No Nation Can Stand When the LORD Is Against It. (Ezekiel 27)

Scripture reading – Ezekiel 26; Ezekiel 27

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* Please note that words and phrases in brackets are the author’s amplification.

Ezekiel 27

A Funeral Dirge for Tyrus (Ezekiel 27:1-2)

The LORD came to Ezekiel a second time, instructing him to “take up a lamentation for Tyrus” (Ezekiel 27:2). This lamentation foretold that Tyrus would suffer not only for her wickedness and idolatry but also for the joy she expressed when Jerusalem was “laid waste” (Ezekiel 26:2).

The Maritime Beauty and Splendor of Tyrus (Ezekiel 27:3-11)

Tyrus was a Phoenician island fortress that emerged as a maritime empire and world trade center. The LORD commanded Ezekiel to prophesy against Tyrus, whose citizens boasted, “I am of perfect beauty” (Ezekiel 27:3b). Ezekiel then described Tyrus’s splendor and self-sufficiency, likening the city to a beautiful ship with the finest of everything (Ezekiel 27:4-7).

In addition to being a trade hub, Tyrus was a crossroads of humanity (Ezekiel 27:8-11). The vast number of trade ships passing through Tyrus required the city to hire sailors from other regions to bolster its coastal defenses. The city also boasted mercenary soldiers from Persia, Lud, and Phut (believed to be ancient African tribes). To enhance the city’s beauty, the shields and helmets of Tyrus’ soldiers adorned its walls (the Phoenicians are believed to have begun this practice, and King Solomon followed their pattern, hanging golden shields on the walls of his palace; 1 Kings 10:16-17).

The Trade Centers and Merchandise that Frequented Tyrus (Ezekiel 27:12-25)

Ezekiel 27:12-25 offers a detailed account of the nations and city-states whose ships and goods passed through Tyrus. These included Tarshish (believed to be ancient Spain, Ezekiel 27:12), Javan (ancient Greece), and Tubaland Meshech (regions around the Black and Caspian Seas, Ezekiel 27:13). The list also included the ancient city of Rhodes (Dedan, Ezekiel 27:15), cities of Mesopotamia (Ezekiel 27:16), and Judah and Israel (known for grain, honey, oil, and balm, Ezekiel 27:17). It also included Arabia and Kedar with its lambs, rams, and goats (Ezekiel 27:21), and spices, jewels, and gold from Sheba and Raamah (Ezekiel 27:22). Finally, all the significant city-states of Mesopotamia supplied beautiful garments of blue, embroidered cloth, and rugs (Ezekiel 27:23-25).

The Prophecy that Tyrus Would Fall (Ezekiel 27:26-33)

Despite her wealth, might, and splendor, Tyrus would not escape God’s judgment. Sadly, the city was portrayed as a sinking ship (Ezekiel 27:26-31). Babylon, described as “the east wind,” would break upon Tyrus as the seas break upon and sink a ship (Ezekiel 27:26). The city, its people, commerce, and wealth would “fall into the midst of the seas in the day of [her] ruin” (Ezekiel 27:27).

Tyrus’ “suburbs” (cities along the mainland) would “shake at the sound of the cry” of her leaders (Ezekiel 27:28). Her sailors would abandon ship (Ezekiel 27:28) and watch in horror and disbelief as Tyrus was destroyed (Ezekiel 27:29). Her neighbors would wail at the news and bemoan the city’s death (Ezekiel 27:30-31). Recalling her former glory and how her trade had enriched them, her neighbors would cry out in shock at her fall (Ezekiel 27:32-33). 

The Effect of Tyrus’ Destruction (Ezekiel 27:34-36)

What an amazing prophetic story! Tyrus epitomized strength, perfection, and beauty (Ezekiel 27:3-4). Her citizens believed she was invincible because her “builders [had] perfected [her] beauty” (Ezekiel 27:4). Yet the LORD pronounced judgment on Tyrus, and no man could save her. The fall of Tyrus plunged the region into financial collapse (Ezekiel 27:34), which led to the downfall of her trade partners (Ezekiel 27:35). Nebuchadnezzar conquered Tyrus, and in 332 BC, Alexander the Great fulfilled Ezekiel’s prophecy by destroying her (Ezekiel 27:36).

Warning: No nation will stand if the LORD has set Himself against it.