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Ezekiel 26:16

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Then all the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones, and lay away their robes, and put off their broidered garments: they shall clothe themselves with trembling; they shall sit upon the ground, and shall tremble at [every] moment, and be astonished at thee.

Then all the princes {H5387} of the sea {H3220} shall come down {H3381} from their thrones {H3678}, and lay away {H5493} their robes {H4598}, and put off {H6584} their broidered {H7553} garments {H899}: they shall clothe {H3847} themselves with trembling {H2731}; they shall sit {H3427} upon the ground {H776}, and shall tremble {H2729} at every moment {H7281}, and be astonished {H8074} at thee.

Then all the princes of the sea will step down from their thrones; they will put aside their robes and strip off their embroidered garments. They will clothe themselves with trembling; they will sit on the ground, trembling all the time, appalled at your condition.

All the princes of the sea will descend from their thrones, remove their robes, and strip off their embroidered garments. Clothed with terror, they will sit on the ground, trembling every moment, appalled over you.

Then all the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones, and lay aside their robes, and strip off their broidered garments: they shall clothe themselves with trembling; they shall sit upon the ground, and shall tremble every moment, and be astonished at thee.

Commentary

Context

Ezekiel 26 initiates a powerful series of prophecies specifically directed against the ancient city-state of Tyre, a dominant Phoenician commercial hub known for its immense wealth, vast maritime trade, and formidable fortifications. God's judgment against Tyre stemmed from its pride and its malicious rejoicing over the destruction of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 26:2). Verse 16 vividly describes the profound reaction of other international leaders and merchants who witness Tyre's devastating downfall, highlighting the far-reaching impact of this divine judgment across the ancient world.

Key Themes

  • The Humiliation of the Mighty: This verse powerfully depicts the stripping away of dignity and power from those who once held exalted positions. The "princes of the sea"—representing rulers and influential figures from other maritime nations—are shown abandoning their symbols of authority, such as thrones, robes, and broidered garments, in utter despair. This serves as a stark reminder of the transient nature of worldly power and wealth.
  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: The prophecy underscores God's absolute control over nations and their destinies. Tyre's catastrophic fall is presented not merely as a political or military event, but as a direct act of divine judgment. The astonishment and trembling of the surrounding leaders emphasize the undeniable hand of God in fulfilling His prophetic word, a recurring theme throughout Ezekiel's prophecies regarding the nations (see Ezekiel 25).
  • Fear and Despair: The imagery of these powerful figures being "clothed with trembling" and compelled to "sit upon the ground" conveys profound shock, terror, and utter helplessness. These once-proud individuals are reduced to a state of abject grief and fear, mirroring the desolation that has befallen Tyre. Their constant trembling signifies an overwhelming and inescapable dread that consumes them.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "princes of the sea" (Hebrew: nesi'ei hayyam) refers to the leading figures, rulers, or even commercial magnates of nations that relied heavily on maritime commerce, such as the various island nations and coastal cities deeply integrated into Tyre's vast trading network. Their "broidered garments" (Hebrew: rikmah) signify richly embroidered, luxurious attire—a clear symbol of extreme wealth, high status, and opulence. The powerful metaphor of shedding these lavish clothes to "clothe themselves with trembling" dramatically illustrates the complete reversal of their fortunes and the overwhelming fear that consumes them.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 26:16 offers timeless spiritual lessons relevant for all generations:

  • Worldly Security is Fleeting: This verse serves as a powerful reminder that placing ultimate trust in wealth, power, or human achievements is a misplaced confidence. Like the "princes of the sea," all earthly glory and security can be stripped away in an instant.
  • God's Word is True: The precise fulfillment of prophecies against Tyre stands as a strong testament to God's faithfulness to His word, whether in judgment or blessing. This should inspire unwavering confidence in all of God's promises, including His redemptive plan and the ultimate hope of a new creation where sorrow and tears are no more.
  • Humility Before God: The awe and trembling displayed by these powerful princes serve as a profound call for all to acknowledge God's supreme authority and to approach Him with humility, rather than pride or self-reliance.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 32:10 (5 votes)

    Yea, I will make many people amazed at thee, and their kings shall be horribly afraid for thee, when I shall brandish my sword before them; and they shall tremble at [every] moment, every man for his own life, in the day of thy fall.

  • Hosea 11:10 (4 votes)

    They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west.

  • Jonah 3:6 (4 votes)

    For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered [him] with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.

  • Job 8:22 (4 votes)

    They that hate thee shall be clothed with shame; and the dwelling place of the wicked shall come to nought.

  • 1 Peter 5:5 (3 votes)

    ¶ Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

  • Psalms 35:26 (3 votes)

    Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify [themselves] against me.

  • Isaiah 3:26 (3 votes)

    And her gates shall lament and mourn; and she [being] desolate shall sit upon the ground.