Ezekiel 27:36
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ezekiel 27:36
36 The merchants among the people shall hiss at thee; thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt be any more.
Chapter Context
Ezekiel 27 is a prophetic vision chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, judgment, covenant. 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 21-36: 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 27:36
36 The merchants among the people shall hiss at thee; thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt be any more.
Analysis
The merchants among the people shall hiss at thee; thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt be any more—The final verse: סֹחֲרִים בָּעַמִּים (sōḥărîm bāʿammîm, 'traders among the peoples') שָׁרְקוּ עָלָיִךְ (shārĕqû ʿālayik, 'hiss at you'). The verb שָׁרַק (shāraq) indicates shocked derision, a hissing sound expressing horror and contempt (1 Kings 9:8, Jeremiah 19:8).
Thou shalt be a terror—בַּלָּהוֹת הָיִית (ballāhôt hāyît, 'terrors you have become'), an object lesson of judgment. And never shalt be any more—וְאֵינֵךְ עַד־עוֹלָם (wĕʾênēkh ʿad-ʿôlām, 'and you are not until eternity'). This concludes the extended lament (chapters 26-28) with finality: Tyre's commercial glory is permanently ended. Those who profited from her trade now mock her—fair-weather friends revealed when prosperity ends. The chapter warns against building identity on economic achievement, participating in systems built on pride, or trusting wealth for security. Only God's kingdom endures; all else is vapor (James 4:14).
Historical Context
Ezekiel 26-28 was written circa 586 BC. Babylon besieged Tyre 585-573 BC. Alexander destroyed it completely 332 BC. By Roman times, Tyre was a minor port. Today, it's a small Lebanese city with ancient ruins—literally 'a terror and never shall be any more' as a commercial empire. The prophecy's fulfillment over centuries demonstrates God's sovereignty over history.
Reflection
- Why do those who profited from a system mock it when it falls?
- What does Tyre becoming 'a terror'—a cautionary example—teach subsequent generations?
- How should believers invest their lives to avoid Tyre's fate of building on temporal foundations?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Ezekiel 26:21, Psalms 37:10, 37:36, Jeremiah 18:16, 19:8, Zephaniah 2:15