Ezekiel 26:17

Then they will lament for you, saying, "How you have perished, O city of renown inhabited by seafaring men--she who was powerful on the sea, along with her people, who imposed terror on all peoples!

Study Bible

Then they will take up a lament for you
The phrase "take up a lament" is rooted in the Hebrew tradition of mourning, often expressed through poetic dirges. The Hebrew word for lament, "קִינָה" (qinah), signifies a structured, formal expression of grief. In the context of Ezekiel, this lament is prophetic, foretelling the downfall of Tyre. Historically, laments were not only expressions of sorrow but also served as a communal acknowledgment of a significant loss, often invoking a call to reflection and repentance.

and say to you
This phrase indicates a direct address, emphasizing the personal nature of the lament. It suggests that the lament is not just a general expression of grief but a specific message to Tyre. In the prophetic tradition, such direct addresses serve to underscore the certainty and seriousness of the prophecy.

How you have perished
The word "perished" in Hebrew, "אָבַד" (avad), conveys a sense of complete destruction or being lost. This reflects the totality of Tyre's downfall, a city once thriving and powerful. The use of this word underscores the irreversible nature of God's judgment against Tyre, serving as a sobering reminder of the consequences of pride and sin.

O city of renown
The term "renown" translates from the Hebrew "שֵׁם" (shem), meaning name or reputation. Tyre was famous for its wealth, trade, and influence. This phrase highlights the irony of Tyre's fall; a city once celebrated and admired is now the subject of lament. It serves as a cautionary tale about the fleeting nature of worldly fame and success.

inhabited by seafaring men
This phrase points to Tyre's identity as a maritime power. The city's prosperity was largely due to its strategic location and its people's skill in navigation and trade. Historically, Tyre was a hub of commerce in the ancient world, known for its ships and sailors. This aspect of Tyre's identity is significant because it underscores the extent of the loss; the very source of its strength and wealth becomes part of its lament.

O renowned city
Reiterating the city's fame, this phrase emphasizes the depth of Tyre's fall. The repetition of "renowned" serves to highlight the contrast between Tyre's past glory and its present desolation. It is a reminder of the biblical principle that pride precedes a fall (Proverbs 16:18).

who was strong on the sea
This phrase underscores Tyre's dominance and strength derived from its maritime prowess. The sea, often a symbol of chaos and danger in biblical literature, was where Tyre found its strength and security. Yet, this strength could not save it from divine judgment, illustrating the futility of relying on worldly power.

she and her inhabitants
The inclusion of both the city and its people in the lament highlights the comprehensive nature of the judgment. It is not just the physical structures that are affected but the entire community. This serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility and the impact of communal sin.

who imposed their terror on all her inhabitants
This phrase reflects Tyre's influence and the fear it instilled in others due to its power and wealth. The Hebrew word for terror, "חִתָּה" (chittah), conveys a sense of dread or fear. This aspect of Tyre's identity is turned on its head; the city that once inspired fear is now the subject of lament. It serves as a powerful reminder of the biblical truth that those who exalt themselves will be humbled (Matthew 23:12).

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Tyre
An ancient and prosperous Phoenician city known for its strong maritime trade and influence. It was renowned for its wealth and strategic location on the Mediterranean Sea.

3. Seafaring Men
The inhabitants of Tyre, known for their skills in navigation and trade across the Mediterranean, contributing to the city's wealth and power.

4. Lament
A traditional expression of mourning or sorrow, often used in the Bible to express grief over the fall of a city or nation.

5. Judgment
The event of God's judgment upon Tyre, as prophesied by Ezekiel, due to its pride and opposition to God's people.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Pride
Tyre's downfall serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance. Despite its strength and renown, it could not withstand God's judgment.

The Sovereignty of God
God's control over nations and history is evident. He raises and brings down kingdoms according to His purposes.

The Transience of Earthly Power
The lament over Tyre reminds us that worldly power and wealth are temporary and should not be our ultimate pursuit.

The Call to Humility
Believers are encouraged to live humbly, recognizing that all we have is from God and should be used for His glory.

The Importance of Repentance
The judgment on Tyre underscores the need for repentance and turning back to God to avoid similar consequences.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the fall of Tyre illustrate the consequences of pride and self-reliance? Can you identify areas in your life where you might be relying too much on your own strength?

2. In what ways does the prophecy against Tyre demonstrate God's sovereignty over nations? How can this understanding impact your view of current world events?

3. How does the lament for Tyre compare to the lament for Babylon in Revelation 18? What lessons can we learn about the fate of worldly powers?

4. Reflect on the transient nature of earthly power and wealth. How can this perspective influence your priorities and decisions?

5. Considering the call to humility and repentance, what steps can you take to ensure that you are living in alignment with God's will and purposes?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 23
This chapter also contains a prophecy against Tyre, highlighting its downfall and the reasons for God's judgment.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon in Revelation echoes the lament over Tyre, symbolizing the ultimate judgment of worldly powers that oppose God.

Jeremiah 25:22
Jeremiah's prophecy includes Tyre among the nations that will face God's judgment, reinforcing the theme of divine retribution.