Ezekiel 32:25
They have set her a bed in the midst of the slain with all her multitude: her graves are round about him: all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword: though their terror was caused in the land of the living, yet have they borne their shame with them that go down to the pit: he is put in the midst of them that be slain.
Ezekiel 32:25 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse describes a scene where a woman, symbolizing a nation or city, is surrounded by the slain. Her graves are all around her, representing the destruction and death that has come upon her. The people buried with her are described as "uncircumcised," a term which in biblical context often signifies being outside of the covenant relationship with God. These individuals were slain by the sword, indicating a violent and bloody end. Despite the fear they instilled in the land of the living, they are now in the realm of the dead, bearing their shame as they descend into the pit. The woman is placed in the midst of these slain ones, emphasizing her involvement in the destruction and judgment that has befallen her and her people.
Theological Overview
According to theological interpretation, this verse depicts a grim picture of the fate of a nation that has suffered punishment for its sins. The setting of a bed in the midst of the slain signifies the tragic end of a once thriving community. The mention of uncircumcised individuals being among the dead highlights their lack of connection with God's covenant, thus facing divine wrath. The phrase "slain by the sword" indicates a violent end for those who have rebelled against God. Despite their terror in the land of the living, their shame follows them into the afterlife, illustrating the eternal consequences of their actions. The imagery of being put in the midst of the slain emphasizes the severity of their punishment and serves as a warning to others who may follow the same path of disobedience.
Ezekiel 32:25 in other translations
American Standard Version
They have set her a bed in the midst of the slain with all her multitude; her graves are round about her; all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword; for their terror was caused in the land of the living, and they have borne their shame with them that go down to the pit: he is put in the midst of them that are slain.
World English Bible
They have set her a bed in the midst of the slain with all her multitude; her graves are around her; all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword; for their terror was caused in the land of the living, and they have borne their shame with those who go down to the pit: he is put in the midst of those who are slain.
Douay-Rheims
In the midst of the slain they have set him a bed among all his people: their graves are round about him: all these are uncircumcised, and slain by the sword: for they spread their terror in the land of the living, and have borne their shame with them that descend into the pit: they are laid in the midst of the slain.
Geneva Bible (1599)
They haue made his bed in the mids of the slaine with al his multitude: their graues are round about him: all these vncircucised are slaine by the sworde: though they haue caused their feare in the land of ye liuing, yet haue they borne their shame with them that goe downe to the pitte: they are laide in the middes of them, that be slaine.