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 will cover you in their dust.
This phrase depicts the overwhelming force and power of the invading army. In the ancient Near East, horses were symbols of military strength and speed. The imagery of dust suggests a vast number of horses, indicating a formidable and unstoppable force. Historically, this prophecy is directed against Tyre, a wealthy and fortified city-state known for its maritime prowess. The reference to horses highlights the contrast between Tyre's naval strength and the land-based military might of its conquerors. This imagery is reminiscent of other biblical passages where God uses foreign nations as instruments of judgment (e.g., Isaiah 5:26-30).

When he enters your gates as an army entering a breached city,
The breached city imagery signifies vulnerability and impending defeat. Gates were critical for a city's defense, and their breach symbolized the collapse of security. This phrase underscores the inevitability of Tyre's downfall, despite its strong fortifications. Historically, Tyre was besieged by Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon, fulfilling this prophecy. The breach of gates is a common biblical motif for divine judgment (e.g., Nahum 3:13). It also foreshadows the ultimate victory of Christ, who will enter the gates of the New Jerusalem as the conquering King (Revelation 19:11-16).

your walls will shake from the noise of cavalry, wagons, and chariots.
The shaking walls convey the terror and chaos accompanying the invasion. Walls were the primary defense mechanism for ancient cities, and their shaking indicates the overwhelming force of the attackers. Cavalry, wagons, and chariots represent the full spectrum of military technology of the time, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the assault. This imagery is consistent with other biblical descriptions of divine judgment through military conquest (e.g., Jeremiah 4:13). The shaking of walls can also be seen as a type of the final shaking of the heavens and the earth at the return of Christ (Hebrews 12:26-27), where all that is not of God's kingdom will be removed.

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.