Ezekiel 26:11
With the hoofs of his horses shall he tread down all thy streets: he shall slay thy people by the sword, and thy strong garrisons shall go down to the ground.
Original Language Analysis
יִרְמֹ֖ס
shall he tread down
H7429
יִרְמֹ֖ס
shall he tread down
Strong's:
H7429
Word #:
3 of 13
to tread upon (as a potter, in walking or abusively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
חֽוּצוֹתָ֑יִךְ
all thy streets
H2351
חֽוּצוֹתָ֑יִךְ
all thy streets
Strong's:
H2351
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
עַמֵּךְ֙
thy people
H5971
עַמֵּךְ֙
thy people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
7 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
בַּחֶ֣רֶב
by the sword
H2719
בַּחֶ֣רֶב
by the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
8 of 13
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
וּמַצְּב֥וֹת
garrisons
H4676
וּמַצְּב֥וֹת
garrisons
Strong's:
H4676
Word #:
10 of 13
something stationed, i.e., a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol
עֻזֵּ֖ךְ
and thy strong
H5797
עֻזֵּ֖ךְ
and thy strong
Strong's:
H5797
Word #:
11 of 13
strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)
Cross References
Isaiah 26:5For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust.Isaiah 5:28Whose arrows are sharp, and all their bows bent, their horses' hoofs shall be counted like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind:Habakkuk 1:8Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat.
Historical Context
Tyre's fortifications were legendary, yet they fell to Babylonian assault. Later, Alexander's forces also overcame them. No walls, no matter how strong, can stand when God determines their fall. History demonstrates repeatedly that human defenses, however sophisticated, cannot resist divine purposes. Tyre learned what every empire eventually learns: God humbles the proud.
Questions for Reflection
- What defenses are we trusting that God could reduce to rubble?
- How does pride in human strength blind us to divine sovereignty?
- What does Tyre's fall teach about the futility of resisting God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
With the hoofs of his horses shall he tread down all thy streets continues the vivid imagery. Horses trampling streets represents total conquest and occupation. He shall slay thy people by the sword predicts loss of life. And thy strong garrisons shall go down to the ground means fortifications will be demolished. The phrase strong garrisons ironically contrasts military strength with ultimate vulnerability—what seemed impregnable falls. Human strength cannot stand against divine decree. Our strongest defenses become rubble when God decrees it. Pride in military might is misplaced confidence.