Reading for March 1st

Read Ezekiel 31.1-18 The fifth oracle concerning Pharaoh. The imagery of a fallen cedar of Lebanon portrays Pharaoh's downfall. In verse 1: In the eleventh year ... the third month ... the first day: June 21, 587 BCE. In verses 2-9: See Isaiah's portrayal of the Assyrain monarch as a tall tree that is felled (Isa 10.5-34) and the tradition of the well-watered tree in the Garden of Eden that plays a role in the downfall of Adam and Eve (Gen 2-3). In verses 10-14: Because of its height and arrogance, the tree is cut down (Isa 2.6-21; 10.5-34). The prince of the nations: Literally, "the ram of the nations," Nebachadnezzar The Babylonians boasted of the trees they took from Lebanon. Pit: underworld (Isa 14.3-23). In verses 15-18: Sheol: the Hebrew name for the underworld. Comments or Questions..