They shall fall amid those who are slain by the sword. Egypt is delivered to the sword; drag her away, and all her multitudes.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse emphasizes the ignominious end awaiting Egypt – not a dignified burial, but a forceful dragging into a common grave, like common soldiers slain in battle. It highlights that for the godless, there's no honor or distinction in their destruction, only the brutal reality of being lumped with the forgotten dead.
They shall fall amid those who are slain by the sword. Egypt is delivered to the sword; drag her away, and all her multitudes.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Ezekiel is revealing to Pharaoh and Egypt their imminent downfall, portraying them as descending into the grave alongside other defeated nations. This prophecy describes Egypt as being delivered by God's decree to the sword of their enemies, the Babylonians, and their multitudes will be unceremoniously dragged away to be buried in the pit with the slain.
Why are the Egyptians treated with such indignity in death? It wasn't just a defeat, but a disgraced descent.
Ezekiel paints a grim picture of Egypt's fate. They won't receive a distinguished burial or an honored place in the afterlife. Instead, they are 'dragged' into the pit, mingling with other slain nations.
A Public Humiliation
The imagery of being 'dragged' signifies a complete lack of ceremony or respect. Unlike heroes or kings who might be honored in death, the Egyptians are treated like refuse, unceremoniously thrown into the common grave. This wasn't just physical death; it was a public, humiliating end to their power and pride.
Divine Judgment
This harsh treatment is a direct consequence of their actions. They invaded, oppressed, and relied on their own strength. God declares that Egypt is 'delivered to the sword,' meaning their destruction is a divine judgment for their sins. They are not merely victims of war, but recipients of God's justice.
Who is holding the 'sword' that brings Egypt down? It's not just an enemy army, but a tool in God's hand.
The phrase 'she is delivered to the sword' carries a profound weight. It means that the destruction coming upon Egypt is not accidental or merely the work of human armies.
God's Sovereign Decree
God Himself 'delivers' Egypt to the sword. This signifies that their fate is sealed by divine decree. The instruments of their destruction, whether Babylonians or internal strife, are acting as God's agents to carry out His judgment.
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Judgment for Arrogance
Egypt, despite its might and boasts, is ultimately subject to God's sovereign power. Their reliance on military strength and alliances proved futile against God's appointed judgment. The sword represents the decisive and inescapable execution of God's justice against a nation that defied Him.
Understand the original words
ḥereb · Hebrew Noun
An instrument of warfare representing the destructive power of divine judgment, historical conquest, and the violent end of those who oppose God or His purposes.
This prophecy was delivered during the Babylonian exile, a time when Judah was utterly crushed. Egypt, once a powerful neighbor, is depicted here not as a potential ally, but as another proud nation destined for divine judgment, to be dragged down into the grave alongside other vanquished peoples.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, conquers Jerusalem and deports a number of Judeans, including members of the royal family and prominent citizens. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, and deports most of the remaining population to Babylon. This event devastates the Kingdom of Judah and signals a major shift in regional power.
c. 580 BC— this verse
Ezekiel's Prophecy of Egypt's Fall
The prophet Ezekiel delivers prophecies, including this passage in chapter 32, condemning Egypt for its pride and for taking advantage of Judah's weakened state. He foretells Egypt's destruction by the Babylonians.
568-567 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's Campaign Against Egypt
Babylonian records indicate a military campaign by Nebuchadnezzar against Egypt. While the exact outcome is debated, it likely resulted in significant Egyptian losses and humiliation, fulfilling Ezekiel's prophecy.
This passage describes Egypt's defeat by the Babylonian army, echoing Ezekiel's prophecy of Egypt being 'delivered to the sword' and facing destruction.
Isaiah 19:1-15This prophecy foretells a time of great distress and judgment upon Egypt, even mentioning God stirring up 'fierce rulers,' which aligns with the violent fate described in Ezekiel 32.
Revelation 18:21-24This passage depicts the utter destruction of a great city (symbolically representing wicked nations and empires) by violence and fire, mirroring the complete annihilation and 'dragging away' of Egypt and its multitudes.
Ezekiel 28:7-10This prophecy against the king of Tyre describes his violent downfall and descent into the pit among the slain, illustrating the theme of powerful nations being ruthlessly brought down and joining other defeated peoples.
pooleEzekiel 32:20: "They shall fall in the midst of them that are slain by the sword: she is delivered to the sword: draw her and all her multitudes."
Now the prophet determines concerning the people, which die as others, fall undistinguished, and. as undistinguished, must be laid in the pit. They; the Egyptians. In the midst; in battle shall die. By the sword; either of one another in civil war, or of their neighbours they invaded, or of Babylonians that invaded them. She is delivered; the whole E…
barnesEzekiel 32:20: "They shall fall in the midst of them that are slain by the sword: she is delivered to the sword: draw her and all her multitudes."
She is delivered to the sword - Rather, the sword is put forth. Draw her down as one dragged to execution.
This verse emphasizes the ignominious end awaiting Egypt – not a dignified burial, but a forceful dragging into a common grave, like common soldiers slain in battle. It highlights that for the godless, there's no honor or distinction in their destruction, only the brutal reality of being lumped with the forgotten dead.
Ezekiel is revealing to Pharaoh and Egypt their imminent downfall, portraying them as descending into the grave alongside other defeated nations. This prophecy describes Egypt as being delivered by God's decree to the sword of their enemies, the Babylonians, and their multitudes will be unceremoniously dragged away to be buried in the pit with the slain.
Ezekiel is revealing to Pharaoh and Egypt their imminent downfall, portraying them as descending into the grave alongside other defeated nations. This prophecy describes Egypt as being delivered by God's decree to the sword of their enemies, the Babylonians, and their multitudes will be unceremoniously dragged away to be buried in the pit with the slain.
"They shall fall amid those who are slain by the sword. Egypt is delivered to the sword; drag her away, and all her multitudes." — This verse emphasizes the ignominious end awaiting Egypt – not a dignified burial, but a forceful dragging into a common grave, like common soldiers slain in battle. It highlights that for the godles…
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Last reviewed October 2026