Matthew Poole and continuators on Ezekiel 31:14

14 To the end that none of all the trees by the waters exalt themselves for their height: neither shoot up their top among the thick boughs, neither their trees stand up in their height, all that drink water: for they are all delivered unto death, to the nether parts of the earth, in the midst of the children of men, with them that go down to the pit.

All this is designed to be a warning to mortals.

i. e. the Emperours, Potentates, Kings, or rich flourishing States.

Planted most commodiously, and furnisht most abundantly with Power, and Wealth.

Grow proud, because they are high, shoot out tops above all the t[illegible: 1 letter]ick boughs their Neighbours. This caution against pride, and self exalting is three times repeated, that all, especially great men, and this proud King of Egypt, to whom this Parable is propounded, should be humble.

For if by office they are Gods, yet by nature, they are men, and by the decree of God, who cannot die, these Gods must, as men, dye, be laid in the grave, forgotten like other men, like the Children of mean men, for that death, and the grave make no distinction. Be not proud, God will pull down such, be humble, you must dye.

Marginal references: Or, stand upon [illegible: 4 letters]selves for [illegible: 1 letter]heir height.; Psal. 82.7.