They of Persia and of Lud and of Phut were in thine army, thy men of war (אַנְשֵׁי מִלְחַמְתֵּךְ, anshei milchamtekh)—Tyre hired mercenaries from vast geographic extremes: Persia (modern Iran, far east), Lud (Lydia in Asia Minor, northeast), and Phut (Libya/North Africa, southwest). These weren't allies but paid soldiers (anshei milchamah, "men of war"), revealing Tyre's wealth could purchase military protection from the known world's edges. They hanged the shield and helmet in thee; they set forth thy comeliness (הֵמָּה נָתְנוּ הֲדָרֵךְ, hemmah nathnu hadarekh)—the displayed weaponry served dual purpose: defense and hadar ("splendor/majesty"), turning military might into aesthetic boasting.
Tyre's security rested on hired foreigners, not covenant relationship with the living God. Compare Israel: God Himself fought their battles when they trusted Him (Exodus 14:14). Tyre's judgment exposes the futility of military pageantry divorced from divine favor.
Historical Context
The Persian Empire had not yet risen to dominance when Ezekiel prophesied (c. 586 BC)—this either refers to Persia as a region/people or demonstrates prophetic foresight. Lud (Lydia) in western Asia Minor was famous for its wealth and military prowess. Phut (likely Libya) represented North African military power. Ancient Near Eastern kingdoms regularly employed mercenaries; the Phoenician cities, lacking large native populations, relied heavily on hired troops. The practice of displaying shields on city walls appears in ancient reliefs and texts as both defense and prestige.
Questions for Reflection
What are modern equivalents of trusting in hired protection rather than God's provision and presence?
How does the display of military or financial strength as "splendor" mask spiritual vulnerability?
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Analysis & Commentary
They of Persia and of Lud and of Phut were in thine army, thy men of war (אַנְשֵׁי מִלְחַמְתֵּךְ, anshei milchamtekh)—Tyre hired mercenaries from vast geographic extremes: Persia (modern Iran, far east), Lud (Lydia in Asia Minor, northeast), and Phut (Libya/North Africa, southwest). These weren't allies but paid soldiers (anshei milchamah, "men of war"), revealing Tyre's wealth could purchase military protection from the known world's edges. They hanged the shield and helmet in thee; they set forth thy comeliness (הֵמָּה נָתְנוּ הֲדָרֵךְ, hemmah nathnu hadarekh)—the displayed weaponry served dual purpose: defense and hadar ("splendor/majesty"), turning military might into aesthetic boasting.
Tyre's security rested on hired foreigners, not covenant relationship with the living God. Compare Israel: God Himself fought their battles when they trusted Him (Exodus 14:14). Tyre's judgment exposes the futility of military pageantry divorced from divine favor.