Ezekiel 26-28 Prophecies against Tyre

Ezekiel 26

Tyre celebrates the fall of Jerusalem.

• They expect economic gain from Jerusalem’s destruction.
• God declares judgment against Tyre because of this. 

Nebuchadnezzar II will attack Tyre.

• Description of warfare:
  • Horses
  • Chariots
  • Battering rams
  • Broken walls

Tyre will become:“a bare rock… a place for the spreading of nets.”

Coastal nations tremble.

Princes of the sea mourn Tyre’s collapse. Tyre will sink into ruin.

This prophecy anticipates both Babylon’s siege and later destruction by Alexander the Great.

From https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/ezekiel-26/. God was faithful to bring many nations against Tyre in successive waves of conquest and destruction:

· The Saracens in the 14^th century AD finally obliterated the city of Tyre.

· Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Tyre for 13 years and eventually conquered them (about 586-573 BC).

· The Persians conquered and brought Tyre to submission around 525 BC.

· Alexander the Great destroyed the city in just the manner described in 332 BC.

· Antiochus III conquered and subjugated Tyre.

· Rome conquered and subjugated Tyre.

Ezekiel 27 Lament for Tyre

Tyre described as a perfectly crafted ship.

• Built with the finest materials.
• Skilled sailors and craftsmen on it 
• Symbol of wealth 

Tyre traded with many regions:

• Tarshish
• Egypt
• Persia
• Syria

Goods included:

• Silver
• gold
• Ivory
• Purple cloth
• Horses
• Precious stones

The Shipwreck

• The great ship sinks in the sea.
• Sailors and merchants mourn.
• Nations are shocked.

Ezekiel 28 King of Tyre

Judgment on the Prince of Tyre 

נָגִיד צֹר (nagid ṣor) -Leader/ruler of tyre 

• The ruler claims to be a god.
  • Probably Ithobal II
• His wisdom and wealth lead to pride.
• God announces his downfall.

He will die like a mortal despite claiming god-likeness

Judgment on the King of Tyre 

מֶלֶךְ צֹר melek ṣor – King of Tyre 

Notice how first was the prince of Tyre and now the King of Tyre. Some people take that to mean Satan. 

The king is described in symbolic language:

• “Seal of perfection”
• “In Eden”
• “An anointed guardian cherub”
• Adorned with splendor 

He was blameless until pride corrupted him.

Prophecy against Sidon (near city of Tyre) which was built by Sidon, Canaan’s son. 

• God will glorify Himself through judgment.

God will gather Israel from the nations.

• They will live securely in their land.

Application