Ezekiel 27:3
Tell Tyre, who dwells at the gateway to the sea, merchant of the peoples on many coasts, that this is what the Lord GOD says: You have said, O Tyre, 'I am perfect in beauty.'
Tell Tyre
Tyre was a prominent Phoenician city known for its wealth and trade. It was located on the Mediterranean coast, making it a significant maritime power. The city is often mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of pride and materialism. In the context of Ezekiel, Tyre represents human arrogance and self-sufficiency, which are condemned by God.

who dwells at the gateway to the sea
Tyre's strategic location made it a crucial hub for trade and commerce. The phrase "gateway to the sea" highlights its role as a major port city, facilitating trade between various nations. This geographical advantage contributed to its wealth and influence, but also to its eventual downfall as it became a target for conquest.

merchant of the peoples on many coasts
Tyre's economy was heavily reliant on trade, and it was known for its extensive commercial networks. The city traded goods such as purple dye, glass, and cedar wood, which were highly valued in the ancient world. This phrase underscores Tyre's role as a central trading power, connecting various cultures and economies.

that this is what the Lord GOD says
This introduction to the prophetic message emphasizes the authority and sovereignty of God. It serves as a reminder that despite Tyre's earthly power and wealth, it is ultimately subject to divine judgment. The use of "Lord GOD" underscores the seriousness of the message and the certainty of its fulfillment.

You have said, O Tyre, ‘I am perfect in beauty.’
This statement reflects Tyre's pride and self-perception. The city's wealth and success led to a sense of invincibility and self-glorification. Biblically, such pride is often a precursor to downfall, as seen in Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction." The notion of "perfect in beauty" can also be seen as a type of the ultimate beauty and perfection found in Christ, contrasting human arrogance with divine humility.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He is known for his vivid visions and symbolic actions.

2. Tyre
An ancient Phoenician city located on the Mediterranean coast, known for its wealth, trade, and maritime prowess. It was a significant commercial hub in the ancient world.

3. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and covenant-keeping God of Israel, who speaks through His prophets to deliver messages of judgment and hope.

4. The Sea
Represents the Mediterranean Sea, which was central to Tyre's trade and economic power.

5. Merchants
Refers to the traders and business people of Tyre who engaged in commerce with various nations, contributing to the city's wealth and influence.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Pride
Tyre's declaration of being "perfect in beauty" reflects a prideful heart. Believers are reminded that pride can lead to downfall and separation from God.

The Illusion of Security in Wealth
Tyre's wealth and trade gave it a false sense of security. Christians should place their trust in God rather than material possessions.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The prophecy against Tyre demonstrates God's control over nations and history. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is sovereign over all circumstances.

The Importance of Humility
Humility is a virtue that protects against the pitfalls of pride. Christians are called to walk humbly with God, recognizing their dependence on Him.

The Role of Prophets
Ezekiel's role as a prophet highlights the importance of listening to God's messengers. Believers should be attentive to God's Word and its application in their lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the pride of Tyre in Ezekiel 27:3 serve as a warning for us today in our personal and communal lives?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our security is rooted in God rather than in material wealth or achievements?

3. How does the prophecy against Tyre illustrate God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our trust in Him during uncertain times?

4. What practical steps can we take to cultivate humility in our daily walk with God?

5. How can we discern and respond to the messages of modern-day "prophets" or spiritual leaders in a way that aligns with biblical truth?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 23
This chapter also prophesies against Tyre, highlighting its pride and eventual downfall, similar to Ezekiel's message.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon in Revelation echoes the judgment against Tyre, symbolizing the downfall of prideful and materialistic societies.

Proverbs 16:18
This verse warns that pride precedes destruction, a principle evident in Tyre's self-proclaimed perfection and subsequent judgment.
The Beauty, Glory, and Replenishment of the City of TyreJ.R. Thomson Ezekiel 27:1-25
A Celebration of Remarkable ProsperityW. Jones Ezekiel 27:1-36
A Proud CityW. Greenhill, M. A.Ezekiel 27:1-36
God's Observation of Our Business HoursEzekiel 27:1-36
Responsibility of City RulersT. De Witt Talmage.Ezekiel 27:1-36
The Fate of TyreJ. Parker, D. D.Ezekiel 27:1-36
The Position of Tyre on Land and SeaT. De Witt Talmage.Ezekiel 27:1-36
The Sin of TyreJohn Skinner, M. A.Ezekiel 27:1-36
Wreck of a Stately ShipJ.D. Davies Ezekiel 27:1-36
People
Aram, Ashurites, Dan, Dedan, Elishah, Ezekiel, Haran, Javan, Kedar, Kittim, Kittites, Lud, Lydia, Meshech, Phut, Tarshish, Togarmah, Tubal, Uzal, Zidon
Places
Arabia, Arvad, Asshur, Bashan, Canneh, Chilmad, Cyprus, Damascus, Dedan, Egypt, Elishah, Gamad, Gebal, Haran, Helbon, Helech, Javan, Kedar, Lebanon, Lud, Meshech, Minnith, Persia, Put, Sahar, Senir, Sheba, Sidon, Syria, Tarshish, Tigris-Euphrates Region, Tubal, Tyre, Uzal
Topics
Beauty, Coasts, Dwell, Entry, Gateway, Islands, Merchant, O, Peoples, Perfect, Says, Situated, Sovereign, Thus, Tyre
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 27:3

     5848   exaggeration

Ezekiel 27:1-25

     5407   merchants

Ezekiel 27:1-36

     5587   trade

Ezekiel 27:2-36

     5899   lament

Ezekiel 27:3-4

     4040   beauty
     8322   perfection, human

Ezekiel 27:3-6

     4552   wood

Ezekiel 27:3-7

     4248   islands

Ezekiel 27:3-9

     5517   seafaring

Library
Third Circuit of Galilee. The Twelve Instructed and Sent Forth.
^A Matt. IX. 35-38; X. 1, 5-42; XI. 1; ^B Mark VI. 6-13; ^C Luke IX. 1-6. ^b 6 And he ^a Jesus ^b went about ^a all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner sickness and all manner of sickness. [In the first circuit of Galilee some of the twelve accompanied Jesus as disciples (see [3]Section XXXIII.); in the second the twelve were with him as apostles; in the third they, too, are sent forth as evangelists to supplement
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Humility is the Root of Charity, and Meekness the Fruit of Both. ...
Humility is the root of charity, and meekness the fruit of both. There is no solid and pure ground of love to others, except the rubbish of self-love be first cast out of the soul; and when that superfluity of naughtiness is cast out, then charity hath a solid and deep foundation: "The end of the command is charity out of a pure heart," 1 Tim. i. 5. It is only such a purified heart, cleansed from that poison and contagion of pride and self-estimation, that can send out such a sweet and wholesome
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Second Great Group of Parables.
(Probably in Peræa.) Subdivision F. Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. ^C Luke XVI. 19-31. [The parable we are about to study is a direct advance upon the thoughts in the previous section. We may say generally that if the parable of the unjust steward teaches how riches are to be used, this parable sets forth the terrible consequences of a failure to so use them. Each point of the previous discourse is covered in detail, as will be shown by the references in the discussion of the parable.]
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Ezekiel
To a modern taste, Ezekiel does not appeal anything like so powerfully as Isaiah or Jeremiah. He has neither the majesty of the one nor the tenderness and passion of the other. There is much in him that is fantastic, and much that is ritualistic. His imaginations border sometimes on the grotesque and sometimes on the mechanical. Yet he is a historical figure of the first importance; it was very largely from him that Judaism received the ecclesiastical impulse by which for centuries it was powerfully
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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