Ezekiel 26:3
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ezekiel 26:3
3 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Tyrus, and will cause many nations to come up against thee, as the sea causeth his waves to come up.
Chapter Context
Ezekiel 26 is a prophetic vision chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, faith, obedience. Written during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-570 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ministered to exiles in Babylon with visions of God's glory and future restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Ezekiel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Ezekiel 26:3
3 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Tyrus, and will cause many nations to come up against thee, as the sea causeth his waves to come up.
Analysis
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Tyrus announces divine opposition. The phrase I am against thee is one of Scripture's most terrifying statements—God Himself as enemy. And will cause many nations to come up against thee, as the sea causeth his waves to come up predicts successive invasions. Like waves relentlessly pounding a shore, nations will repeatedly attack Tyre. This was fulfilled through Babylonian siege (585-572 BC), then later conquest by Alexander the Great (332 BC). The wave metaphor is appropriate for the island city—judgment will come from the sea they dominated.
Historical Context
Nebuchadnezzar besieged mainland Tyre for 13 years (585-572 BC) but gained little plunder as Tyre moved to the island. Alexander the Great later built a causeway to the island and destroyed it utterly (332 BC). Successive invasions over centuries fulfilled this prophecy, demonstrating that divine judgments may take generations to complete fully.
Reflection
- What does it mean to have God declare 'I am against thee'?
- How do successive judgments demonstrate God's patience and thoroughness?
- Why does maritime judgment appropriately target a maritime power?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H136 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 5:30, Jeremiah 51:42, Micah 4:11