2. Pharaoh. Hophra, or Apries, noted for his arrogant pride (see on 29:3).
The Assyrian. ’Ashshur, “Assyria.” A change of one letter of the consonantal Hebrew and a change in pointing to ’ashweka give the reading “I will liken thee.” The sentence would then read, “Behold, I will liken thee to a cedar in Lebanon” (see ). However, we cannot be sure that such changes are justified. It is possible to understand the allegory if the reference to Assyria is retained. The history and downfall of Assyria would then be set forth as an example of the history and overthrow of Egypt. With the change in the text the application would be direct.
A cedar. For similar imagery see Isa. 10:34; 37:24; Eze. 17:3; Dan. 4:20-22; Zech. 11:1, 2.