Ezekiel 27:31

They will shave their heads for you and wrap themselves in sackcloth. They will weep over you with anguish of soul and bitter mourning.

Study Bible

They will shave their heads for you
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, shaving one's head was a common expression of mourning and lamentation. This act symbolized deep sorrow and was often performed in response to significant loss or tragedy. The Hebrew root for "shave" is "גָּלַח" (galach), which conveys the idea of removing or cutting off, often associated with purification or mourning rituals. In the context of Ezekiel 27, this act signifies the profound grief and despair of those who mourn the fall of Tyre, a once-great maritime city known for its wealth and influence.

and put on sackcloth
Sackcloth was a coarse material, typically made from goat's hair, worn as a sign of mourning or repentance. The Hebrew word "שַׂק" (saq) refers to this rough fabric, which was uncomfortable and symbolized humility and penitence. In biblical times, wearing sackcloth was a public demonstration of one's sorrow or contrition, often accompanied by fasting and prayer. Here, it underscores the depth of the lamentation for Tyre, as those who mourn adopt this traditional attire to express their grief.

They will weep for you with bitter soul
The phrase "weep for you" indicates an intense emotional response, where "weep" (Hebrew: "בָּכָה," bakah) suggests a loud, lamenting cry. The addition of "with bitter soul" emphasizes the profound anguish and emotional turmoil experienced by the mourners. The Hebrew word for "bitter" is "מַר" (mar), which conveys a sense of sharpness or severity, often used to describe deep emotional pain. This phrase captures the heart-wrenching sorrow felt by those who lament the downfall of Tyre, reflecting the city's significant impact on their lives and the world.

with bitter soul
The term "soul" (Hebrew: "נֶפֶשׁ," nephesh) in this context refers to the innermost being or life force of a person. It is often used in Scripture to denote the seat of emotions and desires. The combination of "bitter" and "soul" paints a vivid picture of the mourners' profound inner distress and emotional suffering. This expression highlights the depth of their lament, as they grieve not only for the physical loss of Tyre but also for the spiritual and emotional void left in its wake.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Tyre
A prominent ancient Phoenician city known for its wealth and trade. In Ezekiel 27, Tyre is depicted as a magnificent ship that ultimately faces destruction.

2. Mourners
The people who lament Tyre's downfall. Their actions of shaving heads and wearing sackcloth are traditional expressions of deep mourning and grief in ancient Near Eastern cultures.

3. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who delivers messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He uses vivid imagery to convey God's messages.

4. Babylonian Exile
The period when the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon, which serves as the backdrop for Ezekiel's prophecies.

5. Sackcloth
A coarse material worn as a sign of mourning or repentance, symbolizing humility and sorrow.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Pride
Tyre's downfall serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance. Just as Tyre was brought low, so too can individuals and nations fall when they exalt themselves above God.

Expressions of Grief
The cultural practices of mourning in the Bible remind us of the importance of expressing grief and seeking comfort in God during times of loss.

God's Sovereignty
The prophecy against Tyre demonstrates God's control over nations and history. Believers can trust in God's ultimate plan and justice, even when facing worldly powers.

Repentance and Humility
The imagery of sackcloth and shaved heads calls believers to a posture of repentance and humility before God, acknowledging our need for His mercy and grace.

Hope Amidst Judgment
While Ezekiel's message includes judgment, it also points to the hope of restoration for those who turn back to God. Believers are encouraged to find hope in God's promises.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the downfall of Tyre in Ezekiel 27:31 serve as a warning against pride in our own lives?

2. What cultural practices of mourning are described in this passage, and how can they inform our understanding of grief today?

3. How does the imagery of Tyre's destruction relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty over nations in the Bible?

4. In what ways can we practice humility and repentance in our daily walk with God, as symbolized by sackcloth and shaved heads?

5. How can the message of hope amidst judgment in Ezekiel's prophecies encourage us in times of personal or communal crisis?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 15:2-3
Similar expressions of mourning, such as shaving heads and wearing sackcloth, are seen in the lament over Moab, highlighting a common cultural practice of expressing grief.

Jeremiah 48:37
This passage also describes mourning rituals, reinforcing the theme of lamentation over destruction.

Revelation 18:9-19
The fall of Babylon in Revelation echoes the lament over Tyre, illustrating the ultimate downfall of prideful and sinful nations.