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. In the context of Ezekiel, God often speaks directly to the nations, using the prophet as His mouthpiece. This underscores the prophetic nature of Ezekiel's ministry, where he conveys messages of judgment and restoration. The phrase "the Lord GOD" highlights the covenant name of God, Yahweh, indicating His eternal and unchanging nature.

‘Behold, O Tyre,
Tyre was a prominent Phoenician city known for its wealth and maritime prowess. It was located on the Mediterranean coast, comprising a mainland settlement and an island fortress. Tyre's economic power came from its trade networks and its production of purple dye, a luxury item in the ancient world. The city's pride and reliance on its strategic position are key themes in the prophetic judgments against it.

I am against you,
This declaration of divine opposition is significant, as it indicates that Tyre's actions have provoked God's judgment. In the biblical narrative, God opposes nations and individuals who act in pride, idolatry, or injustice. Tyre's self-sufficiency and arrogance, as well as its role in opposing Israel, are likely reasons for this divine stance. This phrase echoes other instances in scripture where God declares Himself against those who defy His will (e.g., Isaiah 13:11).

and I will raise up many nations against you,
The imagery of multiple nations coming against Tyre suggests a comprehensive and overwhelming judgment. Historically, Tyre faced sieges from various empires, including the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar and later the Greeks under Alexander the Great. This phrase can be seen as a fulfillment of prophecy, where God uses other nations as instruments of His judgment. It also reflects the biblical theme of God controlling the rise and fall of nations (Daniel 2:21).

as the sea brings up its waves.
The metaphor of the sea and its waves is particularly apt for Tyre, given its coastal location and dependence on maritime trade. Waves are relentless and powerful, symbolizing the unstoppable nature of the coming judgment. This imagery also connects to the broader biblical motif of chaos and judgment associated with the sea (e.g., Psalm 93:3-4). The use of natural imagery to describe divine action is common in prophetic literature, emphasizing God's control over creation.

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.