Berean Study Bible A Prophecy against TyreThe date places the prophecy in the aftermath of Jerusalem’s destruction, during the Babylonian exile. With Judah’s capital fallen, the surrounding nations watched for opportunities to profit from its ruin. Ezk 32:1 In the twelfth year, on the first day of the twelfth month,… on the first day of the month, The precise dating marks the message as a specific revelation given at a critical moment in Israel’s history. God’s judgment on Tyre would show that the fate of nations remained under His authority. Num 29:1 “On the first day of the seventh month, you are to hold”… the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Ezekiel delivers God’s message, not his own judgment. The Lord addresses Tyre’s response to Jerusalem’s fall and announces the consequences of rejoicing over Judah’s calamity. Ezk 14:2 And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Son of man, God addressed Ezekiel as a human servant appointed to deliver His message. Ezk 2:1 “Son of man,” He said to me, “stand up on your feet”… because Tyre has said of Jerusalem, Tyre, a prosperous Phoenician port city, expected to benefit from Jerusalem’s fall to Babylon in 586 BC. Ezk 25:3 Tell the Ammonites to hear the word of the Lord GOD… ‘Aha! The gate to the nations is broken; Jerusalem stood along important routes connecting inland kingdoms with the coast. Tyre viewed its destruction as the removal of a commercial rival. Lam 2:9 Her gates have sunk into the ground; He has destroyed… it has swung open to me; Tyre anticipated greater access to trade and wealth once Jerusalem could no longer influence regional commerce. Nam 2:6 The river gates are thrown open and the palace collapses. now that she lies in ruins I will be filled,’ Rather than mourning Judah’s disaster, Tyre hoped to prosper through it. Its pride and greed became the basis for God’s judgment. Ezk 28:16 By the vastness of your trade, you sinned… therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: God announces His judgment with the full authority of the covenant Lord, who rules over Israel and every surrounding nation. Ezk 13:8 Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says… ‘Behold, O Tyre, Tyre was Phoenicia’s wealthy coastal trading center, protected by its mainland settlement and fortified island city. Its commerce, naval strength, and strategic position had fostered great confidence and pride. Isa 23:1 This is the burden against Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish,… I am against you, Tyre’s celebration over Jerusalem’s downfall and its pursuit of gain at Judah’s expense brought it under God’s judgment. Nam 2:13 “Behold, I am against you,” declares the LORD of Hosts.… and I will raise up many nations against you, Successive foreign powers would assault Tyre, beginning with Babylon and culminating in the conquest of the island city by Alexander the Great. Jer 50:9 For behold, I stir up and bring against Babylon an assembly… as the sea brings up its waves. Nation after nation would come against Tyre with relentless force, like waves striking its shores. Jer 51:42 The sea has come up over Babylon; she is covered… They will destroy the walls of Tyre Successive foreign armies would break Tyre’s defenses and end its security as a dominant Phoenician trading power. Nebuchadnezzar’s long siege weakened the mainland city, and Alexander the Great later captured the island stronghold. Amo 1:10 So I will send fire upon the walls of Tyre… and demolish her towers. Tyre’s towers represented the military strength that protected its wealth, harbor, and influence. Their destruction marked the collapse of a city long regarded as difficult to conquer. Isa 25:12 The high-walled fortress will be brought down,… I will scrape the soil from her Alexander used rubble from old Tyre on the mainland to construct a causeway to the island city in 332 B.C. The city’s ruins were stripped away to serve the advance of its conquerors. 2Ki 21:13 I will stretch out over Jerusalem the measuring line… and make her a bare rock. The once-fortified mainland site was reduced to exposed ground, a stark contrast to Tyre’s former prosperity and power. Jer 51:26 No one shall retrieve from you a cornerstone… She will become a place to spread nets in the sea, Tyre’s ruined coastal site would be reduced from a proud trading power to a place used by fishermen. After Babylon’s long siege and Alexander’s conquest, its wealth, defenses, and influence were stripped away. Ezk 47:10 Fishermen will stand by the shore; from En-gedi to… for I have spoken, declares the Lord GOD. The judgment was certain because it came from the sovereign Lord, who governs nations and brings His purposes to pass. Ezk 24:14 I, the LORD, have spoken; the time is coming… She will become plunder for the nations, Tyre’s riches would be taken by foreign powers as successive armies invaded, besieged, and plundered the city. Ezk 25:7 therefore I will indeed stretch out My hand against you… and the villages on her mainland will be slain by the sword. Tyre’s mainland settlements, dependent on the island stronghold, would be exposed to invading armies. Nebuchadnezzar’s long Babylonian siege devastated the mainland portion of Tyre, and Alexander the Great later destroyed its remaining defenses as he advanced against the island city. The sword represents the military judgment God brought against a proud and wealthy maritime power. Ezk 21:3-4 This is what the LORD says: ‘I am against you,… Then they will know that I am the LORD.’ Tyre’s defeat would demonstrate that its wealth, walls, trade, and alliances could not preserve it from God’s decree. The judgment would make clear that the Lord, the one true God, rules over nations and directs the course of history. Ezk 28:22-23 Behold, I am against you, O Sidon, and I will be glorified… For this is what the Lord GOD says: The announcement proceeds from the sovereign Lord, making the judgment certain and declaring that Babylon’s campaign would serve His purpose. Ezk 34:2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel… ‘Behold, I will bring against Tyre Tyre, wealthy through trade and protected by its coastal position, had exalted itself and rejoiced over Jerusalem’s fall. God would bring judgment upon the city for its pride and hostility toward His people. Isa 23:1 This is the burden against Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish,… from the north Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, Babylonian armies commonly approached the Levant from the north. Nebuchadnezzar II led a long siege against Tyre, devastating its mainland settlements and pressing the fortified island city. Jer 1:14-15 Then the LORD said to me, “Disaster from the north… king of kings, Nebuchadnezzar ruled an empire that had brought many nations and their rulers under Babylonian control. His authority, however extensive, remained subject to God’s command. Dan 2:37 You, O king, are the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven… with horses and chariots, with cavalry and a great company of troops. The Babylonian force would be equipped for a major campaign, overwhelming Tyre’s land defenses and demonstrating that its wealth, walls, and maritime strength could not prevent God’s judgment. Ezk 38:4 I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws… He will slaughter the villages of your mainland with the sword; Nebuchadnezzar II would first strike Tyre’s mainland settlements, which lacked the island city’s natural defenses. Babylon’s campaign would bring death and devastation to the territory controlled by Tyre. Ezk 38:11 You will say, ‘I will go up against a land… he will set up siege works against you, The Babylonian army would surround Tyre and construct the equipment and fortifications needed for a prolonged assault. Nebuchadnezzar’s siege lasted many years, reflecting both Tyre’s strength and Babylon’s determination. Ezk 4:2 Then lay siege against it: Construct a siege wall,… build a ramp to your walls, Siege ramps enabled attacking forces to bring soldiers and weapons against a fortified city. The planned assault showed that Tyre’s walls, wealth, and maritime position would not exempt it from God’s judgment. Jer 32:24 See how the siege ramps are mounted against the city… and raise his shields against you. Babylonian troops would advance under shield protection against defenders on the walls. The picture is of an organized military attack carried out against Tyre and its surrounding territory. Ezk 23:24 They will come against you with a host of peoples,… He will direct the blows of his battering rams against your walls Nebuchadnezzar’s army would employ the standard siege methods of the ancient Near East, using battering rams to breach Tyre’s formidable defenses. Tyre’s wealth, trade, and fortified position had fostered pride and confidence, yet its walls could not prevent the judgment God had declared. Ezk 4:2 Then lay siege against it: Construct a siege wall,… and tear down your towers with his axes. The towers that strengthened Tyre’s defenses and gave its soldiers positions of advantage would also be destroyed. The assault would strip away both the city’s military security and the pride associated with its power, leaving its defenses unable to withstand Babylon’s campaign. Psa 74:5-6 like men wielding axes in a thicket of trees… His multitude of horses will cover you in their dust. Nebuchadnezzar’s vast army would advance with the strength and speed of a major imperial force. Tyre’s wealth and maritime power could not protect it from an enemy able to surround and assault its landward defenses. Jdg 5:22 Then the hooves of horses thundered—the mad galloping… When he enters your gates as an army entering a breached city, A breached gate meant the collapse of a city’s security and the certainty of defeat. Though Tyre was heavily fortified, its mainland settlements faced Babylon’s long siege, and its defenses would ultimately prove unable to preserve its former power. 2Ki 25:4 Then the city was breached; and though the Chaldeans… your walls will shake from the noise of cavalry, wagons, and chariots. The noise and movement of the invading force would bring fear and destruction to the city. Babylon’s cavalry, supply wagons, and chariots portray an organized army fully equipped to besiege, overwhelm, and subdue Tyre. Jer 47:3 at the sound of the galloping hooves of stallions,… The hooves of his horses will trample all your streets. Nebuchadnezzar’s armies would overwhelm Tyre with cavalry and siege forces, bringing warfare into its streets. The city’s wealth, fortifications, and maritime position would not protect it from God’s judgment. Nam 2:4 The chariots dash through the streets;… He will slaughter your people with the sword, The long Babylonian campaign against Tyre brought severe loss and demonstrated that the Lord rules over proud and powerful nations. Those who trusted in Tyre’s security would face the violence of invasion. 1Sa 15:8 He captured Agag king of Amalek alive, but devoted… and your mighty pillars will fall to the ground. Tyre’s strongholds and monuments, symbols of its strength and permanence, would collapse. The fall of these structures marked the humiliation of a city that had exalted itself in power and prosperity. Amo 9:1 I saw the Lord standing beside the altar, and He said:… They will plunder your wealth and pillage your merchandise. Tyre’s prosperity rested on maritime trade, luxury goods, and extensive commercial networks. Invading armies would strip the city of the riches that had supported its influence and pride. Jer 50:37 A sword is against her horses and chariots… They will demolish your walls, Tyre’s strong defenses could not preserve it from the nations God raised against it. The destruction of its walls marked the collapse of its security and power. 2Ki 25:10 And the whole army of the Chaldeans under… tear down your beautiful homes, The city’s impressive buildings and costly residences would be ruined along with its wealth. Its splendor would not survive the judgment coming upon it. Amo 3:15 I will tear down the winter house along with the summer house… and throw your stones and timber and soil into the water. The mainland portion of Tyre was later dismantled during Alexander the Great’s siege in 332 BC, when its rubble was used to build a causeway to the island city. The image portrays a thorough overthrow, leaving even the city’s building materials cast into the sea. Jer 51:63-64 When you finish reading this scroll, tie a stone to it… So I will silence the sound of your songs, God’s judgment would end Tyre’s celebrations and public life. Known for wealth, trade, and influence across the Mediterranean, the city had prospered through its maritime strength and commercial success. Its songs would be replaced by the silence of devastation, marking the collapse of its security, prosperity, and pride. Amo 5:23 Take away from Me the noise of your songs!… and the music of your lyres will no longer be heard. The end of music portrays a city emptied of joy, worship, feasting, and ordinary life. Tyre’s cultural vitality would cease as its people faced conquest and ruin. The judgment showed that no city, however wealthy or fortified, could withstand God’s decree. Rev 18:22 And the sound of harpists and musicians,… I will make you a bare rock, Tyre’s mainland settlement was devastated after Nebuchadnezzar’s long siege. Later, Alexander the Great used its ruins to build a causeway to the island city, leaving the former site stripped and exposed. Mic 1:6 Therefore I will make Samaria a heap of rubble… and you will become a place to spread the fishing nets. The great trading center would lose its wealth, defenses, and influence, becoming a quiet shoreline used by fishermen. Ezk 47:10 Fishermen will stand by the shore; from En-gedi to… You will never be rebuilt, The ancient Tyrian power and its mainland city were not restored to their former position. The site remained marked by the judgment foretold. Isa 25:2 Indeed, You have made the city a heap of rubble… for I, the LORD, have spoken, The destruction of Tyre was not merely the result of military campaigns but the fulfillment of God’s declared judgment. Ezk 17:24 Then all the trees of the field will know… declares the Lord GOD.’ Ezekiel records the decree of the sovereign Lord, whose authority extends over cities, kingdoms, and their history. Ezk 13:8 Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says… This is what the Lord GOD says to Tyre: The Lord announces judgment against Tyre, the wealthy Phoenician port whose commerce and naval strength gave it influence throughout the Mediterranean. Isa 23:1 This is the burden against Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish,… ‘Will not the coastlands quake at the sound of your downfall, Tyre’s fall would unsettle the coastal peoples and trading partners who depended on its markets, shipping, and protection. Its destruction would reveal that neither wealth nor strategic position could preserve a nation under God’s judgment. Isa 23:6 Cross over to Tarshish; wail, O inhabitants… when the wounded groan at the slaughter in your midst? The siege would bring death, injury, and grief within the city. Tyre’s long history of military pressure, including Babylon’s siege and Alexander’s later conquest, reflected the severity of the judgment foretold against its pride and security. Jer 51:4 And they will fall slain in the land of the Chaldeans,… All the princes of the sea will descend from their thrones, The rulers of coastal trading cities that prospered through commerce with Tyre will be shaken by its fall. Tyre’s influence reached across the Mediterranean, and its destruction will expose the insecurity of nations that trusted in its wealth and power. Ezk 21:26-27 This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Remove the turban,… remove their robes, and strip off their embroidered garments. Their royal clothing, signs of rank and prosperity, will be laid aside in grief. The downfall of Tyre will bring humiliation to those who shared in its trade and depended on its strength. Ezk 16:10-13 I clothed you in embroidered cloth and gave you sandals… Clothed with terror, they will sit on the ground, Fear will replace their former splendor. Sitting on the ground portrays public mourning, helplessness, and the collapse of their confidence. Isa 47:1 Go down and sit in the dust, O Virgin Daughter of Babylon.… trembling every moment, appalled over you. The princes will remain horrified by Tyre’s ruin, recognizing that the city once considered secure has fallen under God’s judgment. Ezk 27:35 All the people of the coastlands are appalled over you.… Then they will lament for you, saying, The nations affected by Tyre’s commerce and influence would mourn her ruin. Her fall would be so great that even those who had benefited from her trade would recognize the loss. Ezk 27:32 As they wail and mourn over you, they will take up a lament:… “How you have perished, Tyre’s destruction brought an end to the security and prosperity she had long enjoyed. Though protected by wealth, fortifications, and the sea, she could not escape God’s judgment. Ezk 28:19 All the nations who know you are appalled over you.… O city of renown Tyre was widely known throughout the Mediterranean world for its commercial success, skilled craftsmen, and extensive trading network. Her prominence made her collapse all the more striking. Isa 23:8 Who planned this against Tyre, the bestower of crowns… inhabited by seafaring men— Tyre’s people were experienced sailors, merchants, and shipbuilders. Their fleets connected distant lands and made the city a leading maritime power. Isa 23:2 Be silent, O dwellers of the coastland, you merchants of Sidon… she who was powerful on the sea, Her island stronghold and naval strength gave Tyre influence over coastal trade and made her appear difficult to conquer. Yet her power on the sea could not preserve her. Isa 23:11 The LORD has stretched out His hand over the sea;… along with her people, The judgment fell not merely on buildings and ports but on the population whose labor, wealth, and ambitions had sustained the city’s greatness. Ezk 27:8 The men of Sidon and Arvad were your oarsmen.… who imposed terror on all peoples! Tyre had inspired fear among surrounding peoples through her economic reach and military strength. Her overthrow showed that even a city feared by many nations was subject to the Lord’s judgment. Jos 2:9 and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given…… Now the coastlands tremble on the day of your downfall; Tyre’s collapse would alarm the coastal peoples and trading centers that depended on its wealth, ships, and commercial networks. As a leading Phoenician port, Tyre had shaped regional trade and exercised influence far beyond its own territory. Ezk 27:35 All the people of the coastlands are appalled over you.… the islands in the sea are dismayed by your demise.”’ Distant maritime lands would also feel the loss of Tyre as commerce, alliances, and security were disrupted. The city’s fall demonstrated that its prosperity and apparent strength could not shield it from God’s judgment. Ezk 27:30-31 They will raise their voices for you and cry out bitterly.… For this is what the Lord GOD says: The coming judgment rests on God’s own decree, not on the ambitions of surrounding nations. Ezk 28:2 Son of man, tell the ruler of Tyre that the Lord GOD says… ‘When I make you a desolate city Tyre’s commercial wealth, fortified position, and maritime influence would not preserve her from ruin. Nebuchadnezzar’s long siege devastated the mainland city, and later conquerors brought further destruction. Isa 25:2 Indeed, You have made the city a heap of rubble… like other deserted cities, Tyre would share the fate of proud cities brought low after resisting God’s purposes. Ezk 35:4 I will turn your cities into ruins, and you… and when I raise up the deep against you The sea that had made Tyre prosperous would become part of her judgment, as enemies approached her by sea and the ruins of the old city were cast into the waters. Jer 51:42 The sea has come up over Babylon; she is covered… so that the mighty waters cover you, The picture is one of overwhelming destruction, leaving Tyre’s former strength and glory unable to withstand God’s judgment. Exo 15:10 But You blew with Your breath, and the sea covered them.… then I will bring you down with those who descend to the Pit, God announces Tyre’s humiliation and removal from its place of wealth, security, and influence. The proud Phoenician trading power would be brought to the realm of the dead, sharing the fate of peoples already judged and gone. Isa 14:15 But you will be brought down to Sheol,… to the people of antiquity. Tyre would be numbered with former nations whose greatness had vanished. Its commercial success, fortified island city, and maritime empire could not preserve it from God’s decree. Lam 3:6 He has made me dwell in darkness like those dead for ages. I will make you dwell in the earth below like the ancient ruins, The city’s future is portrayed as desolation rather than splendor. Its ruins would testify that even an established and powerful city can be reduced to ruin under divine judgment. Psa 74:3 Turn Your steps to the everlasting ruins,… with those who descend to the Pit, The repeated image confirms the certainty of Tyre’s downfall. Its glory would end alongside the fallen powers of the past, with no recovery by human strength. Psa 88:4 I am counted among those descending to the Pit.… so that you will no longer be inhabited Tyre’s bustling streets, harbors, and markets would be emptied. Nebuchadnezzar’s long siege and later conquests, including Alexander’s destruction of the island stronghold, showed the vulnerability of the city that had rejoiced over Jerusalem’s fall. Isa 13:20 She will never be inhabited or settled… or set in splendor in the land of the living. Tyre would no longer stand as a celebrated center of wealth and beauty among the nations. Its former prominence would give way to the shame and obscurity God had pronounced. Psa 49:17 For when he dies, he will carry nothing away;… I will make you an object of horror, Tyre’s wealth, naval strength, and fortified position had made it a leading Phoenician power. God would turn the city’s reputation from splendor and security to devastation and fear. Jer 25:9 behold, I will summon all the families of the north,… and you will be no more. Nebuchadnezzar’s long siege devastated mainland Tyre, and Alexander the Great later captured the island city after building a causeway from its ruins. Tyre’s former independence and greatness were brought to an end. Ezk 28:19 All the nations who know you are appalled over you.… You will be sought, but will never be found,’ The judgment would leave the ancient city desolate and unable to recover its former place among the nations. Its fall would be permanent in the sense intended by God’s decree. Psa 37:36 yet he passed away and was no more; though I searched,… declares the Lord GOD.” The outcome rested on the authority of the sovereign God, whose judgment against Tyre’s pride and violence would certainly stand. Ezk 20:33 As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD,… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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