King James Version
Ezekiel 26
21 verses with commentary
Prophecy Against Tyre
And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first day of the month, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
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And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first day of the month, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying—This precise dating formula (Hebrew vayehi, וַיְהִי) marks a significant prophetic oracle against Tyre. The eleventh year of Jehoiachin's exile corresponds to 587 BC, the very year Jerusalem fell to Babylon. The "first day of the month" (without specifying which month) creates interpretive discussion—likely the first month (Nisan/April) following Jerusalem's destruction in the fifth month (Ab/August) of the previous year.
That God's word came to Ezekiel at this precise moment—when Jerusalem lay in ruins—is theologically significant. Tyre's rejoicing over Jerusalem's fall (v. 2) would prove premature. The same Babylonian armies that destroyed God's city would turn against the Phoenician commercial empire. This demonstrates that Yahweh judges not only His covenant people but all nations. The phrase "the word of the LORD came" (davar YHWH, דְּבַר־יְהוָה) emphasizes divine initiative and authority—Ezekiel speaks not his own words but God's sovereign decree.
That God's word came to Ezekiel at this precise moment—when Jerusalem lay in ruins—is theologically significant. Tyre's rejoicing over Jerusalem's fall (v. 2) would prove premature. The same Babylonian armies that destroyed God's city would turn against the Phoenician commercial empire. This demonstrates that Yahweh judges not only His covenant people but all nations. The phrase "the word of the LORD came" (davar YHWH, דְּבַר־יְהוָה) emphasizes divine initiative and authority—Ezekiel speaks not his own words but God's sovereign decree.
Son of man, because that Tyrus hath said against Jerusalem, Aha, she is broken that was the gates of the people: she is turned unto me: I shall be replenished, now she is laid waste:
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Son of man, because that Tyrus hath said against Jerusalem, Aha, she is broken that was the gates of the people quotes Tyre's schadenfreude at Jerusalem's fall. Aha expresses malicious glee. She is broken refers to Jerusalem's destruction (586 BC). The gates of the people suggests Jerusalem was a commercial hub controlling trade routes; with her fallen, Tyre expected increased trade. She is turned unto me; I shall be replenished, now she is laid waste reveals Tyre's mercenary calculation—Jerusalem's loss is Tyre's gain. This commercial opportunism devoid of compassion provokes divine judgment. Rejoicing in others' calamity invites judgment, especially when the calamity is divine discipline.
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Tyrus, and will cause many nations to come up against thee, as the sea causeth his waves to come up.
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Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Tyrus announces divine opposition. The phrase I am against thee is one of Scripture's most terrifying statements—God Himself as enemy. And will cause many nations to come up against thee, as the sea causeth his waves to come up predicts successive invasions. Like waves relentlessly pounding a shore, nations will repeatedly attack Tyre. This was fulfilled through Babylonian siege (585-572 BC), then later conquest by Alexander the Great (332 BC). The wave metaphor is appropriate for the island city—judgment will come from the sea they dominated.
And they shall destroy the walls of Tyrus, and break down her towers: I will also scrape her dust from her, and make her like the top of a rock.
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And they shall destroy the walls of Tyrus, and break down her towers predicts military conquest. I will also scrape her dust from her, and make her like the top of a rock uses striking imagery—God will scrape Tyre clean like scraping barnacles off a rock, leaving bare stone. This prophecy was fulfilled when Alexander used Tyre's mainland rubble to build his causeway to the island, literally scraping the site clean. Archaeological excavations show the mainland site was indeed scraped to bedrock, exactly as prophesied. Prophetic precision demonstrates supernatural foreknowledge—details fulfilled centuries later could only come from God.
It shall be a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD: and it shall become a spoil to the nations.
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It shall be a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea predicts Tyre's reduction from commercial superpower to fishing village. For I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD seals the prophecy with divine authority. And it shall become a spoil to the nations indicates plunder by many powers. What was prosperous becomes desolate; what was proud becomes pitiful. The contrast between maritime empire and fishing nets emphasizes total reversal. God brings down proud powers and reduces them to humble subsistence. All human glory is temporary when it opposes God.
And her daughters which are in the field shall be slain by the sword; and they shall know that I am the LORD.
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And her daughters which are in the field shall be slain by the sword refers to Tyre's dependent cities and colonies on the mainland. Daughters means satellite settlements. The mainland cities will be conquered militarily. And they shall know that I am the LORD declares that judgment's purpose is revelatory—producing recognition of Yahweh's sovereignty. This recognition formula appears throughout Ezekiel. All judgment ultimately serves to reveal God's identity and authority. Some learn through mercy; others through judgment. But all will know Him eventually (Philippians 2:10-11).
For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring upon Tyrus Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, a king of kings, from the north, with horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and companies, and much people.
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For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring upon Tyrus Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon specifies the immediate agent of judgment. From the north indicates Babylon's approach—the standard invasion route into the Levant. A king of kings identifies Nebuchadnezzar's imperial status, ruling over subject kings. With horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and companies, and much people catalogs military might. The description emphasizes overwhelming force. Tyre's walls and fleet won't save her from divinely-appointed conquest. No human strength resists God's ordained instruments of judgment.
He shall slay with the sword thy daughters in the field: and he shall make a fort against thee, and cast a mount against thee, and lift up the buckler against thee. cast: or, pour out the engine of shot
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He shall slay with the sword thy daughters in the field predicts the mainland settlements' destruction. And he shall make a fort against thee describes siege works. And cast a mount against thee refers to earthen siege ramps. And lift up the buckler against thee means raising siege shields. The technical military details show God's intimate knowledge of warfare and His use of standard military practices to accomplish His purposes. Judgment employs ordinary means directed by extraordinary providence. God doesn't usually work miraculously when natural means suffice—He sovereignly orchestrates natural processes.
And he shall set engines of war against thy walls, and with his axes he shall break down thy towers.
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And he shall set engines of war against thy walls predicts siege engines—battering rams and similar devices. And with his axes he shall break down thy towers indicates systematic demolition of fortifications. Axes (or picks) were used to dismantle stone walls once breached. The image is one of methodical destruction, not random violence. Judgment is orderly, purposeful, and thorough. God's judgments aren't chaotic or emotional but calculated and comprehensive. Every detail serves His purposes; nothing is wasted or excessive.
By reason of the abundance of his horses their dust shall cover thee: thy walls shall shake at the noise of the horsemen, and of the wheels, and of the chariots, when he shall enter into thy gates, as men enter into a city wherein is made a breach. as men: Heb. according to the enterings of a city broken up
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By reason of the abundance of his horses their dust shall cover thee describes the massive Babylonian cavalry creating dust clouds. Thy walls shall shake at the noise of the horsemen, and of the wheels, and of the chariots predicts the trembling ground from thousands of horses and chariots. When he shall enter into thy gates, as men enter into a city wherein is made a breach describes the final assault through breached walls. The sensory details (dust, noise, shaking, breach) make judgment visceral and real. Ezekiel wants the exiles and Tyre to feel the coming devastation. Prophecy isn't abstract but concrete and terrifying.
With the hoofs of his horses shall he tread down all thy streets: he shall slay thy people by the sword, and thy strong garrisons shall go down to the ground.
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With the hoofs of his horses shall he tread down all thy streets continues the vivid imagery. Horses trampling streets represents total conquest and occupation. He shall slay thy people by the sword predicts loss of life. And thy strong garrisons shall go down to the ground means fortifications will be demolished. The phrase strong garrisons ironically contrasts military strength with ultimate vulnerability—what seemed impregnable falls. Human strength cannot stand against divine decree. Our strongest defenses become rubble when God decrees it. Pride in military might is misplaced confidence.
And they shall make a spoil of thy riches, and make a prey of thy merchandise: and they shall break down thy walls, and destroy thy pleasant houses: and they shall lay thy stones and thy timber and thy dust in the midst of the water. thy pleasant: Heb. houses of thy desire
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And they shall make a spoil of thy riches, and make a prey of thy merchandise predicts plunder of Tyre's legendary wealth. And they shall break down thy walls, and destroy thy pleasant houses continues the demolition. And they shall lay thy stones and thy timber and thy dust in the midst of the water describes the remarkable detail that Tyre's rubble will end up in the sea. This was literally fulfilled when Alexander used mainland Tyre's ruins to build his causeway to the island (332 BC), dumping stones, timber, and dust into the water. Prophetic precision 250+ years before fulfillment could only come from God.
And I will cause the noise of thy songs to cease; and the sound of thy harps shall be no more heard.
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And I will cause the noise of thy songs to cease removes Tyre's joy and celebration. And the sound of thy harps shall be no more heard silences music—the soundtrack of prosperous life. The change from singing to silence represents the end of happiness and prosperity. When God judges, joy departs. The absence of music indicates desolation—no celebrations, no weddings, no festivals. Judgment brings mourning; blessing brings music. The presence or absence of song reflects spiritual state—silence indicates judgment.
And I will make thee like the top of a rock: thou shalt be a place to spread nets upon; thou shalt be built no more: for I the LORD have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD.
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And I will make thee like the top of a rock repeats verse 4's imagery—bare, scraped clean. Thou shalt be a place to spread nets upon confirms fishing village status. Thou shalt be built no more declares permanent diminishment. For I the LORD have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD seals the prophecy with divine authority. The repetition emphasizes certainty. The phrase built no more doesn't mean absolutely never rebuilt but never restored to former glory. Tyre exists today but never regained its ancient dominance. God's judgments may not mean total annihilation but permanent humiliation—reduction from empire to insignificance.
Thus saith the Lord GOD to Tyrus; Shall not the isles shake at the sound of thy fall, when the wounded cry, when the slaughter is made in the midst of thee?
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Thus saith the Lord GOD to Tyrus; Shall not the isles shake at the sound of thy fall, when the wounded cry, when the slaughter is made in the midst of thee?—The rhetorical question expects affirmative answer: Yes, the coastlands will tremble. The Hebrew iyim (אִיִּים, "isles") refers to Mediterranean coastal regions and islands dependent on Tyre's trade network. Ra'ash (רָעַשׁ, "shake") denotes violent trembling from terror, not just economic disruption but existential fear—if mighty Tyre can fall, no city is secure.
"When the wounded cry, when the slaughter is made in the midst of thee"—the Hebrew ne'ekah chalal (נֶאֱקַת חָלָל, "groaning of the wounded") and herog (הֶרֶג, "slaughter") depict graphic urban warfare. Island Tyre was considered impregnable; its fall would be catastrophic. This prophecy found initial fulfillment in Nebuchadnezzar's 13-year siege (585-572 BC) and complete fulfillment when Alexander the Great utterly destroyed the island city in 332 BC. The "isles" shaking refers to the cascading collapse of Phoenician commercial colonies from Cyprus to Carthage to Spain—the ancient world's first global economic crisis.
"When the wounded cry, when the slaughter is made in the midst of thee"—the Hebrew ne'ekah chalal (נֶאֱקַת חָלָל, "groaning of the wounded") and herog (הֶרֶג, "slaughter") depict graphic urban warfare. Island Tyre was considered impregnable; its fall would be catastrophic. This prophecy found initial fulfillment in Nebuchadnezzar's 13-year siege (585-572 BC) and complete fulfillment when Alexander the Great utterly destroyed the island city in 332 BC. The "isles" shaking refers to the cascading collapse of Phoenician commercial colonies from Cyprus to Carthage to Spain—the ancient world's first global economic crisis.
Then all the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones, and lay away their robes, and put off their broidered garments: they shall clothe themselves with trembling; they shall sit upon the ground, and shall tremble at every moment, and be astonished at thee. trembling: Heb. tremblings
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Then all the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones, and lay away their robes, and put off their broidered garments: they shall clothe themselves with trembling—The "princes of the sea" (Hebrew nesiey hayam, נְשִׂיאֵי הַיָּם) are rulers of maritime city-states in Tyre's commercial network. Their descending from thrones signals abdication of authority and dignity. Laying aside royal robes and embroidered garments (Hebrew riqmah, רִקְמָה—expensive woven fabrics Tyre specialized in) symbolizes mourning and terror.
Most striking: "they shall clothe themselves with trembling" (Hebrew charadot yilbashu, חֲרָדוֹת יִלְבָּשׁוּ). Trembling becomes their garment—terror so pervasive it defines them. "They shall sit upon the ground, and shall tremble at every moment"—sitting on the ground (Hebrew al-ha'aretz yeshevu, עַל־הָאָרֶץ יֵשֵׁבוּ) is mourning posture (Job 2:13, Lamentations 2:10). The phrase "tremble at every moment" (Hebrew charad lirgaim, חָרְדוּ לִרְגָעִים) means constant, unrelenting terror. These merchant princes who once dominated global trade now sit paralyzed with fear. Economic collapse produces not just poverty but psychological devastation.
Most striking: "they shall clothe themselves with trembling" (Hebrew charadot yilbashu, חֲרָדוֹת יִלְבָּשׁוּ). Trembling becomes their garment—terror so pervasive it defines them. "They shall sit upon the ground, and shall tremble at every moment"—sitting on the ground (Hebrew al-ha'aretz yeshevu, עַל־הָאָרֶץ יֵשֵׁבוּ) is mourning posture (Job 2:13, Lamentations 2:10). The phrase "tremble at every moment" (Hebrew charad lirgaim, חָרְדוּ לִרְגָעִים) means constant, unrelenting terror. These merchant princes who once dominated global trade now sit paralyzed with fear. Economic collapse produces not just poverty but psychological devastation.
And they shall take up a lamentation for thee, and say to thee, How art thou destroyed, that wast inhabited of seafaring men, the renowned city, which wast strong in the sea, she and her inhabitants, which cause their terror to be on all that haunt it! of: Heb. of the seas
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And they shall take up a lamentation for thee, and say to thee, How art thou destroyed, that wast inhabited of seafaring men, the renowned city, which wast strong in the sea—The Hebrew qinah (קִינָה, "lamentation") is a formal funeral dirge. Surrounding nations will sing a death song for Tyre. "How art thou destroyed" (eykh avadt, אֵיךְ אָבַדְתְּ) echoes Lamentations' opening lament over Jerusalem—the same Hebrew formula expresses shocked grief over the unthinkable.
"Inhabited of seafaring men" (Hebrew noshevet miyamim, נוֹשֶׁבֶת מִיַּמִּים—"inhabited from the seas") describes Tyre's maritime population—sailors, merchants, naval forces. "The renowned city" (ha'ir hahullalah, הָעִיר הַהֻלָּלָה—"the praised city") indicates international fame. Most devastating: "which wast strong in the sea, she and her inhabitants, which cause their terror to be on all that haunt it"—Tyre dominated through naval power and commercial control, inspiring fear in competitors. Now the feared becomes the pitied, the strong becomes rubble. This reversal demonstrates God's sovereignty over human pride and power.
"Inhabited of seafaring men" (Hebrew noshevet miyamim, נוֹשֶׁבֶת מִיַּמִּים—"inhabited from the seas") describes Tyre's maritime population—sailors, merchants, naval forces. "The renowned city" (ha'ir hahullalah, הָעִיר הַהֻלָּלָה—"the praised city") indicates international fame. Most devastating: "which wast strong in the sea, she and her inhabitants, which cause their terror to be on all that haunt it"—Tyre dominated through naval power and commercial control, inspiring fear in competitors. Now the feared becomes the pitied, the strong becomes rubble. This reversal demonstrates God's sovereignty over human pride and power.
Now shall the isles tremble in the day of thy fall; yea, the isles that are in the sea shall be troubled at thy departure.
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Now shall the isles tremble in the day of thy fall; yea, the isles that are in the sea shall be troubled at thy departure—Repetition intensifies the message. The Hebrew yecherdu (יֶחֶרְדוּ, "shall tremble") and nibhalu (נִבְהֲלוּ, "shall be troubled") are synonyms for terror, fear, and panic. The doubling—"isles tremble...isles troubled"—creates poetic emphasis. "In the day of thy fall" (beyom maplekh, בְּיוֹם מַפַּלְתֵּךְ) marks the specific moment of Tyre's collapse.
The phrase "thy departure" (Hebrew tzetekh, צֵאתֵךְ—literally "your going out" or "your exit") is euphemistic for death and destruction—Tyre's permanent removal from history's stage. This isn't temporary setback but permanent displacement. The economic and political vacuum created by Tyre's fall destabilized the ancient Mediterranean world. What appears to be merely economic prophecy reveals theological truth: when God removes a world power, the ripple effects are global. No empire is indispensable; every human system is temporary. Only God's kingdom endures.
The phrase "thy departure" (Hebrew tzetekh, צֵאתֵךְ—literally "your going out" or "your exit") is euphemistic for death and destruction—Tyre's permanent removal from history's stage. This isn't temporary setback but permanent displacement. The economic and political vacuum created by Tyre's fall destabilized the ancient Mediterranean world. What appears to be merely economic prophecy reveals theological truth: when God removes a world power, the ripple effects are global. No empire is indispensable; every human system is temporary. Only God's kingdom endures.
For thus saith the Lord GOD; When I shall make thee a desolate city, like the cities that are not inhabited; when I shall bring up the deep upon thee, and great waters shall cover thee;
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For thus saith the Lord GOD; When I shall make thee a desolate city, like the cities that are not inhabited; when I shall bring up the deep upon thee, and great waters shall cover thee. This prophetic judgment against Tyre employs dramatic imagery of cosmic devastation. The Hebrew word for "desolate" (shammah, שַׁמָּה) conveys utter ruin and horror—a city so destroyed it evokes shock and dismay. The phrase "cities that are not inhabited" refers to ancient ruins that have ceased to function as living communities, becoming mere archaeological remnants.
The imagery of "the deep" (tehom, תְּהוֹם) rising to cover the city reverses creation itself. In Genesis 1, God separated the waters to create habitable land; here, He causes the primordial waters to return, symbolizing de-creation and judgment. This echoes the flood narrative, where God's judgment came through overwhelming waters. The "great waters" (mayim rabbim, מַיִם רַבִּים) throughout Scripture often represent chaos, danger, and divine judgment.
Historically, this prophecy was fulfilled when Nebuchadnezzar besieged Tyre (585-573 BC) and later when Alexander the Great destroyed the island city (332 BC) using debris from the mainland ruins to build a causeway—literally covering it with earth and water. This demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over even the most powerful commercial empires. Tyre's pride in her maritime wealth and strategic position could not save her from divine judgment. The verse warns against false security in earthly power, commerce, and geographic advantage.
The imagery of "the deep" (tehom, תְּהוֹם) rising to cover the city reverses creation itself. In Genesis 1, God separated the waters to create habitable land; here, He causes the primordial waters to return, symbolizing de-creation and judgment. This echoes the flood narrative, where God's judgment came through overwhelming waters. The "great waters" (mayim rabbim, מַיִם רַבִּים) throughout Scripture often represent chaos, danger, and divine judgment.
Historically, this prophecy was fulfilled when Nebuchadnezzar besieged Tyre (585-573 BC) and later when Alexander the Great destroyed the island city (332 BC) using debris from the mainland ruins to build a causeway—literally covering it with earth and water. This demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over even the most powerful commercial empires. Tyre's pride in her maritime wealth and strategic position could not save her from divine judgment. The verse warns against false security in earthly power, commerce, and geographic advantage.
When I shall bring thee down with them that descend into the pit, with the people of old time, and shall set thee in the low parts of the earth, in places desolate of old, with them that go down to the pit, that thou be not inhabited; and I shall set glory in the land of the living;
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When I shall bring thee down with them that descend into the pit—Tyre's judgment continues. בּוֹר (bôr, 'pit') often means Sheol, the realm of the dead (Psalm 28:1, Isaiah 14:15). With the people of old time (עַם־עוֹלָם, ʿam-ʿôlām)—ancient civilizations already destroyed and forgotten.
And shall set glory in the land of the living—While Tyre descends to death, God promises צְבִי (ṣĕbî, 'beauty/glory') in אֶרֶץ חַיִּים (ʾereṣ ḥayyîm, 'the land of the living')—referring to restored Israel (20:6, 15). Tyre's wealth and splendor would vanish, but Israel's glory would be restored. This contrast appears throughout prophetic literature: prideful nations are humbled, while humble Israel is exalted (Isaiah 2:11-17). Tyre's ruins would testify to God's judgment; Israel's restoration would testify to His faithfulness.
And shall set glory in the land of the living—While Tyre descends to death, God promises צְבִי (ṣĕbî, 'beauty/glory') in אֶרֶץ חַיִּים (ʾereṣ ḥayyîm, 'the land of the living')—referring to restored Israel (20:6, 15). Tyre's wealth and splendor would vanish, but Israel's glory would be restored. This contrast appears throughout prophetic literature: prideful nations are humbled, while humble Israel is exalted (Isaiah 2:11-17). Tyre's ruins would testify to God's judgment; Israel's restoration would testify to His faithfulness.
I will make thee a terror, and thou shalt be no more: though thou be sought for, yet shalt thou never be found again, saith the Lord GOD. a terror: Heb. terrors
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I will make thee a terror, and thou shalt be no more—בַּלָּהוֹת (ballāhôt, 'terrors/horrifying thing') describes Tyre as an object lesson of judgment. Though thou be sought for, yet shalt thou never be found again, saith the Lord GOD—The Hebrew תְבֻקְשִׁי וְלֹא־תִמָּצְאִי (tĕbuqshî wĕlōʾ-timmāṣĕʾî, 'you will be sought but not found') promises permanent erasure.
This is the divine signature: נְאֻם אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה (nĕʾum ʾădōnāy YHWH, 'utterance of the Lord GOD') sealing the prophecy. Ancient Tyre's magnificent civilization—described in chapter 27 as the perfection of beauty—would become a byword for judgment. Isaiah 23, Amos 1:9-10, Zechariah 9:3-4, and Jesus' own references (Matthew 11:21-22, Luke 10:13-14) all assume Tyre's destruction as historical fact. Archaeological excavations confirm: Phoenician Tyre's glory was systematically obliterated, first by Babylon, then completely by Alexander. The city exists but its ancient identity is irretrievable—precisely as prophesied.
This is the divine signature: נְאֻם אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה (nĕʾum ʾădōnāy YHWH, 'utterance of the Lord GOD') sealing the prophecy. Ancient Tyre's magnificent civilization—described in chapter 27 as the perfection of beauty—would become a byword for judgment. Isaiah 23, Amos 1:9-10, Zechariah 9:3-4, and Jesus' own references (Matthew 11:21-22, Luke 10:13-14) all assume Tyre's destruction as historical fact. Archaeological excavations confirm: Phoenician Tyre's glory was systematically obliterated, first by Babylon, then completely by Alexander. The city exists but its ancient identity is irretrievable—precisely as prophesied.