Ezekiel 26:19

For this is what the Lord GOD says: 'When I make you a desolate city like other deserted cities, and when I raise up the deep against you so that the mighty waters cover you,

Study Bible

For this is what the Lord GOD says
This phrase underscores the authority and sovereignty of God. The Hebrew term for "Lord GOD" is "Adonai Yahweh," emphasizing God's supreme power and covenantal relationship with His people. In the context of Ezekiel, this introduction serves as a divine proclamation, reminding the audience that the message is not from the prophet himself but from God, who is both just and merciful.

When I make you a desolate city
The word "desolate" in Hebrew is "shamem," which conveys a sense of utter ruin and devastation. Historically, this prophecy was directed towards the city of Tyre, a powerful and wealthy city-state known for its trade and fortifications. The imagery of desolation reflects God's judgment against pride and idolatry, serving as a warning to all nations that rely on their own strength rather than on God.

like cities no longer inhabited
This phrase paints a vivid picture of complete abandonment. The comparison to other uninhabited cities suggests a total and irreversible destruction. In the ancient Near East, cities were centers of life and culture; their desolation symbolized the removal of God's blessing and presence. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God.

when I bring the deep upon you
The "deep" refers to the chaotic waters, often symbolizing judgment and destruction in biblical literature. The Hebrew word "tehom" is used here, reminiscent of the primordial waters in Genesis. This imagery suggests a return to chaos and disorder as a result of divine judgment. It highlights God's control over creation and His ability to use it as an instrument of judgment.

and great waters cover you
The "great waters" further emphasize the overwhelming nature of the impending judgment. In the context of Tyre, a maritime city, this could also allude to the literal sea that surrounded and protected it, now becoming an agent of its downfall. Scripturally, water is often a symbol of both life and destruction, and here it serves as a powerful metaphor for God's inescapable judgment.

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 restoration.

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

3. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and covenant-keeping God of Israel, who speaks through His prophet Ezekiel to pronounce judgment on Tyre.

4. The Deep and Great Waters
Symbolic imagery used to describe the overwhelming judgment and destruction that God would bring upon Tyre, likening it to a flood.

5. Desolate City
The state of ruin and abandonment that Tyre would experience as a result of God's judgment, similar to other cities that faced divine wrath.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God's pronouncement against Tyre demonstrates His control over nations and His ability to bring about justice.

The Temporary Nature of Earthly Wealth
Tyre's wealth and power could not save it from God's judgment, reminding us of the fleeting nature of material prosperity.

The Certainty of God's Word
The fulfillment of prophecy against Tyre assures us that God's words are true and reliable.

Repentance and Humility
The judgment on Tyre serves as a warning to turn from pride and self-reliance, seeking humility before God.

Hope in Restoration
While judgment is severe, God's ultimate plan includes restoration and redemption for those who turn to Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the judgment on Tyre in Ezekiel 26:19 reflect God's sovereignty over nations, and what implications does this have for our understanding of current world events?

2. In what ways does the imagery of "great waters" covering Tyre connect to other biblical instances of divine judgment, and how can this deepen our understanding of God's justice?

3. Considering the temporary nature of Tyre's wealth and power, how should Christians view and use their own resources in light of eternity?

4. How can the certainty of God's prophetic word, as seen in the fulfillment of Tyre's judgment, encourage us in our faith and trust in God's promises today?

5. Reflecting on the themes of judgment and restoration, how can we apply the lessons from Tyre's downfall to our personal lives and communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

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

Genesis 7
The flood account provides a backdrop for understanding the imagery of "great waters" as a form of divine judgment.