Behold, the Assyrian was a cedar - Why is the Assyrian introduced here, when the whole chapter concerns Egypt? Bp. Lowth has shown that ארז אשור ashshur erez should be translated the tall cedar, the very stately cedar; hence there is reference to his lofty top; and all the following description belongs to Egypt, not to Assyria. But see on Ezekiel 31:11 ; (note). read more
The waters made him great - Alluding to the fertility of Egypt by the overflowing of the Nile. But waters often mean peoples. By means of the different nations under the Egyptians, that government became very opulent. These nations are represented as fowls and beasts, taking shelter under the protection of this great political Egyptian tree, Ezekiel 31:6 . read more
The cedars in the garden of God - Egypt was one of the most eminent and affluent of all the neighboring nations. read more
In the eleventh year , etc. June, B.C. 586. Two months all but six days had passed since the utterance of Ezekiel 30:20-26 , when Ezekiel was moved to expand his prediction of the downfall of Egypt into a parable which is partly a replica of these in Ezekiel 17:1-24 . and Ezekiel 19:1-14 , and which also finds a parallel in Daniel 4:10-14 . read more
The great cedar. Assyria is compared to a cedar of Lebanon, which is an emblem of earthly magnificence. I. THE CEDAR IS MAGNIFICENT . It is the favorite tree in biblical imagery to express splendor. In this respect it could be taken as a symbol of a great triumphant empire such as that of Assyria. Thus it is plainly declared that there is a splendor of this world. We are not to be surprised when we see the wicked flourishing like a green bay tree ( Psalms 37:35 ). He may even... read more
The greatness of Assyria. The Prophet Ezekiel, in witnessing against Pharaoh and Egypt, inculcated the lesson with all the more emphasis by the help of an historic parallel. He has to remind Egypt that, great as is her power, there have been powers as great as she that have been brought low. The consequences of national pride and self-confidence, the downfall and destruction of the mighty, may be learnt by considering the history and the fate of Assyria. References to the kingdom of which... read more
A terrible perdition. Precious lemons can be learnt from God's treatment of others. As in others' conduct we may find a mirror of our own, so in others' chastisement we may find a reflected image of our own deserts. The principles on which God acts are these of eternal immutability. Therefore we may learn with certainty what will sooner or later happen. On the part of God, it is an act of genuine kindness that he holds up the perdition of one to deter others from sin. Thus he would turn... read more
The parable is addressed, not to Pharaoh only, but to his multitude i.e; as in Ezekiel 30:4 , for his auxiliary forces. It opens with one of the customary formulae of an Eastern apologue ( Mark 4:30 ), intended to sharpen the curiosity and win the attention of the prophet's hearers or readers. It is significant that the question is repeated at the close of the parable, as if the prophet had left the interpretation to his readers, as our Lord does in saying, "He that hath ears to... read more
Behold, the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon . The Hebrew text, as rendered in all versions and interpreted by most commentators, gives us, in the form of the parable of the cedar, the history of the Assyrian empire in its glory and its fall. That had passed away in spite of its greatness, and so should Egypt. The question in Ezekiel 31:18 takes the place of "Thou art the man!" in Nathan's interpretation of his parable ( 2 Samuel 12:7 ), or the mutato nominee de te fabula, narratur of... read more
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ezekiel 31:1
In the eleventh year - On Sunday, June 19, A.M. 3416, according to Abp. Usher; a month before Jerusalem was taken by the Chaldeans. read more