Ezekiel 26:14

I will make you a bare rock, and you will become a place to spread the fishing nets. You will never be rebuilt, for I, the LORD, have spoken, declares the Lord GOD.'

Study Bible

I will make you a bare rock
This phrase refers to the prophecy against the city of Tyre, a significant Phoenician port city known for its wealth and fortifications. The imagery of a "bare rock" suggests complete desolation and destruction, stripping away all that made the city prosperous and powerful. Historically, Tyre was a city built partly on the mainland and partly on an island, making it a formidable fortress. The prophecy indicates that Tyre's defenses and wealth would be reduced to nothing, leaving it exposed and vulnerable. This aligns with the historical sieges by Nebuchadnezzar and later by Alexander the Great, who famously used the ruins of the mainland city to build a causeway to the island, effectively making it a "bare rock."

and you will become a place to spread the fishing nets
This phrase highlights the extent of Tyre's desolation. Once a bustling hub of commerce and trade, the city would be reduced to a mere fishing outpost. The imagery of fishermen spreading their nets on the rocks suggests a place devoid of its former glory and significance. This transformation from a powerful city to a simple fishing spot underscores the totality of God's judgment. The use of this imagery also connects to the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over nations and their destinies, as seen in other prophetic books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.

You will never be rebuilt
This prophecy emphasizes the permanence of Tyre's destruction. Historically, while the island city of Tyre was rebuilt after Alexander's conquest, it never regained its former prominence or power. The prophecy's fulfillment is seen in the fact that Tyre, as a major center of trade and influence, ceased to exist in its original form. This serves as a testament to the accuracy of biblical prophecy and God's control over history. The phrase also echoes other biblical prophecies of irreversible judgment, such as the destruction of Babylon in Isaiah 13 and Revelation 18.

for I, the LORD, have spoken
This phrase asserts the divine authority behind the prophecy. It is not merely a prediction but a declaration from God Himself, emphasizing the certainty and inevitability of the events foretold. The use of "I, the LORD" underscores God's role as the ultimate judge and ruler over all nations. This assurance of divine intervention is a common theme throughout the prophetic books, where God's word is portrayed as powerful and unchangeable, as seen in Isaiah 55:11, where God's word is said to accomplish what He desires.

declares the Lord GOD.
The repetition of God's title here reinforces the solemnity and seriousness of the prophecy. It serves as a reminder of God's covenant name, Yahweh, and His sovereign authority. This declaration is a common feature in prophetic literature, underscoring that the message is not from the prophet's own imagination but from God Himself. It also connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's dealings with nations, where His declarations are always fulfilled, as seen in the prophecies concerning other nations in the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel.

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 located on the Mediterranean coast. Known for its wealth and trade, Tyre was a significant maritime power.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who declares judgment upon Tyre for its pride and opposition to His people.

4. Babylonian Siege
The historical event where Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon laid siege to Tyre, fulfilling part of Ezekiel's prophecy.

5. Prophetic Judgment
The divine pronouncement against Tyre, symbolizing God's sovereignty over nations and His response to human pride and sin.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The prophecy against Tyre demonstrates God's control over the rise and fall of nations. No power is beyond His reach or judgment.

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.

The Certainty of God's Word
The fulfillment of prophecy underscores the reliability and authority of God's Word. What He declares will come to pass.

The Transience of Earthly Wealth
Tyre's wealth and splendor were temporary. Believers are reminded to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.

God's Justice and Mercy
While God judges sin, His ultimate desire is for repentance and restoration. His judgments are just, but His mercy is available to those who turn to Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the prophecy against Tyre in Ezekiel 26:14 illustrate God's sovereignty over human history?

2. In what ways can the downfall of Tyre serve as a warning against pride in our personal lives?

3. How does the certainty of God's Word, as seen in the fulfillment of prophecy, impact your trust in the Bible today?

4. What lessons can we learn from Tyre's focus on wealth and trade about where we place our own priorities and values?

5. How can understanding God's justice and mercy in His dealings with Tyre encourage us in our walk with Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 23
This chapter also prophesies the downfall of Tyre, emphasizing the temporary nature of human glory and the ultimate sovereignty of God.

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

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon in Revelation echoes the judgment on Tyre, symbolizing the ultimate downfall of worldly powers opposed to God.