Ezekiel 26:7
For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring upon Tyrus Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, a king of kings, from the north, with horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and companies, and much people.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 21
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כֹ֤ה
H3541
כֹ֤ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
מֵבִ֣יא
Behold I will bring
H935
מֵבִ֣יא
Behold I will bring
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
7 of 21
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
נְבוּכַדְרֶאצַּ֧ר
Nebuchadrezzar
H5019
נְבוּכַדְרֶאצַּ֧ר
Nebuchadrezzar
Strong's:
H5019
Word #:
10 of 21
nebukadnetstsar (or nebukadretsts(-ar, or)), king of babylon
בָּבֶ֛ל
of Babylon
H894
בָּבֶ֛ל
of Babylon
Strong's:
H894
Word #:
12 of 21
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
מִצָּפ֖וֹן
from the north
H6828
מִצָּפ֖וֹן
from the north
Strong's:
H6828
Word #:
13 of 21
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
וּבְרֶ֥כֶב
and with chariots
H7393
וּבְרֶ֥כֶב
and with chariots
Strong's:
H7393
Word #:
17 of 21
a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
וּבְפָרָשִׁ֖ים
and with horsemen
H6571
וּבְפָרָשִׁ֖ים
and with horsemen
Strong's:
H6571
Word #:
18 of 21
a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry
Cross References
Daniel 2:37Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.Ezra 7:12Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time.Ezekiel 23:24And they shall come against thee with chariots, wagons, and wheels, and with an assembly of people, which shall set against thee buckler and shield and helmet round about: and I will set judgment before them, and they shall judge thee according to their judgments.Isaiah 10:8For he saith, Are not my princes altogether kings?Jeremiah 52:32And spake kindly unto him, and set his throne above the throne of the kings that were with him in Babylon,Jeremiah 25:9Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.Hosea 8:10Yea, though they have hired among the nations, now will I gather them, and they shall sorrow a little for the burden of the king of princes.Daniel 2:47The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.
Historical Context
Nebuchadnezzar II (605-562 BC) was the most powerful monarch of his era, ruling the Neo-Babylonian Empire. His siege of Tyre (585-572 BC) lasted 13 years, one of history's longest sieges. Though he gained little plunder (the city evacuated to the island with their wealth), he devastated mainland Tyre, partially fulfilling this prophecy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use powerful human rulers to accomplish His purposes?
- What does Nebuchadnezzar's 'king of kings' title teach about earthly vs divine sovereignty?
- Why can't human strength or technology resist divinely appointed judgment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring upon Tyrus Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon specifies the immediate agent of judgment. From the north indicates Babylon's approach—the standard invasion route into the Levant. A king of kings identifies Nebuchadnezzar's imperial status, ruling over subject kings. With horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and companies, and much people catalogs military might. The description emphasizes overwhelming force. Tyre's walls and fleet won't save her from divinely-appointed conquest. No human strength resists God's ordained instruments of judgment.