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An allegory of the trees used of the Lord to announce the destruction of the Assyrian. Their fall was of such heinous degree that the trees of the forest, the other nations are silenced and dumbfounded by the fall. All because of the excessive pride of his height, his position among the nations and the attitude of his heart. Eze. 31:10 He was to be delivered into the control of the mighty one ( Nebuchadnezzar) of the heathen for destruction because of his wickedness. The tree is felled, the nation and all that it represents will be destroyed and left lie cut up and broken. All that at one time took shelter in its glorious stature and beauty fled and completely deserted it. They were made fully aware of their human nature and the ultimate destruction of all flesh. Eze. 31:12-14 Earthly rulers, in their pride of position, power and office are prone to forget the Lord or they give minimal attention to Him. In ignorance they do not realize that the Lord, ìrules in the kingdom of men,î giving it to whomever He will. And sets over it the lowest of men.î Dan. 4:17 Good, bad or indifferent all world authority is in the hands of the Lord. The existing authorities are but tools in the hands of the Lord to work out His will. Rom. 13:1-4.
All this was addressed to Pharaoh by the Lord who knew the heart of Pharaoh better than Pharaoh himself. The Lord issued a challenge which could well be directed at every and all world leaders. ìWhom art thou like in thy greatness.î Eze. 31:2 History is filled with great dynasties but because they did not honor the Lord, they were caused to fall like this great cedar tree, Assyria. The nations were all effected by the down fall of the mighty nation of Assyria. He was cast into the pit, into the bowls of the earth and with him those who placed their trust and confidence in him. The prophecy, though directed to Pharaoh, has its end time connotation proclaiming the destruction of the kingdom established by the ungodly trinity found in the book of Revelation. The antichrist and the false prophet will be cast alive into the lake of fire, i.e. hell. Rev. 19:20 It is likewise the ultimate eternal residence of the devil. Rev. 20:10.
Of this we may be certain, Pharaoh was amply warned of the impending judgments which were about to fall upon him. The next prophecy came in the form of a lamentation, a funeral dirge, a message of mourning and sorrow. Eze. 32:2 How typical Pharaoh is of humanity as a whole. The Lord is faithful in speaking to our hearts, warning us of the pitfalls that lie ahead in a life style that is unpleasing to Him, but, all too often we hear but do not comprehend or react properly with repentance and correction of our ways. It is time to take a lesson from Pharaoh and do the will of the Lord.