Book of Ezekiel: Chapter 26
In the previous chapter, Ezekiel delivers messages to the surrounding nations of Israel. Chapter 26 continues in that trend, by having a message for the city of Tyre.
Tyre is the capital of Phoenicia, just north of Israel. The city competed with Jerusalem for the trading activity that traveled from nearby Egypt and Mesopotamia. When Jerusalem was destroyed, Tyre rejoiced in the falling of the city. This rejoicing did not please God.
Like we have previously seen, it is easy to say that God does not like it when the enemies of His people rejoice in their failures. Previously, in chapter 25, God warns of coming judgment upon the nation of Ammon because of the same sin.
By mocking the Israelites and rejoicing in their failures, the city of Tyre was not acknowledging the awesome power of God. Instead of seeing the loss of their competition as a blessing from God, they decide to continue to boast in how protected their city was. But as we’ve seen many times before, God can overcome any city’s walls.
Key Verses:
“Son of man, Tyre has rejoiced over the fall of Jerusalem, saying ‘Ha! She who was the gateway to the rich trade routes to the east has been broken, and I am their heir! Because she has been made desolate, I will become wealthy!’ Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am your enemy, O Tyre, and I will bring many nations against you, like the waves of the sea crashing against your shoreline.” ~ Ezekiel 26:2-3 NLT
Questions to ponder:
- What does the fall of Tyre say as a testimony to God’s judgment?
- How has God broken down the walls that you build around yourself to keep Him out?
