King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 26:9 Mean?

Ezekiel 26:9 in the King James Version says “And he shall set engines of war against thy walls, and with his axes he shall break down thy towers.” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ezekiel 26:9 · KJV

Context

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.

10

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

11

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.

Read Ezekiel 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Babylonian siege technology was advanced for its era, including battering rams, siege towers, and demolition techniques. Nebuchadnezzar's engineers systematically dismantled Tyre's mainland fortifications over 13 years. The prolonged siege demonstrated both Babylonian military sophistication and Tyrian resistance, but ultimately God's decree prevailed despite human efforts on both sides.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the orderliness of judgment reflect God's character?
  2. What does systematic demolition teach about thoroughness in divine discipline?
  3. Why is God's judgment methodical rather than chaotic?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וּמְחִ֣י1 of 7

“engines”

H4239

a stroke, i.e., battering-ram

קָֽבָלּ֔וֹ2 of 7

“of war”

H6904

a battering-ram

יִתֵּ֖ן3 of 7

“And he shall set”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְּחֹֽמוֹתָ֑יִךְ4 of 7

“against thy walls”

H2346

a wall of protection

וּמִ֨גְדְּלֹתַ֔יִךְ5 of 7

“thy towers”

H4026

a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers

יִתֹּ֖ץ6 of 7

“he shall break down”

H5422

to tear down

בְּחַרְבוֹתָֽיו׃7 of 7

“and with his axes”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

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 26:9 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 26:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 26:15

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 26 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Ezekiel 26 with CommentaryAll Ezekiel ChaptersComplete Ezekiel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes