“Edom is there, her kings and all her princes, who for all their might are laid with those who are killed by the sword; they lie with the uncircumcised, with those who go down to the pit.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Despite Edom's lineage through Abraham and their practice of circumcision, they are cast down to lie with the uncircumcised, signifying a complete loss of their identity and honor in death. This humbling end highlights that even those with covenant ties can face ultimate disgrace if their hearts remain uncircumcised from wickedness. Their powerful kings and princes share the same ignominious fate as the common slain, swallowed by the same "pit."
“Edom is there, her kings and all her princes, who for all their might are laid with those who are killed by the sword; they lie with the uncircumcised, with those who go down to the pit.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse continues Ezekiel's powerful vision of the underworld, where fallen nations and kings are depicted in a chaotic, dishonored grave. Following the imagined descent of Egypt, the prophecy now turns to Edom, the descendants of Esau, highlighting their kings and princes who, despite their earthly power and even their ritual circumcision, will be mixed with the uncircumcised and cast into the pit, a common burial place for the defeated.
Edom's kings and princes, famed for their strength, meet a surprising end. What does their fate reveal about true power?
Ezekiel vividly paints a picture of Edom's rulers joining the ranks of the slain. These were not just common soldiers, but 'her kings and all her princes,' men who wielded significant power and influence. The verse emphasizes that 'with all their might' they are 'laid with those who are killed by the sword.' This starkly contrasts their earthly power with their ultimate destiny. Their strength and status offered no protection against the inevitability of death and defeat. They are brought down to the same level as everyone else who falls in battle.
Why does Ezekiel specifically mention lying 'with the uncircumcised' and 'with those who go down to the pit'?
This phrase carries a deep sting. While Edomites were physically circumcised as descendants of Abraham, spiritually and morally, they were estranged from God. To be 'laid with the uncircumcised' meant being grouped with the Gentiles, the outsiders, and importantly, with the common, undistinguished dead in the grave, referred to as 'the pit.' It signifies a loss of honor and distinction. Their heritage and their military might couldn't grant them a special place in death. They share a common fate with all who fall outside God's favor and covenant, emphasizing a spiritual separation even in death.
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edom · Hebrew Proper Noun
An ancient kingdom located southeast of the Dead Sea, descended from Esau. In the prophets, it often represents a nation characterized by pride, hostility toward Israel, and eventually, the judgment of God.
shachath · Hebrew Noun
A generic term for the grave, death, or destruction. It represents the finality of physical life and is frequently used metaphorically for the place where the wicked are sent as judgment.
Ezekiel's vision places Edom's kings and princes in the realm of the dead, alongside other defeated nations like Egypt. This prophecy highlights that even though Edom was circumcised, their deep-seated hatred and participation in the destruction of God's people led to a common, dishonorable grave with the uncircumcised, emphasizing that outward ritual means nothing without a right heart.
c. 8th century BC
Edom's mockery of Israel
Edom, descended from Esau, had a long history of animosity towards Israel. They frequently mocked and oppressed God's people, particularly during times of crisis.
c. 586 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's conquest of Judah
The Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar II, conquered Jerusalem and exiled many Judeans. Edom actively participated in this destruction and profited from it.
c. 585 BC— this verse
Edom's destruction prophesied
Following their complicity in Jerusalem's fall, Ezekiel prophesies the downfall of Edom, foretelling their being conquered and brought low.
c. 570 BC
Fall of Apries (Pharaoh Hophra)
The Egyptian Pharaoh Apries, an ally of Judah, was overthrown and likely executed. He is mentioned in this vision as experiencing a similar, ignominious end.
c. 550-500 BC
Rise of Persian Empire
The geopolitical landscape began to shift with the rise of the Persian Empire, which would eventually conquer Babylon and impact the entire region.
This passage directly prophesies the judgment against Edom for their actions, echoing the theme of their destruction and dishonorable end found in Ezekiel 32:29.
Jeremiah 49:7-18Similar to Isaiah, Jeremiah also foretells Edom's downfall, emphasizing the futility of their might against God's judgment and their eventual descent into ruin.
Ezekiel 25:12-14This earlier prophecy by Ezekiel details Edom's transgression against Judah and the subsequent judgment, providing context for why Edom, along with other nations, faces destruction.
Psalm 37:35-36This psalm speaks about the ultimate fate of the wicked, who, despite their power and influence, are cut off and vanish, much like the kings and princes of Edom described as going down to the pit.
bensonEzekiel 32:29: "There is Edom, her kings, and all her princes, which with their might are laid by them that were slain by the sword: they shall lie with the uncircumcised, and with them that go down to the pit."
Ezekiel 32:29-32 . There is Edom, her kings, &c. — Of whose destruction Ezekiel prophesied, Ezekiel 25:12 ; laid by them that were slain by the sword — Laid among the conquered. With them that go down to the pit — Among those of no renown, who are thrown into one common grave without an…
jfbEzekiel 32:29: "There is Edom, her kings, and all her princes, which with their might are laid by them that were slain by the sword: they shall lie with the uncircumcised, and with them that go down to the pit."
- princes—Edom was not only governed by kings, but by subordinate "princes" or "dukes" (Ge 36:40).with their might—notwithstanding their might, they shall be brought down (Isa 34:5, 10-17; Jer 49:7, 13-18).lie with the uncircumcised—Though Edom was circumcised, being descended from Is…
Despite Edom's lineage through Abraham and their practice of circumcision, they are cast down to lie with the uncircumcised, signifying a complete loss of their identity and honor in death. This humbling end highlights that even those with covenant ties can face ultimate disgrace if their hearts remain uncircumcised from wickedness. Their powerful kings and princes share the same ignominious fate as the common slain, swallowed by the same "pit."
This verse continues Ezekiel's powerful vision of the underworld, where fallen nations and kings are depicted in a chaotic, dishonored grave. Following the imagined descent of Egypt, the prophecy now turns to Edom, the descendants of Esau, highlighting their kings and princes who, despite their earthly power and even their ritual circumcision, will be mixed with the uncircumcised and cast into the pit, a common burial place for the defeated.
This verse continues Ezekiel's powerful vision of the underworld, where fallen nations and kings are depicted in a chaotic, dishonored grave. Following the imagined descent of Egypt, the prophecy now turns to Edom, the descendants of Esau, highlighting their kings and princes who, despite their earthly power and even their ritual circumcision, will be mixed with the uncircumcised and cast into the pit, a common burial place for the defeated.
"“Edom is there, her kings and all her princes, who for all their might are laid with those who are killed by the sword; they lie with the uncircumcised, with those who go down to the pit." — Despite Edom's lineage through Abraham and their practice of circumcision, they are cast down to lie with the uncircumcised, signifying a complete loss of their identity and honor in death. This humb…
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Last reviewed October 2026