Ezekiel 31:6

6 All the birds of the sky nested in its branches,^[a] and all the animals of the field gave birth beneath its boughs; all the great nations lived in its shade.

Ezekiel 31:6 Meaning and Commentary

Ezekiel 31:6

All the fowls of the heavens made their nests in his boughs,
&c.] People from all parts of the world, under the whole heavens, flocked to his dominions, and settled themselves in one province or another; promising themselves protection, prosperity, and peace under his government: and under his branches did all the beasts of the field bring forth
their young;
even people of a more savage disposition, being either conquered by him, and placed in his provinces; or coming thither of their own accord, took up their residence there, built houses, planted vineyards, married wives, begat children, and settled their families there: and under his shadow dwelt all great nations;
under his protection, care, and government, many large kingdoms and states were; yea, all were either subject to him, or sought to be his friends and allies: this explains the above figurative expressions. The Targum is,

``by his army he subdued all the strong towers; and under his governors he subjected all the provinces of the earth; and in the shadow of his kingdom dwelt all the numerous people.''

Ezekiel 31:6 In-Context

4 The waters caused it to grow; the underground springs made it tall, directing their rivers all around the place where the tree was planted and sending their channels to all the trees of the field.

5 Therefore the cedar became greater in height than all the trees of the field. Its branches multiplied, and its boughs grew long as it spread [them] out because of the plentiful water.

6 All the birds of the sky nested in its branches, and all the animals of the field gave birth beneath its boughs; all the great nations lived in its shade.

7 It was beautiful in its greatness, in the length of its limbs, for its roots extended to abundant water.

8 The cedars in God's garden could not rival it; the pine trees couldn't compare with its branches, nor could the plane trees match its boughs. No tree in the garden of God could compare with it in beauty.

Footnotes

• [a]. Ezk 17:23; Dn 4:12,21; Mt 13:32