The Effect of Tyre’s Destruction
September 9, 2022
Commentary
The third section of this prophecy discusses the response of Tyre’s neighbors to her fall (vv. 15-18). These coastal powers, dependent on Tyre for their trade and commerce, would be dismayed at Tyre’s fall. Tyre’s fall would send shock waves throughout the maritime community (the coast lands would tremble). The princes of the seacoast were appalled at the unbelievable fate of their chief benefactor.
Sitting in mourning was a common way to express grief for a loved one or friend (Job 2:11-13). As Tyre’s allies came to sit and mourn her passing, they also sang a funeral lament, contrasting her present condition with her former glory. Tyre had been a formidable power on the seas, reigning supremely on the eastern Mediterranean shores. Her fall sent terror rippling to every shore she had touched. With their source of supplies gone, those nations would suffer great economic loss. Today the Island city is still a pile of rubble, a testimony of God’s judgment.
In Tyre’s demise she would descend into the underworld never to rise again (vv. 19-21). Now again he said the ocean depths would sweep over Tyre. The most fearful prospect facing ancient mariners was to be caught in a storm and be “lost at sea.”
Application
This is a reminder of the recent earthquakes and surnames and how they destroy complete cites and towns. I must put my complete trust in God and not the things of this world.
Ezekiel 26:15– 21 (NET)
15 “This is what the Sovereign Lord says to Tyre: Oh, how the coastlands will shake at the sound of your fall, when the wounded groan at the massive slaughter in your midst! 16 All the princes of the sea will vacate their thrones. They will remove their robes and strip off their embroidered clothes; they will clothe themselves with trembling. They will sit on the ground; they will tremble continually and be shocked at what has happened to you. 17 They will sing this lament over you: “‘How you have perished—you have vanished from the seas, O renowned city, once mighty in the sea, she and her inhabitants, who spread their terror!
18 Now the coastlands will tremble on the day of your fall; the coastlands by the sea will be terrified by your passing.’
19 “For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: When I make you desolate like the uninhabited cities, when I bring up the deep over you and the surging waters overwhelm you, 20 then I will bring you down to bygone people, to be with those who descend to the Pit. I will make you live in the lower parts of the earth among the primeval ruins, with those who descend to the Pit, so that you will not be inhabited or stand in the land of the living. 21 I will bring terrors on you, and you will be no more! Though you are sought after, you will never be found again, declares the Sovereign Lord.”