Ezekiel: For His Gloryഉദാഹരണം

Two foreign nations are singled out by Ezekiel: Egypt (29:1 – 32:32) and Tyre (26:1 – 28:19). These two nations were particularly staunch in their resistance against Babylon. Tyre was a city-state built mainly on a rocky island on the Mediterranean coast. Its location and harbors not only allowed the Phoenician city to rise to become a trading powerhouse but also provided natural protection from military invaders. Yet this offered no protection against God. 

Ezekiel’s oracle against Tyre follows the same pattern we saw in the last chapter. First, the reason for God’s judgment is outlined: Tyre rubbed her hands with glee at the fall of Jerusalem, for it opened the door for Tyre to gain sole control of trade in the region (v. 2). 

Second, this exploitation is judged by God (vv. 3–14). Nations, including Babylon, will attack Tyre. Its destruction will include the island as well as the mainland (v. 6). Tyre’s wealth will be plundered; this is poetic justice considering the city’s opportunism (v. 12; cf. v. 2). This prophecy will be fulfilled in stages. The city will negotiate a settlement with Nebuchadnezzar, who will exert political control over it (c. 572 BC). But the city’s complete destruction will not come until the time of Alexander the Great (332 BC). Then Tyre will be completely destroyed (v. 14). 

Third, the outcome of Tyre’s downfall is that it will have a ripple effect on surrounding coastlands (vv. 15–18). The nearby princes will respond with a mixture of grief and fear. They will mourn the fall of such a great empire but also the economic implications of Tyre’s collapse. Also described in the princes’ lament is a description of the terror imposed by Tyre in its prime (v. 17). The final verses make it clear that it is the Lord who is behind the destruction (vv. 19–21). 

Reflection

In our age, with the presence of many economic powerhouses, not just nations but also companies, it is sobering to be reminded that these powerhouses are being watched. God may judge their exploitation too. With the recent global financial crises, we know that these economic empires are not invulnerable.