Ezekiel 26:3

therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: 'Behold, O Tyre, I am against you, and I will raise up many nations against you, as the sea brings up its waves.

Study Bible

therefore this is what the Lord GOD says
This phrase introduces a divine pronouncement, emphasizing the authority and sovereignty of God. The Hebrew term for "Lord GOD" is "Adonai Yahweh," underscoring God's supreme power and covenantal relationship with His people. This introduction sets the stage for a serious and irrevocable declaration from God, highlighting His role as the ultimate judge and ruler over nations.

Behold, I am against you, O Tyre
The word "Behold" serves as a call to attention, indicating the importance and immediacy of the message. "I am against you" is a direct statement of opposition from God, which is significant given Tyre's historical context as a powerful and prosperous city-state. Tyre was known for its wealth and strategic location, making it a hub of trade and influence. God's opposition signifies a turning point, where divine judgment is pronounced against human pride and self-sufficiency.

and I will raise up many nations against you
This phrase indicates a collective judgment, where God orchestrates the rise of multiple nations to execute His will. The historical context reveals that Tyre faced numerous invasions, notably by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and later by Alexander the Great. The phrase underscores God's control over the affairs of nations, using them as instruments to fulfill His purposes. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of human power and the ultimate authority of God over all earthly kingdoms.

as the sea brings up its waves
The imagery of the sea and its waves conveys a sense of relentless and overwhelming force. Tyre, being a coastal city, would have been familiar with the power of the sea. This metaphor illustrates the inevitability and intensity of the coming judgment. Just as waves are unstoppable and continuous, so too would be the nations rising against Tyre. This serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of pride and the certainty of God's justice, encouraging believers to trust in God's righteous plans and His ability to humble the proud.

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 located on the Mediterranean coast. Known for its wealth and strong maritime trade, Tyre was often seen as prideful and self-reliant.

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

4. Nations
Refers to the various peoples and kingdoms that God would use as instruments of judgment against Tyre, symbolized by the relentless waves of the sea.

5. The Sea
A metaphor for the overwhelming and unstoppable force of the nations that would come against Tyre, illustrating the certainty and severity of God's judgment.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
This passage reminds us that God is in control of all nations and their destinies. No city or nation, regardless of its power or wealth, is beyond His reach.

The Danger of Pride
Tyre's downfall serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance. We must guard our hearts against these attitudes and remain humble before God.

The Certainty of God's Judgment
Just as the waves of the sea are relentless, so is God's judgment against sin. This should lead us to repentance and a renewed commitment to live righteously.

God Uses Nations as Instruments
God can use any nation or circumstance to fulfill His purposes. We should trust in His wisdom and timing, even when His methods are beyond our understanding.

The Call to Repentance
The prophecy against Tyre is a call to examine our own lives and turn away from anything that separates us from God. Repentance is the path to restoration and blessing.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the prophecy against Tyre in Ezekiel 26:3 demonstrate God's sovereignty over nations and history?

2. In what ways can pride and self-reliance lead to downfall, both personally and collectively, as seen in the example of Tyre?

3. How can we apply the metaphor of the sea's waves to understand the nature of God's judgment and His call to repentance?

4. What are some modern-day examples of nations or societies that might parallel Tyre in terms of pride and reliance on wealth?

5. How can we ensure that we remain humble and dependent on God in our personal lives, avoiding the pitfalls that led to Tyre's judgment?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

Jeremiah 25:22
Jeremiah includes Tyre in the list of nations that will drink from the cup of God's wrath, emphasizing the widespread nature of divine judgment.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon in Revelation echoes the judgment against Tyre, symbolizing the ultimate downfall of prideful and self-sufficient societies.