Tyre’s demise reminds us that no worldly stronghold can endure against the steady waves of God’s sovereignty.
Ezekiel, who prophesied in the early 6th century BC (circa 593-571 BC), directs a powerful word of judgment against the prosperous Phoenician city of Tyre. In Ezekiel 26:3, he declares: “Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Behold, I am against you, O Tyre, and I will bring up many nations against you, as the sea brings up its waves.’” (v.3) Tyre was situated on the eastern Mediterranean coast in what is now Lebanon, and in ancient times it was renowned for its maritime trade, fortified harbors, and substantial wealth. This wealth, however, often led the city into pride and alliances that ran contrary to the will of God.
The LORD’s pronouncement against Tyre reveals His sovereign power over even the mightiest of trading centers. By saying He will bring up many nations against Tyre, as the sea brings up its waves (v.3), God warns that the city’s security, seemingly as solid as the rocky outcrop for which it was named, would not withstand consecutive invasions. History shows this prophecy unfolding: Nebuchadnezzar besieged Tyre around 573 BC, and later Alexander the Great conquered it in 332 BC, demolishing its defenses and fulfilling Ezekiel’s oracle in dramatic fashion. Despite Tyre’s prideful reliance on its strong walls and islands offshore, the LORD demonstrates that no human fortification can ultimately stand against Him.
In the broader biblical narrative, Tyre appears again in the New Testament as a Gentile region that Jesus visited (Mark 7:24-31) and referenced in His teachings (Matthew 11:21; Luke 6:17). Through these scriptural connections, we see how God’s sovereignty extends beyond Israel’s borders, highlighting His dominion over all lands and peoples. The judgment upon Tyre also serves as a reminder for believers to trust in the LORD rather than in material prosperity or human defenses, for only humility before God and obedience to His ways can yield lasting security.
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Ezekiel 26:3 meaning
Ezekiel, who prophesied in the early 6th century BC (circa 593-571 BC), directs a powerful word of judgment against the prosperous Phoenician city of Tyre. In Ezekiel 26:3, he declares: “Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Behold, I am against you, O Tyre, and I will bring up many nations against you, as the sea brings up its waves.’” (v.3) Tyre was situated on the eastern Mediterranean coast in what is now Lebanon, and in ancient times it was renowned for its maritime trade, fortified harbors, and substantial wealth. This wealth, however, often led the city into pride and alliances that ran contrary to the will of God.
The LORD’s pronouncement against Tyre reveals His sovereign power over even the mightiest of trading centers. By saying He will bring up many nations against Tyre, as the sea brings up its waves (v.3), God warns that the city’s security, seemingly as solid as the rocky outcrop for which it was named, would not withstand consecutive invasions. History shows this prophecy unfolding: Nebuchadnezzar besieged Tyre around 573 BC, and later Alexander the Great conquered it in 332 BC, demolishing its defenses and fulfilling Ezekiel’s oracle in dramatic fashion. Despite Tyre’s prideful reliance on its strong walls and islands offshore, the LORD demonstrates that no human fortification can ultimately stand against Him.
In the broader biblical narrative, Tyre appears again in the New Testament as a Gentile region that Jesus visited (Mark 7:24-31) and referenced in His teachings (Matthew 11:21; Luke 6:17). Through these scriptural connections, we see how God’s sovereignty extends beyond Israel’s borders, highlighting His dominion over all lands and peoples. The judgment upon Tyre also serves as a reminder for believers to trust in the LORD rather than in material prosperity or human defenses, for only humility before God and obedience to His ways can yield lasting security.