Ezekiel 31:9

9 I gave it many branches. They made it beautiful. All of the trees in my Garden of Eden were jealous of it.' "

Ezekiel 31:9 Meaning and Commentary

Ezekiel 31:9

I have made him fair by the multitude of his branches
Or provinces, the extensiveness of his dominions: all his power and strength, riches and wealth, grandeur and glory, and the vast dominions he was possessed of, were all from the Lord; as whatever kings have are, though they are too apt to ascribe it to themselves; but all are from him, by whom kings reign: so that all the trees of Eden, that were in the garden of God, envied
him;
all the kings of the earth, though they dared not openly speak against him, or oppose him; yet they inwardly grieved at and secretly grudged his grandeur and majesty, superior to theirs, and wished themselves in his stead; and could gladly have done anything, were it in their power, to eclipse his glory, and bring him lower. This is the case of all that are in any eminence, or are conspicuous to others, or in any exalted station above others, be it what it will; whether they have superior gifts and endowments of mind; or greater riches, and larger possessions; or are in high places of honour, trust, and profit. The Targum is,

``I have made him beautiful by the multitude of his mighty ones; and all the kings of the east trembled before him, because of the strength of his power, which he had from the Lord.''

Ezekiel 31:9 In-Context

7 Its spreading branches made it majestic and beautiful. Its roots went down deep to where there was plenty of water.

8 The cedar trees in my garden were no match for it. The pine trees could not equal its limbs. The plane trees could not compare with its branches. No tree in my garden could match its beauty.

9 I gave it many branches. They made it beautiful. All of the trees in my Garden of Eden were jealous of it.' "

10 So the LORD and King says, "The cedar tree grew very high. Its top was above all of the leaves. It was proud of how tall it was.

11 So I handed it over to the Babylonian ruler of the nations. I wanted him to punish it because it was so evil. I decided to get rid of it.