So it towered high above all the trees of the field; its boughs grew large and its branches long from abundant water in its shoots.
This prophecy bears date the month before Jerusalem was taken, as that in the close of the foregoing chapter about four months before. When God's people were in the depth of their distress, it would be some comfort to them, as it would serve likewise for a check to the pride and malice of their neighbours, that insulted over them, to be told from heaven...
Commenting on Ezekiel 31:1-9
Therefore his height was exalted above all the trees of the field,.... His majesty, grandeur, and glory, were advanced above all princes, nobles, and people; all ranks and degrees of men, let them be compared to trees taller or lower: and his boughs were multiplied, and his branches became long; the provinces of his empire became more numerous, and were spread far and near, and...
when he shot forth--because of the abundant moisture which nourished him in shooting forth. But see Margin.