Lamentation for Tyre

Ezekiel 27:1–36
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

Ezekiel’s second message against Tyre was a lament over the city’s fall (vv. 1-4). Tyre’s destruction was so certain (chap. 26) that the funeral dirge could begin. Chapter 27, in which Tyre is compared to a ship, could be called “The Sinking of Tyre’s Ship of State.” The first section, written in poetry, pictures Tyre’s former glory by describing her, appropriately, as a beautiful ship (vv. 1-9). The second section, in both poetry and prose, enumerates Tyre’s many trading partners (vv. 10-25. The third section, again in poetry, describes Tyre’s catastrophic shipwreck (vv. 26-36). This chapter focuses on the many countries and cities associated commercially with Tyre.

The materials used in constructing Tyre’s “Ship of State” emphasized the city’s sound construction (vv. 5-9). Her connections with other nations supposedly guaranteed her security. Ezekiel pictured Tyre as a strong, seaworthy vessel. She was the pride of the fleet, built with the best materials and manned by the best crews. Ezekiel then described the military and commercial activity of this mighty city. Tyre was protected by the best mercenary army that could be mustered. (v. 10-11). Tyre’s partners in commerce spanned the limits of the then-known world, and their products represented numerous kinds of merchandise (vv. 12-25). The fact that Tyre traded with about two dozen nations and cities shows her vast influence and commercial expertise.

Ezekiel was building to a climax (vv. 26-27). In a lament he described the ship’s catastrophic sinking. Ezekiel reverted to poetry to accentuate the tragedy. The surrounding countries would mourn the loss of Tyre (vv. 28-32). Those who traded with the once-bustling city of Tyre would be appalled at her sudden loss and silence. Tyre’s commercial activity had enriched others (vv. 33-36). The businessmen would be astonished because the “pride of the fleet” had come to a horrible end.

Application

Unwarranted conceit or pride in my accomplishments in life can be a danger signal to me. God is not against us finding pleasure or satisfaction in what we do but is against inflated self-esteem that looks down on others.