Ezekiel 26:10

His multitude of horses will cover you in their dust. When he enters your gates as an army entering a breached city, your walls will shake from the noise of cavalry, wagons, and chariots.

Study Bible

His multitude of horses
The phrase "His multitude of horses" signifies the overwhelming military power that is about to descend upon Tyre. In the ancient Near Eastern context, horses were a symbol of strength and speed in warfare. The Hebrew word for "horses" (סוּס, sus) often denotes not just the animal but the might and mobility of an army. This imagery underscores the impending doom and the unstoppable force that God is allowing to come against Tyre as a judgment for their pride and sin.

will cover you with dust
The phrase "will cover you with dust" paints a vivid picture of the sheer number of horses and the chaos they bring. In ancient times, the dust raised by an approaching army was a sign of its size and power. The Hebrew root for "dust" (עָפָר, afar) can also symbolize mortality and humility, reminding Tyre of its vulnerability despite its fortified position and wealth. This imagery serves as a humbling reminder of God's sovereignty over nations.

the noise of the cavalry, wagons, and chariots
"The noise of the cavalry, wagons, and chariots" emphasizes the terror and confusion that accompany the invading forces. The Hebrew word for "noise" (קוֹל, qol) often conveys not just sound but a proclamation or announcement. Here, it signifies the announcement of judgment. The mention of "cavalry, wagons, and chariots" highlights the comprehensive nature of the assault, as these were the primary components of a powerful military force in the ancient world.

will shake your walls
The phrase "will shake your walls" indicates the physical and psychological impact of the invasion. Walls in ancient cities were symbols of security and strength. The Hebrew verb for "shake" (רָעַשׁ, ra'ash) can also mean to quake or tremble, suggesting not only the literal shaking of the walls but also the fear and instability that will grip the inhabitants of Tyre. This serves as a metaphor for the crumbling of their false sense of security.

as he enters your gates
"As he enters your gates" signifies the breach of Tyre's defenses and the inevitability of its downfall. Gates were crucial for the protection and control of a city, and their breach symbolized defeat. The Hebrew word for "enters" (בּוֹא, bo) implies not just physical entry but the coming of judgment. This phrase underscores the certainty of God's prophetic word coming to pass.

as men enter a city breached
The final phrase, "as men enter a city breached," conveys the ease with which the invaders will penetrate Tyre's defenses. A breached city is one that has lost its ability to defend itself, and the Hebrew word for "breached" (פָּרַץ, parats) can also mean to break through or burst forth. This imagery highlights the futility of resisting God's judgment and serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of pride and rebellion against Him.

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. Nebuchadnezzar
The king of Babylon who besieged and eventually conquered Tyre. He is the "he" referred to in the prophecy, leading the multitude of horses and chariots.

4. Babylonian Army
The military force led by Nebuchadnezzar, known for its strength and ability to conquer fortified cities.

5. Prophecy of Judgment
This event is part of a larger prophecy against Tyre, where God declares judgment due to the city's pride and opposition to Israel.

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.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
The prophecy demonstrates God's control over nations and history. He uses even pagan kings to fulfill His purposes.

The Certainty of God's Word
The fulfillment of Ezekiel's prophecy against Tyre assures us of the reliability and truth of God's Word.

The Importance of Repentance
Tyre's fate underscores the need for repentance and turning to God to avoid judgment.

Trust in God's Justice
Believers can trust that God will bring justice in His timing, even when it seems delayed.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the prophecy against Tyre in Ezekiel 26:10 illustrate the dangers of pride and self-reliance?

2. In what ways does the fall of Tyre serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty over nations and history?

3. How can we apply the lesson of Tyre's judgment to our personal lives and communities today?

4. What other biblical examples can you find where God uses unlikely instruments to accomplish His purposes, similar to Nebuchadnezzar's role in Tyre's downfall?

5. How does the certainty of God's Word, as seen in the fulfillment of prophecies like Ezekiel 26:10, impact your faith and trust in the Bible?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 23
This chapter also contains a prophecy against Tyre, highlighting its downfall due to pride and reliance on wealth.

Jeremiah 27
Jeremiah speaks of Nebuchadnezzar's role as God's servant to bring judgment upon nations, including Tyre.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon in Revelation echoes the themes of judgment against prideful and wealthy cities, similar to Tyre's fate.