Ezekiel 26:9
And he shall set engines of war against thy walls, and with his axes he shall break down thy towers.
Original Language Analysis
יִתֵּ֖ן
And he shall set
H5414
יִתֵּ֖ן
And he shall set
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
3 of 7
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
וּמִ֨גְדְּלֹתַ֔יִךְ
thy towers
H4026
וּמִ֨גְדְּלֹתַ֔יִךְ
thy towers
Strong's:
H4026
Word #:
5 of 7
a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers
Historical Context
Babylonian siege technology was advanced for its era, including battering rams, siege towers, and demolition techniques. Nebuchadnezzar's engineers systematically dismantled Tyre's mainland fortifications over 13 years. The prolonged siege demonstrated both Babylonian military sophistication and Tyrian resistance, but ultimately God's decree prevailed despite human efforts on both sides.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the orderliness of judgment reflect God's character?
- What does systematic demolition teach about thoroughness in divine discipline?
- Why is God's judgment methodical rather than chaotic?
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Analysis & Commentary
And he shall set engines of war against thy walls predicts siege engines—battering rams and similar devices. And with his axes he shall break down thy towers indicates systematic demolition of fortifications. Axes (or picks) were used to dismantle stone walls once breached. The image is one of methodical destruction, not random violence. Judgment is orderly, purposeful, and thorough. God's judgments aren't chaotic or emotional but calculated and comprehensive. Every detail serves His purposes; nothing is wasted or excessive.