Main Highlights
God prophesies the complete destruction of Tyre, a wealthy and powerful trading city, because it rejoiced at the fall of Jerusalem, thinking its trade rivals were now gone.
Key Verses
“Now in the eleventh year, on the first of the month, the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,"- Ezekiel 26:1 “Son of man, because Tyre has said concerning Jerusalem, ‘Aha! She is broken, the gateway of the peoples; she has turned over to me. I will be filled, now that she is laid waste,’"- Ezekiel 26:2 “Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh, ‘Behold, I am against you, O Tyre, and I will bring up many nations against you, as the sea brings up its waves."- Ezekiel 26:3 “They will destroy the walls of Tyre and tear down her towers; and I will scrape her debris from her and make her a bare rock."- Ezekiel 26:4 “They will plunder your wealth and loot your merchandise; they will tear down your walls and destroy your pleasant houses, and throw your stones, timber, and debris into the water."- Ezekiel 26:12 “When your ships cry out in the sea, the pasture lands will tremble at the sound of your outcry."- Ezekiel 26:15 “For thus says the Lord Yahweh, ‘Behold, I will bring upon Tyre from the north Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, king of kings, with horses, chariots, horsemen, and a great army.’"- Ezekiel 26:7 “'Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh, “Behold, I am against you, O Tyre, and I will bring up many nations against you, as the sea brings up its waves.”'"- Ezekiel 26:3 “'and they will make a spoil of your riches and make a prey of your merchandise, break down your walls and destroy your pleasant houses, and throw your stones and your timbers and your debris into the midst of the water."- Ezekiel 26:12
Related Scripture
“Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling."- Proverbs 16:18
Scholar Insight
"“The judgment against Tyre is a demonstration of God’s sovereignty over all nations and his opposition to pride and self-sufficiency.” - Peter M. Vroom, Ezekiel (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2009), p. 214."
Theological Analysis
What we learn about God
God is sovereign, He opposes pride and self-sufficiency and will bring even the most powerful nations to ruin when they exalt themselves. God is the Lord Yahweh.
Christological Connection
Jesus is not directly referenced in this passage.
Systematic Theology
The Sovereignty of God: God has absolute authority and power over all nations and their destinies, and He can bring about their rise and fall according to His will.
Law & Grace
Law is evident in the judgment proclaimed against Tyre for its pride and exploitation. Grace is absent, as the focus is on the severity of God's judgment.
Personal Application
We should cultivate humility and avoid pride. We should recognize that all our accomplishments and possessions are ultimately from God and not a reason for boasting.