The Bigger They Are, The Harder They Fall – Eze 31
When I was growing up, my dad and grandfather would work together to cut down trees of the forest to be used for lumber and firewood. I was always amazed to watch those trees fall to the earth with great force and noise. And the larger the trees, the harder they would fall.
In Ezekiel 31, God illustrates the imminent fall of Egypt with the recent fall of Assyria. Assyria is described as a tall cedar that grew and push its way above all the other trees (nations). In and under its branches, many birds and animals (other nations) found shelter. Then God took this prideful, powerful tree down (v.10-11). It fell to the earth just like all other nations fell. And that is exactly what was going to happen to Pharoah as well (v.2,18).
The lesson of this chapter is that no matter how big, how strong, how rich, how powerful we may become in this world, we are not too big for God. Just as God took down the prideful Assyrians and Egyptians, He can take down anyone who exalts himself against God.
What a warning to us! No one should be so foolish to think that they can rise up against God. No one should place confidence in themselves and their own abilities. All who do will end up just like those who have fallen.
“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:”
1 Peter 5:5-6