Ezekiel 26:12

They will plunder your wealth and pillage your merchandise. They will demolish your walls, tear down your beautiful homes, and throw your stones and timber and soil into the water.

Study Bible

They will plunder your wealth
This phrase speaks to the impending judgment and destruction that will befall Tyre. The Hebrew root for "plunder" is "bazaz," which conveys the idea of seizing or taking by force. Historically, Tyre was a wealthy and prosperous city due to its strategic location and trade. The prophecy indicates that this wealth, which was a source of pride and security for Tyre, would be stripped away by invading forces. This serves as a reminder of the transient nature of material wealth and the futility of placing trust in earthly riches rather than in God.

and loot your merchandise
The term "loot" comes from the Hebrew "shalal," meaning to take spoil or prey. This further emphasizes the totality of the destruction that Tyre would face. The "merchandise" refers to the goods and commodities that made Tyre a hub of commerce in the ancient world. The loss of merchandise signifies not just economic ruin but also the collapse of Tyre's identity as a trading power. This can be seen as a divine judgment against the pride and self-sufficiency that often accompany great wealth.

They will break down your walls
Walls in ancient cities were symbols of strength and protection. The Hebrew word "haras" means to tear down or demolish. The breaking down of Tyre's walls signifies the removal of its defenses, leaving it vulnerable to attack. Spiritually, this can be interpreted as a warning against relying on human defenses and fortifications instead of seeking refuge in God. It is a call to recognize that true security comes from the Lord.

and demolish your fine houses
The phrase "fine houses" refers to the luxurious dwellings of Tyre's inhabitants. The Hebrew word "na'ah" suggests beauty or splendor. The demolition of these houses symbolizes the end of opulence and the judgment against the pride associated with such wealth. It serves as a reminder that earthly beauty and luxury are temporary and can be taken away in an instant. This calls believers to focus on building spiritual houses that are eternal.

They will throw your stones, your timber, and your rubble into the sea
This vivid imagery of destruction indicates the complete and utter devastation of Tyre. The act of throwing stones, timber, and rubble into the sea suggests not only the physical dismantling of the city but also its erasure from memory. Historically, this prophecy was fulfilled when Alexander the Great used the debris of the mainland city to build a causeway to the island city of Tyre. Spiritually, this serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the certainty of His judgments. It encourages believers to live in humility and obedience, recognizing that God is the ultimate authority over nations and individuals alike.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He conveyed God's messages of judgment and hope.

2. Tyre
An ancient and wealthy Phoenician city known for its trade and commerce. It was located on the Mediterranean coast and was a significant maritime power.

3. Babylonians
The empire that God used as an instrument of judgment against Tyre. Under King Nebuchadnezzar, they besieged and eventually destroyed the city.

4. Nebuchadnezzar
The king of Babylon who led the siege against Tyre, fulfilling the prophecy given by Ezekiel.

5. The Sea
Represents the Mediterranean Sea, into which the debris of Tyre would be thrown, symbolizing complete destruction and desolation.

Teaching Points

The Temporary Nature of Earthly Wealth
Tyre's riches and merchandise were plundered, reminding us that material wealth is fleeting and should not be our ultimate pursuit.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
The prophecy against Tyre demonstrates God's control over nations and history, using them to fulfill His purposes.

The Consequences of Pride and Idolatry
Tyre's downfall serves as a warning against pride and reliance on wealth, which can lead to spiritual and physical ruin.

The Certainty of God's Word
The fulfillment of Ezekiel's prophecy assures us of the reliability and truth of God's Word, encouraging us to trust in His promises.

The Call to Repentance
Observing Tyre's fate should lead us to examine our lives, repent of our sins, and turn to God for forgiveness and restoration.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the destruction of Tyre illustrate the temporary nature of worldly wealth and power?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the events described in Ezekiel 26:12?

3. How does the prophecy against Tyre serve as a warning against pride and self-reliance in our own lives?

4. What are some modern parallels to Tyre's situation, and how can we apply the lessons from this passage to those situations?

5. How can the certainty of God's Word, as demonstrated in the fulfillment of this prophecy, encourage us in our daily walk with Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 23
This chapter also prophesies the downfall of Tyre, emphasizing the temporary nature of human wealth and power.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon in Revelation echoes the judgment against Tyre, symbolizing the ultimate downfall of worldly systems opposed to God.

Jeremiah 27:3-11
Jeremiah's prophecy about the nations, including Tyre, serving Nebuchadnezzar, aligns with Ezekiel's message of judgment.