Ezekiel 26:13

So I will silence the sound of your songs, and the music of your lyres will no longer be heard.

Study Bible

I will put an end
This phrase signifies a decisive and authoritative action by God. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "שָׁבַת" (shavat), which means to cease or to bring to an end. This reflects God's sovereign power to halt activities or existence itself. Historically, this is a declaration of divine judgment, emphasizing that God has the ultimate authority to stop the practices or the very life of a nation or city, in this case, Tyre.

to the sound
The "sound" here refers to the noise or music that was part of the daily life and celebrations in Tyre. The Hebrew word "קוֹל" (qol) can mean voice, sound, or noise. This indicates that the vibrant, bustling life of Tyre, known for its commerce and festivities, will be silenced. The cessation of sound symbolizes the end of joy and normalcy, a common theme in prophetic literature where silence often accompanies desolation.

of your songs
Songs in ancient cultures, including Tyre, were integral to worship, celebration, and cultural identity. The Hebrew word "שִׁיר" (shir) denotes songs or singing. Tyre, being a prosperous city, would have had many songs celebrating its wealth and achievements. The end of these songs signifies the loss of cultural pride and the joy that once filled the city, highlighting the totality of the judgment.

and the sound
Repetition of "sound" underscores the emphasis on silence as a form of judgment. It reiterates the complete cessation of all that was once lively and vibrant in Tyre. This repetition serves to reinforce the seriousness of the prophecy and the certainty of its fulfillment.

of your lyres
The lyre, a stringed musical instrument, was commonly used in ancient Near Eastern music. The Hebrew word "נֶבֶל" (nevel) refers to this instrument, which was often associated with joy and celebration. The end of the lyres' music symbolizes the cessation of joy and the cultural life of Tyre. In a broader biblical context, music is often linked to worship and celebration, so its absence indicates a profound loss and a divine judgment that affects every aspect of life.

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 prosperous Phoenician city known for its wealth and trade. It was located on the Mediterranean coast and was a significant maritime power.

3. Judgment on Tyre
This passage is part of a prophecy against Tyre, where God declares the city's downfall due to its pride and rejoicing over Jerusalem's fall.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Pride
Tyre's downfall serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

The Temporary Nature of Earthly Joy
The cessation of music in Tyre reminds us that earthly pleasures and achievements are fleeting. True joy is found in God.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God's control over nations and their destinies is evident. He uses judgment to fulfill His purposes and bring about His will.

The Role of Music in Worship and Mourning
Music is a powerful expression of both joy and lament. Its absence signifies a profound loss and calls for reflection on our spiritual state.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the prophecy against Tyre in Ezekiel 26:13 reflect God's attitude towards pride and self-sufficiency?

2. In what ways can the temporary nature of Tyre's joy and music serve as a reminder for us today about where we place our trust and find our joy?

3. How does the cessation of music in Tyre compare to the Israelites' experience in Psalm 137, and what can we learn about worship and lament?

4. What are some modern-day "Tyres" that might face similar judgments due to pride and reliance on wealth and power?

5. How can we ensure that our expressions of joy and music are aligned with God's purposes and not merely for self-glorification?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 23
This chapter also contains a prophecy against Tyre, highlighting its eventual downfall and the cessation of its joyful activities.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon in Revelation echoes the themes of judgment and the end of music and celebration, similar to the prophecy against Tyre.

Psalm 137
The lament of the Israelites in exile, where they hang up their harps, connects to the cessation of music as a symbol of judgment and loss.