Ezekiel 29:18

"Son of man, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon caused his army to labor strenuously against Tyre. Every head was made bald and every shoulder made raw. But he and his army received no wages from Tyre for the labor they expended on it.

Study Bible

Son of man
This phrase is a common designation for Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and role as a prophet. It is used over 90 times in the book, highlighting the contrast between the divine message and the human messenger. It also prefigures the title used by Jesus in the New Testament, emphasizing His incarnation and identification with humanity.

Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar II was a powerful ruler of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, reigning from 605 to 562 BC. He is known for his military conquests and the expansion of Babylon. His campaigns against various nations, including Judah and Tyre, are well-documented in both biblical and extra-biblical sources. His role in biblical prophecy is significant, as he is often seen as an instrument of God's judgment.

caused his army to labor strenuously against Tyre
The siege of Tyre by Nebuchadnezzar lasted for 13 years, from 585 to 572 BC. Tyre was a fortified island city with strong defenses, making it a formidable target. The prolonged effort required significant resources and manpower, reflecting the intensity and difficulty of the campaign. This historical event is corroborated by ancient historians like Josephus.

Every head was made bald and every shoulder made raw
This imagery describes the physical toll on the soldiers due to the lengthy siege. The baldness likely refers to the wearing away of hair from helmets, while raw shoulders suggest the chafing from carrying heavy loads or armor. It underscores the exhaustive nature of the military effort and the hardships endured by the troops.

But he and his army received no wages from Tyre for the labor they expended on it
Despite the prolonged siege, Nebuchadnezzar did not capture the wealth of Tyre as expected. The city eventually surrendered, but the anticipated plunder was not realized. This outcome highlights the futility of human efforts without divine blessing and sets the stage for God's promise to reward Nebuchadnezzar with the spoils of Egypt instead, as mentioned in the following verses. This reflects the biblical theme of God's sovereignty over nations and His control over historical events.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God, called to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile.

2. Nebuchadnezzar
The king of Babylon, known for his military campaigns and the conquest of Jerusalem. He is depicted as an instrument of God's judgment against Tyre.

3. Tyre
An ancient and wealthy city-state located on the Mediterranean coast, known for its commerce and fortifications. It was a target of Nebuchadnezzar's prolonged siege.

4. Babylon
The empire ruled by Nebuchadnezzar, which played a significant role in the history of Israel, particularly during the period of exile.

5. The Siege of Tyre
A historical event where Nebuchadnezzar's forces besieged the city of Tyre for many years, resulting in significant hardship for his army.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in World Events
God uses nations and leaders, even those who do not acknowledge Him, to fulfill His purposes. This reminds us of His ultimate control over history.

The Cost of Disobedience
Tyre's downfall serves as a warning against pride and disobedience to God. It illustrates the consequences of turning away from His commands.

The Reality of Unrewarded Labor
Nebuchadnezzar's unrewarded efforts against Tyre reflect the reality that earthly endeavors may not always yield expected rewards. This encourages believers to seek eternal rewards through faithful service to God.

Perseverance in Adversity
The hardships faced by Nebuchadnezzar's army highlight the importance of perseverance, even when immediate results are not visible. Believers are called to endure in faith, trusting God's timing.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Nebuchadnezzar's campaign against Tyre illustrate God's sovereignty over nations and leaders?

2. In what ways does the fall of Tyre serve as a warning to individuals and nations today?

3. How can believers find encouragement in the reality that earthly efforts may not always be rewarded as expected?

4. What lessons can we learn from Nebuchadnezzar's perseverance in his campaign, and how can these be applied to our spiritual journey?

5. How do the prophecies against Tyre in Ezekiel and Isaiah demonstrate the consistency of God's word and His faithfulness to fulfill His promises?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 27:6
This verse highlights how God used Nebuchadnezzar as His servant to execute judgment on various nations, including Tyre.

Isaiah 23
This chapter prophesies the fall of Tyre, emphasizing its pride and eventual downfall, which aligns with the events described in Ezekiel 29:18.

Ezekiel 26:7-14
Provides a detailed prophecy against Tyre, predicting its destruction by Nebuchadnezzar, which is fulfilled in the events of Ezekiel 29:18.