Ezekiel 26

Read Ezekiel 26

The city of Tyre was very much like the four nations that the Lord addressed in the previous chapter, rejoicing in the troubles of Jerusalem in her time of subjugation. Tyre was different in the prominence of her desire to profit economically from Judah's misfortune. When Tyre saw a demolished gate leading into the city she concluded “it has swung open to me.” Her intention was clear: “I shall be replenished” now that Jerusalem “is laid waste.”

The Lord was not pleased with these greedy plans. “Behold, I am against you, O Tyre, and will bring up many nations against you, as the sea brings up its waves.” The Babylonians would soon inflict great damage upon this renowned trading power of the ancient world, and eventually the Greeks would lead a coalition of people groups to destroy Tyre.

Ezekiel called Nebuchadnezzar a “king of kings.” His life would soon be nearly forgotten and Alexander the Great would be the impressive ruler over many lands to the east. Beyond even the greatest empire on earth, however, is the eternal kingdom of our Almighty God.

When the true Lord of Hosts first came to save us, He was not impressive among the courts of worldly power, yet when He returns, “every knee shall bow.” (Philippians 2:10)

The Babylonians and the Greeks would break down the walls of Tyre “and destroy your pleasant houses,” but God alone would one day execute a far more sweeping judgment against the worldly powers who would persecute His people. As He said to this once prosperous city, “I will make you a bare rock” until “great waves cover you.”

The true King of kings has a far better plan for those who follow Him as the Lord of life: “I will set beauty in the land of the living.” The end of the present earth will surely come. God will be victorious on that day, and all who have called upon the Name of the Lord will walk with Him in a realm of endless life.

Prayer from A Book of Prayers

Father God, help us to continue in Your Word. We will not pretend that falsehood is truth, nor will we forget Your standards of righteousness. We mourn over the bad condition of Your church. Thank You for the love of the cross. Grant us wisdom to know how to serve others with whom we disagree. Teach us to wait for the day of Your deliverance.