Chapter 31

1 A relation unto Pharaoh, 3 of the glory of Assyria, 10 and the fall thereof for pride. 18 The like destruction of Egypt.

1. The eleventh year. Of Jehoiachin’s captivity (see on ch. 1:2); the month date falls in June, 587 or 586 (see p. 572). The present prophecy was given about two months after the previous one ch. 30:20). In prophetic allegory and in stirring poetic parallel the prophet describes the fall of the great nation of Egypt.

2. Pharaoh. Hophra, or Apries, noted for his arrogant pride (see on ch. 29:3).

The Assyrian. Heb. ХAshshur, “Assyria.” A change of one letter of the consonantal Hebrew and a change in pointing to Хashweka give the reading “I will liken thee.” The sentence would then read, “Behold, I will liken thee to a cedar in Lebanon” (see RSV). However, we cannot be sure that such changes are justified. It is possible to understand the allegory if the reference to Assyria is retained. The history and downfall of Assyria would then be set forth as an example of the history and overthrow of Egypt. With the change in the text the application would be direct.

A cedar. For similar imagery see Isa. 10:34; 37:24; Eze. 17:3; Dan. 4:20–22; Zech. 11:1, 2.

4. Waters made him great. The LXX reads, “The waters nourished him.” The reference is either to the Nile or to the Tigris, depending upon what interpretation is adopted (see on v. 3).

6. Fowls of heaven. Compare Eze. 17:23; Dan. 4:21.

8. Garden of God. The LXX reads “the paradise of God.” The figure seems to be drawn from the Garden of Eden (see Gen. 2:8; Eze. 31:9). By poetic hyperbole the prophet describes the pretended greatness of Egypt. The garden of God may here represent Israel as the people of God.

10. Lifted up thyself. See on ch. 29:3.

11. The mighty one. That is, Nebuchadnezzar (see on ch. 29:19

12. Have left him. Compare ch. 29:5.

13. Upon his ruin. Compare ch. 29:5.

14. Exalt themselves. This is the lesson to be drawn from the parable. Let not the other trees rely on their own strength and be infatuated with prosperity.

15. Grave. Heb. sheХol, hade¬s in the LXX, the figurative abode of the dead, represented as a subterranean cavern (see on Prov. 15:11).

16. Hell. Heb. sheХol (see on v. 15).

17. Slain with the sword. The reality breaks through the figure.

His arm. His auxiliaries, those who helped him in his conquests.

18. This is Pharaoh. The allegory is applied.

Ellen G. White comments

3–9PK 363

8     PP 450

10–16PK 365

18   PK 366