJV occurrences: 579 The deep Strong's H8415 תְּהֹם תְּהוֹם tehôm tehôm teh-home', teh-home' (Usually feminine) from H1949; an abyss (as a surging mass of water), especially the deep (the main sea or the subterranean water supply): - deep (place), depth. Total KJV occurrences: 36 Her rivers Strong's H5104 נָהָר nâhâr naw-hawr' From H5102; a stream (including the sea; especially the Nile, Euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity: - flood, river. Total KJV occurrences: 119 Her little rivers Strong's H8585 תְּעָלָה te‛âlâh teh-aw-law' From H5927; a channel (into which water is raised for irrigation); also a bandage or plaster (as placed upon a wound): - conduit, cured, healing, little river, trench, watercourse. Total KJV occurrences: 11
What is meant by "the waters made him great?"	Waters symbolize "peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues" (Rev. 17:15) as well as Truth.
How is it that "the deep set him on high?"	The deep pictures a great body of water (like the Mediterranean sea.) This pictures the main body of teaching (doctrine, true or false).
What is indicated by "her rivers running round about his plants?"	These teachings are spread all over, creating a situation where groups of adherents may grow and be fruitful. – Think successful missionaries who develop very large congregations (or groups of congregations.)
Why "sent out her little rivers?"	Smaller channels of water. Similar to previous question and answer only at a more local level.
Who or what is pictured by "all the trees of the field?"	All the nations of the world.

Verse 5 Expanded Bible Comments

Therefore his height was exalted above all the trees of the field, and his boughs were multiplied, and his branches became long because of the multitude of waters, when he shot forth.
Question	Suggested Answer
What is meant by "his height was exalted above all the trees of the field?"	This would seem to refer to the original tree, Adam and his original dominion. This is also referred to in the dream of king Nebuchadnezzar. Dan. 4. Please see B94:1 (actually all of Study IV and especially the sub-heading "Another Line of Testimony.")
What is pictured by "All the trees of the field?"	All the nations of the world. Deu. 20:19 - "the tree of the field is man's life." "The field is the world." Matt. 13:38
What about "his boughs were multiplied?"	These "boughs" may refer to strong church denominations.
How did "his branches became long?"	"Because of the multitude of waters when he shot forth." Satan's control over fallen man kept increasing as he was able to keep these new branches of Christendom under his control.

Begin Here June 3, 2025

Verse 6 Expanded Bible Comments

All the fowls of heaven made their nests in his boughs, and under his branches did all the beasts of the field bring forth their young, and under his shadow dwelt all great nations.
Question	Suggested Answer
Who are "All the fowls of heaven?"	Rev. 18:2; C162:2; R1357; R5406; R45
What is indicated by "have made their nests in his boughs?"	They put their trust in the major denominations of Christendom.
What is pictured by "all the beasts of the field?"	Beastly governments of the world, especially of Christendom.
What is the meaning of all the beasts of the field bringing forth their young?	This appears to be saying "once a catholic, always a catholic." Those brought up under these beastly governments of Christendom teach each succeeding generation to be like them. There also may be a reference here to the religion of their king (or queen.)
Please explain "under his shadow dwelt all great nations."	"Under his shadow" means under his protection like being protected from the scorching heat of the sun. See Expanded Bible Comments for Exo. 13:21.

Verse 7 Expanded Bible Comments

Thus was he fair in his greatness, in the length of his branches: for his root was by great waters.
Question	Suggested Answer
Was he really "fair in his greatness?"	In Christendom's eyes this was absolutely true.
Why does this say "in the length of his branches?"	This may be a way of saying that these divisions of Christendom had far reaching influence.
What was "his root?"	Our thought is that this "root" is the first lie ever told: "thou shalt not surely die." This lie has been that basis of ALL the false religions of the world.

Verse 8 Expanded Bible Comments

The cedars in the garden of God could not hide him: the fir trees were not like his boughs, and the chestnut trees were not like his branches; nor any tree in the garden of God was like unto him in his beauty.
Question	Suggested Answer
Why the reference to "The cedars in the garden of God?" What does this mean?	The "God" referred to here is "the god of this world (age)." 2 Cor. 4:4.
Of what significance are "the fir trees?"	Strong's H1265 בְּרוֹשׁ berôsh ber-osh' Of uncertain derivation; a cypress tree (perhaps); hence a lance or a musical instrument (as made of that wood): - fir (tree). Total KJV occurrences: 20 Fir trees are evergreen trees, often used as Christmas trees. "The fir trees were not like his boughs." This is telling us that entire trees were not as strong as the boughs of this great cedar tree (so-called Christendom under the control of Satan.) The tallest fir trees can reach up to 262 feet in height.
What about the "chestnut trees?"	Strong's H6196 עַרְמוֹן ‛armôn ar-mone' Probably from H6191; the plane tree (from its smooth and shed bark): - chestnut tree. Total KJV occurrences: 2 Chestnut trees (Castanea genus) are large, deciduous trees known for their edible nuts and distinctive spiky burs. They belong to the Fagaceae family, which also includes oaks and beeches. Chestnut trees thrive in temperate regions. – Microsoft copilot The tallest Chestnut trees can (rarely) reach up to a maximum height of 100 feet. Here these are compared to Christendom's branches (as opposed to her boughs) and found to be less.
Were any of the trees "in the garden of God" (so-called Christendom) considered to be as great this primary cedar tree?	"Nor any tree in the garden of God was like unto him in his beauty."
What does the reference to "his beauty" suggest to us?	That Satan, the King of Tyrus (Eze. 28:12-17) is the one being spoken of here. This great cedar is his great work and, we remember, he was corrupted by pride in his beauty.

Verse 9 Expanded Bible Comments

I have made him fair by the multitude of his branches: so that all the trees of Eden, that were in the garden of God, envied him.
Question	Suggested Answer
Why does it say "I have made him fair..?" Was this the work of the LORD?	"Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so." Eze. 28:14. God did not force the Adversary to rebel, nor did He force him to build so-called Christendom. But He did put him in the position to do so. Just as He permitted the Adversary to be in the position to tempt Jesus. Satan was NOT forced to do so. Yet it was necessary to Jesus to be so tested in order to prove His loyalty to the Father and thus "by inheritance" earned His position as our High Priest and King and has "sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high." Heb. 1:3
What is meant by him being "made him fair by the multitude of his branches?"	We found several web-sites after entering the following search: "how many denominations of Christianity?" While unable to determine how many there were prior to WWI, the answer we found today (May, 2025) on several sites, is over 45,000 denominations! – A far cry from "one body, one Spirit, one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism." Eph. 4:4-5
In this verse it mentions both "Eden" and "the garden of God." Why both and is there a difference between them. If so, what is the difference?	Eden was a territory. The garden of Eden was placed in the Eastern part of Eden. Gen. 2:8; Gen. 2:15; 3:24; In Isa. 51:3 both are mentioned by the prophet.
Why is it "that all the trees of Eden, that were in the garden of God, envied him?"	"All the trees (denominations) of Eden (the world), that were in the garden of God (in so-called Christendom), envied him." They all wanted to be as large and influential as Satan's masterpiece, the counterfeit of the true Church of Christ.

[10] Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast lifted up thyself in height, and he hath shot up his top among the thick boughs, and his heart is lifted up in his height; [11] I have therefore delivered him into the hand of the mighty one of the heathen; he shall surely deal with him: I have driven him out for his wickedness. [12] And strangers, the terrible of the nations, have cut him off, and have left him: upon the mountains and in all the valleys his branches are fallen, and his boughs are broken by all the rivers of the land; and all the people of the earth are gone down from his shadow, and have left him. [13] Upon his ruin shall all the fowls of the heaven remain, and all the beasts of the field shall be upon his branches: [14] To the end that none of all the trees by the waters exalt themselves for their height, neither shoot up their top among the thick boughs, neither their trees stand up in their height, all that drink water: for they are all delivered unto death, to the nether parts of the earth, in the midst of the children of men, with them that go down to the pit.

Verse 10 Expanded Bible Comments

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast lifted up thyself in height, and he hath shot up his top among the thick boughs, and his heart is lifted up in his height;
Question	Suggested Answer

Verse 11 Expanded Bible Comments

I have therefore delivered him into the hand of the mighty one of the heathen; he shall surely deal with him: I have driven him out for his wickedness.
Question	Suggested Answer

Verse 12 Expanded Bible Comments

And strangers, the terrible of the nations, have cut him off, and have left him: upon the mountains and in all the valleys his branches are fallen, and his boughs are broken by all the rivers of the land; and all the people of the earth are gone down from his shadow, and have left him.
Question	Suggested Answer

Verse 13 Expanded Bible Comments

Upon his ruin shall all the fowls of the heaven remain, and all the beasts of the field shall be upon his branches:
Question	Suggested Answer

Verse 14 Expanded Bible Comments

To the end that none of all the trees by the waters exalt themselves for their height, neither shoot up their top among the thick boughs, neither their trees stand up in their height, all that drink water: for they are all delivered unto death, to the nether parts of the earth, in the midst of the children of men, with them that go down to the pit.
Question	Suggested Answer

[15] Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day when he went down to Sheol I caused a mourning: I covered the deep for him, and I restrained the floods thereof, and the great waters were stayed: and I caused Lebanon to mourn for him, and all the trees of the field fainted for him. [16] I made the nations to shake at the sound of his fall, when I cast him down to Sheol with them that descend into the pit: and all the trees of Eden, the choice and best of Lebanon, all that drink water, shall be comforted in the nether parts of the earth. [17] They also went down into Sheol with him unto them that be slain with the sword; and they that were his arm, that dwelt under his shadow in the midst of the heathen.

Verse 15 Expanded Bible Comments

Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day when he went down to Sheol I caused a mourning: I covered the deep for him, and I restrained the floods thereof, and the great waters were stayed: and I caused Lebanon to mourn for him, and all the trees of the field fainted for him.
Question	Suggested Answer

What is indicated by the phrase "In the day when..?"	"In the day when he" -- Applied by Pastor Russell to both literal and especially to mystic Babylon. E372:1-2.

Verse 16 Expanded Bible Comments

I made the nations to shake at the sound of his fall, when I cast him down to Sheol with them that descend into the pit: and all the trees of Eden, the choice and best of Lebanon, all that drink water, shall be comforted in the nether parts of the earth.
Question	Suggested Answer

Verse 17 Expanded Bible Comments

They also went down into Sheol with him unto them that be slain with the sword; and they that were his arm, that dwelt under his shadow in the midst of the heathen.
Question	Suggested Answer

[18] To whom art thou thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? yet shalt thou be brought down with the trees of Eden unto the nether parts of the earth: thou shalt lie in the midst of the uncircumcised with them that be slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord GOD.

Verse 18 Expanded Bible Comments

To whom art thou thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? yet shalt thou be brought down with the trees of Eden unto the nether parts of the earth: thou shalt lie in the midst of the uncircumcised with them that be slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord GOD.
Question	Suggested Answer

Chapter 30 Chapter 32