The mention of Persian men in the context of the Tyrian army is found in the prophetic writings of Ezekiel. Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city-state known for its wealth and maritime prowess, is depicted in the Bible as having a diverse and formidable military force. The inclusion of Persians in this army highlights the extensive reach and influence of Tyre during its zenith.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to the Persians in the Tyrian army is found in Ezekiel 27:10, which states: "Men of Persia, Lud, and Put served as soldiers in your army. They hung their shields and helmets in you; they gave you splendor" . This passage is part of a larger lamentation over Tyre, where the prophet Ezekiel enumerates the various nations and peoples that contributed to Tyre's military and economic strength.

Historical and Cultural Context:

During the time of Ezekiel, the Persian Empire was emerging as a significant power in the ancient Near East. The Persians, known for their military prowess and strategic acumen, were highly valued as mercenaries and allies. Their inclusion in the Tyrian army suggests a mutually beneficial relationship between Tyre and Persia, where Tyre could leverage Persian military expertise to bolster its defenses and expand its influence.

The reference to the Persians, along with Lud and Put, indicates a diverse coalition of forces within Tyre's military. This diversity reflects Tyre's extensive trade networks and diplomatic relations, which allowed it to draw upon the resources and manpower of various nations. The presence of these foreign soldiers also underscores Tyre's role as a cosmopolitan hub, where different cultures and peoples converged.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Persians in the Tyrian army serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of nations and the sovereignty of God over the affairs of men. The prophetic literature often uses the imagery of foreign armies and alliances to convey messages of judgment and redemption. In the case of Tyre, its reliance on foreign powers and its subsequent downfall serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and self-reliance apart from God.

Ezekiel's prophecy against Tyre, including the enumeration of its military allies, ultimately points to the transient nature of earthly power and the enduring sovereignty of God. The inclusion of Persians in this narrative highlights the broader biblical theme of God's control over history and His ability to use nations to accomplish His purposes.

Conclusion:

The men of Persia in the Tyrian army, as mentioned in Ezekiel 27:10, represent a significant aspect of Tyre's military strength and its extensive network of alliances. This reference provides insight into the historical and cultural dynamics of the ancient Near East, while also serving as a theological reminder of God's sovereignty over the nations.Ezekiel 27:10
They of Persia and of Lud and of Phut were in your army, your men of war: they hanged the shield and helmet in you; they set forth your comeliness.
Nave's Topical Index

How Shalmaneser Took Samaria by Force and How He Transplanted the ...
... were dispersed, they took five hundred men prisoners, and ... is what is written in the
Tyrian archives concerning ... Cuthah, which is a country of Persia, and there ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 how shalmaneser took.htm

Imperial Caesar
... fathered son of an Ishmaelite!" a Tyrian said to ... the decurion said gravely, while
his men, circling around ... you going to pillage Egypt or Persia because Judea ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter vii imperial caesar.htm

Book 1.
... till the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, who reigned ... to contain this great number
of men, and called ... Barbarians, under every one of the Tyrian kings, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/book 1.htm

General Index to Socrates' Ecclesiastical History.
... to a conference, [593]49; sustains a check in the war with Persia, [594]53 ... Ga??nas,
a Goth, commander-in-chief of the Roman army, [1029]140; rebels against the ...
/.../general index to socrates ecclesiastical.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... workmen, and had manned them with Tyrian, Sidonian, and ... had drained the country of
its fighting men and the ... two later he obtained possession of Persia, and a ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... Artaphernes reorganised his vanquished states entirely in the interest of Persia. ...
of the Pharaohs, was supported by an army of 120,000 men, who occupied the ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... to distribute implements of husbandry to pions men, or to ... and passed over from Cambyses
to him, Persia and Media ... an opportunity for settling the Tyrian question ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... Persia proper and the Persians; conquest of Persia by the ... of 585 BC"Necho reorganises
his army and his ... Urivzan, Abiruz, and Ariarma, while the men bear such ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... of the proclamation by Cyrus as King of Persia (559-558 ... The vast army of Sargon and
Sennacherib had been split up ... drawing too great a proportion of men from the ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The Philistines, their political organisation, their army and fleet ... of Samaria: Ahab
and the Tyrian alliance"The ... In spite of the thousands of men among them ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

What is the significance of the Medo-Persian Empire in biblical history? | GotQuestions.org

Why didn't all the Jews want to return to Jerusalem (Ezra 1:5-6)? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Esther in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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