Friday, February 28 – Ezekiel 26, 27
1. How did Tyre mock the misfortune of Jerusalem? (Ezekiel 26:2)
2. What was the LORD’s response to their attitude? (Ezekiel 26:3)
3. Who was God’s instrument for the destruction of Tyre? (Ezekiel 26:7)
4. With how many nations did Tyre trade? (Ezekiel 27:12-24)
As we studied yesterday, Ezekiel’s prophecies against the surrounding nations of Israel extend from chapters 25-32. After addressing the kingdoms of the Ammonites, Moabites, Edomites, and Philistines, chapters 26 and 27 focus on the kingdom of Tyre, followed by Sidon. The prophecy of Tyre’s downfall was given in the eleventh year of King Jehoiachin’s captivity in Babylon, around 587-586 B.C.
Tyre was a highly commercial and powerful city known for its vast merchant fleet that sailed the Mediterranean, reaching distant lands like Africa, Tarshish, and possibly even Britain. The city had skilled artisans and spoke a Semitic language. Tyre’s main deity was Baal Melkarth, though they worshipped other gods like Ashtoreth.
Tyre showed hostility toward Jerusalem, viewing its downfall as an opportunity to monopolize regional trade. Because of this attitude, God had already foretold its destruction through Isaiah (Isaiah 23). In Ezekiel’s prophecy, he anticipates that Tyre will be attacked and devastated by multiple nations, including Persia, Babylon, and Greece.
Alexander the Great would later destroy the city, leaving it uninhabited and ruining its fishing and trading industries. The city would be reduced to a bare rock, and its walls would be torn down (Ezekiel 26:4-6).
Nebuchadnezzar was the instrument of divine judgment against Tyre. Like Daniel, he is described as a “king of kings.” However, the Babylonian king only destroyed the mainland part of Tyre, not the island city. Nevertheless, the LORD decreed that Tyre would never be rebuilt.
Several Old Testament prophets, including Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel, prophesied the desolation of Tyre and Babylon.
Interestingly, in the book of Revelation, John borrows imagery from these Old Testament prophecies, applying them to the fall of spiritual Babylon in the last days. For instance, Ezekiel 26-28 parallels Revelation 17 and 18. A useful study exercise would be to compare these chapters with Jeremiah 51.
One example of this prophetic parallel is seen in Jeremiah 51:8 and Revelation 14:8 and 18:2. These passages illustrate how the downfall of these ancient nations foreshadowed the fate of spiritual Babylon in the end times.
Chapter 27 continues the prophecy against Tyre in the form of a lamentation. First, it describes Tyre’s beauty and wealth, then its military alliances, trade partnerships, and eventual ruin.
Through Ezekiel, the LORD reminds Tyre of its privileged position and flourishing maritime trade. The city is compared to a splendid ship built with the finest materials from Lebanon and Mount Hermon. Tyre prided itself, saying: “I am perfect in beauty.” This is a common human attitude—when people compare themselves to those less fortunate, they feel superior. However, God despises arrogance and self-glorification. As Solomon wrote: “Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth.” (Proverbs 27:2)
It is no surprise that Tyre and its king are often used as symbols of the great rebel, Satan, who, because of his beauty, believed he could rival God. This reflects the ongoing great controversy between good and evil.
Ultimately, the world’s merchants lamented the fall of Tyre, once a great and wealthy trade center. In Ezekiel 27:32-36, we find a funeral hymn mourning the loss of this once-glorious city—a kingdom that perished due to its arrogance and never rose again.
This lament shows us that pride and boasting never lead to lasting success. The same fate that befell Tyre will also come upon Babylon the Great and its leader, Satan, who will ultimately be destroyed.
May God help us to follow the supreme example of humility—our Lord Jesus Christ, who is gentle and humble in heart.
Blessings to you today.