7 It was majestic in beauty, with its spreading boughs, for its roots went down to abundant waters.
7 Thus was he fair in his greatness, in the length of his branches: for his root was by great waters.
7 It was beautiful in its greatness, in the length of its branches; for its roots went down to abundant waters.
7 It was stunning in its majesty - the reach of its branches! the depth of its water-seeking roots!
7 'Thus it was beautiful in greatness and in the length of its branches, Because its roots reached to abundant waters.
7 It was strong and beautiful, with wide-spreading branches, for its roots went deep into abundant water.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:7
Commentary on Ezekiel 31:1-9
(Read Ezekiel 31:1-9)
The falls of others, both into sin and ruin, warn us not to be secure or high-minded. The prophet is to show an instance of one whom the king of Egypt resembled in greatness, the Assyrian, compared to a stately cedar. Those who excel others, make themselves the objects of envy; but the blessings of the heavenly paradise are not liable to such alloy. The utmost security that any creature can give, is but like the shadow of a tree, a scanty and slender protection. But let us flee to God for protection, there we shall be safe. His hand must be owned in the rising of the great men of the earth, and we must not envy them. Though worldly people may seem to have firm prosperity, yet it only seems so.