Ezekiel 26

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with a prophecy against Tyre, stating that the city will be destroyed and its wealth plundered (Ezekiel 26:1-5). The prophecy then describes the siege of Tyre by Nebuchadnezzar and the city's eventual downfall (Ezekiel 26:6-11). The chapter also contains a lamentation for Tyre, mourning the loss of the city's former glory (Ezekiel 26:12-18). The final section of the chapter describes the desolation of Tyre and the scattering of its people (Ezekiel 26:19-21). Throughout the chapter, God emphasizes His sovereignty and justice in judging the wickedness of Tyre.

Context for the Chapter

Ezekiel 26 is part of a larger collection of prophecies against the nations, which are found in Ezekiel 25-32. These prophecies serve to emphasize God's judgment on the wickedness of the surrounding nations and to underscore the unique status of Israel as God's chosen people. The chapter is also situated within the broader context of the book of Ezekiel, which emphasizes the themes of God's sovereignty, justice, and redemption.

Heart Application

As we reflect on the judgment of Tyre, we are reminded of the importance of humility and obedience to God. We must recognize the fleeting nature of human glory and the eternal significance of our relationship with God. By faith in Jesus Christ, we can escape the wrath of God and experience redemption, but we must also strive to live lives that are pleasing to Him.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about God's judgment on the city of Tyre, which was a major commercial center in the ancient world. Tyre was destroyed by the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, as a punishment for its sins. The chapter serves as a warning to all nations of the consequences of pride and rebellion against God, and it emphasizes the sovereignty and justice of God. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of humility and obedience to God, and we are encouraged to seek refuge in the mercy of Christ (Ezekiel 26:3, 5).

Voices from the Church

“The destruction of Tyre is a solemn warning to all who would rebel against the living God. Let us heed this warning and seek refuge in the mercy of Christ.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The prophecy against Tyre serves to illustrate the justice and sovereignty of God, who will not tolerate the pride and arrogance of human beings.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to the Prophecy (Ezekiel 26:1-2) — The chapter begins with a prophecy against Tyre, stating that the city will be destroyed and its wealth plundered.
2. The Siege of Tyre (Ezekiel 26:3-11) — The prophecy describes the siege of Tyre by Nebuchadnezzar and the city's eventual downfall.
3. Lamentation for Tyre (Ezekiel 26:12-18) — The chapter contains a lamentation for Tyre, mourning the loss of the city's former glory.
4. The Desolation of Tyre (Ezekiel 26:19-21) — The final section of the chapter describes the desolation of Tyre and the scattering of its people.
5. Conclusion (Ezekiel 26:21) — The chapter concludes with a statement of God's sovereignty and justice in judging the wickedness of Tyre.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God

This chapter teaches that God is the supreme ruler of the universe, who orchestrates the events of history to achieve His purposes.

The Justice of God

The chapter emphasizes the justice of God in punishing the wickedness of Tyre, and it serves as a warning to all nations of the consequences of pride and rebellion against God.

The Consequences of Sin

The destruction of Tyre serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of sin and the importance of humility and obedience to God.

The Mercy of God

The chapter also underscores the mercy of God, who offers redemption and forgiveness to those who seek refuge in Him through faith in Jesus Christ.

Lessons from Ezekiel 26

1. The Importance of Humility — The chapter teaches us the importance of humility and obedience to God, recognizing the fleeting nature of human glory and the eternal significance of our relationship with Him.
2. The Consequences of Pride — The destruction of Tyre serves as a warning to all nations of the consequences of pride and rebellion against God.
3. The Mercy of God — The chapter underscores the mercy of God, who offers redemption and forgiveness to those who seek refuge in Him through faith in Jesus Christ.
4. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches us that God is the supreme ruler of the universe, who orchestrates the events of history to achieve His purposes.
5. The Importance of Faith — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ, through which we can escape the wrath of God and experience redemption.

Themes from Ezekiel 26

1. The Judgment of God — The chapter emphasizes the theme of God's judgment on the wickedness of Tyre, serving as a warning to all nations of the consequences of pride and rebellion against God.
2. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches us that God is the supreme ruler of the universe, who orchestrates the events of history to achieve His purposes.
3. The Consequences of Sin — The destruction of Tyre serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of sin and the importance of humility and obedience to God.
4. The Mercy of God — The chapter underscores the mercy of God, who offers redemption and forgiveness to those who seek refuge in Him through faith in Jesus Christ.
5. The Importance of Faith — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ, through which we can escape the wrath of God and experience redemption.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways in which we can apply the warning of Ezekiel 26 to our own lives, recognizing the fleeting nature of human glory and the eternal significance of our relationship with God?
2. How does the prophecy against Tyre serve to illustrate the justice and sovereignty of God?
3. What are some ways in which we can seek refuge in the mercy of Christ, and how can we strive to live lives that are pleasing to Him?
4. What are some lessons that we can learn from the lamentation for Tyre, and how can we apply these lessons to our own lives?
5. How does the chapter's emphasis on God's sovereignty and justice serve to underscore the unique status of Israel as God's chosen people?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Ezekiel 26

	Sermon	Description
	The Persistent Purpose of God - Part 3 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker begins by suggesting a method for the audience to better engage with the message. He then provides a broad outline of the book being discussed, acknowle
	(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 26-30 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the prophecy of the destruction of the city of Tyre as spoken by the Prophet Ezekiel. The speaker emphasizes that this prophecy is the word of
	The Sure Word of God, pt.2 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a meaningful relationship with God through Jesus Christ. He shares his personal experience of how God's Word has pro
	The Walk of Faith - Part 7 by Larry Ainsworth	In this sermon, the preacher recounts the story of a mother who approached Jesus in desperation to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Jesus initially ignores her, but she persists
	Ezekiel 26:3 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith delivers a powerful sermon on Ezekiel 26:3, emphasizing the prophecy against Tyre and its eventual downfall at the hands of multiple nations, starting with Nebuchadnezz
	Ezekiel 26:14 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of recognizing that God has indeed spoken to humanity, urging listeners to consider the implications of divine communication. He argues that
	Ezekiel 26 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith discusses the prophecy of the destruction of Tyre as foretold by Ezekiel, emphasizing the involvement of multiple nations and the eventual siege by Nebuchadnezzar. He h

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ezekiel 26

In this chapter, we see the Lord's displeasure against the city of Tyre, which had been a major commercial center in the ancient world. The city's pride and arrogance had led to its downfall, and the Lord had determined to destroy it. The prophecy against Tyre serves to illustrate the justice and sovereignty of God, who will not tolerate the wickedness of human beings. The chapter also underscores the mercy of God, who offers redemption and forgiveness to those who seek refuge in Him. As we reflect on the destruction of Tyre, we are reminded of the importance of humility and obedience to God, and we are encouraged to seek refuge in the mercy of Christ. The chapter's emphasis on God's sovereignty and justice serves to underscore the unique status of Israel as God's chosen people, and it points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's purposes in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?