Ezekiel: For His Gloryഉദാഹരണം

This chapter is a lamentation for Tyre. The city is portrayed as a grand, self-assured trading ship, built of local and imported materials (vv. 3–7). The crew of the ship are drawn from Phoenician cities and include mercenary soldiers from foreign lands (vv. 8–11). Next, the city’s trading partners and the commodities traded are detailed (vv. 12–25). There is a huge spread of trading partners, from Tarshish (possibly Spain) to Arabia and Mesopotamia. Among the list of commodities are many luxurious items. 

Suddenly the ship is destroyed (vv. 26–27). An east wind blows up, wrecking the ship, along with all its crew. The ship and the city’s wealth sink without a trace. People on the land and in other ships are aghast at what they witness (vv. 28–31). They mourn bitterly with genuine grief at the downfall of their trading partner. Why do they respond so? As is made clear in the following lamentation (vv. 32–36; cf. the larger lamentation), it is because Tyre’s prosperity meant the prosperity of its trading partners. Similarly today nations hope that important global economies, such as China or the United States, will continue to grow economically, for this means the rest of the world, particularly its trading partners, will also benefit. Tyre’s economy was just as crucial for the region. ‘Who is like Tyre?’ the people in effect lament (v. 32), for the city was matchless. 

Yet all Tyre’s wealth, economic power, and international standing were gained without a nod towards God. ‘I am perfect in beauty’ the city arrogantly asserts, not ‘God has made me perfect in beauty.’ It is all ‘self-made’ wealth, based on hard work, extensive trading networks, and greed. So God brings an east wind to obliterate such self-importance. 

Reflection

Tyre’s attitude and attainments are repeated throughout history, right down to today. Achievement of worldly success and acclaim without acknowledging God continues unabated. As Christians do we look up to these ideals? Are we tempted to follow the path of Tyre? We need to be mindful of what God’s response will be. Also, remember what Jesus says: we cannot serve both God and money (Matt. 6:24).