King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 26:7 Mean?

Ezekiel 26:7 in the King James Version says “For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring upon Tyrus Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, a king of kings, from the n...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 26:7 · King James Version

Context

5

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.

6

And her daughters which are in the field shall be slain by the sword; and they shall know that I am the LORD.

7

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.

8

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

9

And he shall set engines of war against thy walls, and with his axes he shall break down thy towers.

Read Ezekiel 26 full chapter

Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Nebuchadnezzar II (605-562 BC) was the most powerful monarch of his era, ruling the Neo-Babylonian Empire. His siege of Tyre (585-572 BC) lasted 13 years, one of history's longest sieges. Though he gained little plunder (the city evacuated to the island with their wealth), he devastated mainland Tyre, partially fulfilling this prophecy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use powerful human rulers to accomplish His purposes?
  2. What does Nebuchadnezzar's 'king of kings' title teach about earthly vs divine sovereignty?
  3. Why can't human strength or technology resist divinely appointed judgment?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
כִּ֣י1 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כֹ֤ה2 of 21
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַר֙3 of 21

“For thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י4 of 21

“the Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִ֔ה5 of 21

“GOD”

H3069

god

הִנְנִ֧י6 of 21
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

מֵבִ֣יא7 of 21

“Behold I will bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל8 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

צֹ֗ר9 of 21

“upon Tyrus”

H6865

tsor, a place in palestine

נְבוּכַדְרֶאצַּ֧ר10 of 21

“Nebuchadrezzar”

H5019

nebukadnetstsar (or nebukadretsts(-ar, or)), king of babylon

מְלָכִ֑ים11 of 21

“a king”

H4428

a king

בָּבֶ֛ל12 of 21

“of Babylon”

H894

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

מִצָּפ֖וֹן13 of 21

“from the north”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

מְלָכִ֑ים14 of 21

“a king”

H4428

a king

מְלָכִ֑ים15 of 21

“a king”

H4428

a king

בְּס֛וּס16 of 21

“with horses”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

וּבְרֶ֥כֶב17 of 21

“and with chariots”

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

וּבְפָרָשִׁ֖ים18 of 21

“and with horsemen”

H6571

a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry

וְקָהָ֥ל19 of 21

“and companies”

H6951

assemblage (usually concretely)

וְעַם20 of 21

“people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

רָֽב׃21 of 21

“and much”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 26:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 26:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 2:37Ezra 7:12Nahum 2:3-4Ezekiel 23:24Hosea 8:10Jeremiah 25:9

Places in This Verse

Babylon 1Settlement · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E296 verses across 15 books
TyreSettlement · Modern: Tyre · 33.27°N, 35.20°E64 verses across 19 books
View all places in Ezekiel 26 →

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