Ezekiel 26:11

KJV

With the hoofs of his horses shall he tread down all thy streets: he shall slay thy people by the sword, and thy strong garrisons shall go down to the ground.

KJV (with Strong's)

With the hoofs {H6541} of his horses {H5483} shall he tread down {H7429} all thy streets {H2351}: he shall slay {H2026} thy people {H5971} by the sword {H2719}, and thy strong {H5797} garrisons {H4676} shall go down {H3381} to the ground {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

With the hoofs of his horses he will trample your streets. He will put your people to the sword and pull to the ground your massive standing-stones.

Berean Standard Bible

The hooves of his horses will trample all your streets. He will slaughter your people with the sword, and your mighty pillars will fall to the ground.

American Standard Version

With the hoofs of his horses shall he tread down all thy streets; he shall slay thy people with the sword; and the pillars of thy strength shall go down to the ground.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 26:11 delivers a stark and graphic prophecy detailing the comprehensive judgment ordained by God against the formidable city of Tyre. This verse, a crucial component of a broader divine oracle, meticulously outlines the methods of conquest: the overwhelming might of invading cavalry trampling its thoroughfares, the merciless slaughter of its populace by the sword, and the utter demolition of its once-impregnable fortifications. It powerfully underscores the theological truth that no earthly power, regardless of its strategic advantage or perceived invincibility, can ultimately withstand the sovereign will and righteous judgment of the Lord, signaling the complete and irreversible downfall of a proud maritime empire.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 26:11 is intricately woven into a series of divine pronouncements against foreign nations (Ezekiel 25-32), with a concentrated focus on Tyre in chapters 26-28. The verses immediately preceding, [Ezekiel 26:7-10](/ezekiel/26-7-10 "Ezekiel 26:7-10 - Nebuchadnezzar's Siege of Tyre"), introduce Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, as the divinely appointed instrument of this judgment. These earlier verses describe the initial phases of the siege, including the construction of siege ramps and the advance of his vast army, replete with horses, chariots, and a multitude of soldiers. Verse 11 escalates the prophetic imagery, shifting from the external assault to the devastating consequences unfolding within the city's walls. It paints a vivid picture of total subjugation and destruction, a prelude to Tyre's eventual desolation and transformation into a bare rock for fishermen, as powerfully prophesied in [Ezekiel 26:14](/ezekiel/26-14 "Ezekiel 26:14 - Tyre Becomes a Bare Rock"). This verse thus marks the transition from the process of siege to the brutal reality of conquest and internal devastation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was an exceptionally powerful and affluent Phoenician city-state, celebrated throughout the ancient world for its extensive maritime trade networks, its highly skilled mariners, and its seemingly impregnable dual nature: a mainland city and an island fortress. Its strategic location and formidable defenses rendered it a potent symbol of human ingenuity, wealth, and might. Culturally, Tyre was characterized by profound pride and arrogance, fueled by its unparalleled prosperity and perceived invincibility. Its specific transgression, explicitly highlighted in [Ezekiel 26:2](/ezekiel/26-2 "Ezekiel 26:2 - Tyre's Rejoicing Over Jerusalem's Fall"), was its malicious gloating over Jerusalem's destruction by Babylon, believing this catastrophe for God's people would yield commercial advantage for Tyre. This self-serving arrogance and profound lack of compassion provoked intense divine wrath. Historically, Nebuchadnezzar did indeed besiege Tyre for an arduous thirteen years (c. 586-573 BC), conquering the mainland city, though the island fortress famously held out. However, the prophecy's complete fulfillment came later, in 332 BC, when Alexander the Great utterly destroyed the island city by building a massive causeway using the rubble of the mainland city, thereby fulfilling the prophecy of its utter obliteration.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes prevalent within the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost, it powerfully emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute and unchallengeable control over nations and their destinies, even over seemingly insurmountable global powers like Tyre. The prophecy starkly highlights the theme of **Judgment Against Pride**, illustrating that human arrogance and self-sufficiency, particularly when expressed through malicious joy at the suffering of others, will inevitably face God's righteous justice, a principle echoed throughout Scripture, such as in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"). Furthermore, the detailed and specific nature of the foretold destruction underscores the **Reliability of Prophecy**, confirming that God's spoken word will be meticulously fulfilled, regardless of the apparent odds or the passage of time. This serves as a powerful testament to the trustworthiness and inerrancy of God's declarations throughout the entire biblical narrative, from the initial pronouncements in [Ezekiel 26:1](/ezekiel/26-1 "Ezekiel 26:1 - Prophecy Against Tyre Begins") to its ultimate, complete fulfillment centuries later.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **tread down (Hebrew, _râmaç'_):** A primitive root meaning to tread upon, often with the strong connotation of trampling or crushing, frequently in an abusive, contemptuous, or destructive manner. In this context, it signifies not merely walking over but actively and violently subjugating, obliterating, and demeaning what is beneath. This word conveys the brutal, disrespectful, and utterly destructive nature of the conquest, emphasizing the overwhelming force applied by the invading cavalry.
* **slay (Hebrew, _hârag'_):** A primitive root meaning to smite with deadly intent; to destroy, kill, or murder. This term underscores the direct, intentional, and lethal violence inflicted upon the inhabitants of Tyre. It confirms that the divine judgment includes the widespread and indiscriminate loss of human life, pointing to a deliberate and merciless act of extermination as part of the total subjugation.
* **garrisons (Hebrew, _matstsêbâh'_):** Something stationed, typically referring to a column or a memorial stone, but by analogy, a military post or a standing force. In the context of Ezekiel 26:11, it specifically refers to Tyre's fortified military positions, defensive structures, and perhaps even its standing army. The phrase "strong garrisons shall go down to the ground" powerfully underscores the complete dismantling, leveling, and reduction to rubble of these once-formidable and seemingly unassailable strongholds.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"With the hoofs of his horses shall he tread down all thy streets":** This clause initiates a vivid and terrifying depiction of the invading army's overwhelming force. The "hoofs of his horses" represent the powerful and numerous cavalry, a terrifying and highly destructive element of ancient warfare. The verb "tread down" (Hebrew: _râmaç_) implies a violent, crushing, and trampling action, signifying not merely passage but a deliberate act of destruction and total subjugation. The phrase "all thy streets" emphasizes the pervasive and inescapable nature of the invasion, indicating that no part of the city, no thoroughfare, would be spared from the invaders' destructive and demeaning presence.
* **"he shall slay thy people by the sword":** This clause directly addresses the catastrophic human cost of the conquest. The "sword" (Hebrew: _chereb_) is presented as the primary instrument of ancient warfare, symbolizing brutal, indiscriminate, and lethal violence. The phrase "slay thy people" (Hebrew: _hârag_ thy _ʻam_) highlights the direct and deadly violence inflicted upon the inhabitants of Tyre, confirming a widespread massacre rather than merely a military defeat or a prolonged siege. It points to a deliberate act of extermination against the populace.
* **"and thy strong garrisons shall go down to the ground":** This final clause shifts focus to the complete obliteration of Tyre's military infrastructure and formidable fortifications. "Strong garrisons" (Hebrew: _ʻôz matstsêbâh_) refers to the city's robust defenses, its fortified posts, and perhaps even its standing military forces that were meant to protect it. The phrase "go down to the ground" (Hebrew: _yârad_ to _ʼerets_) signifies their absolute collapse, total demolition, and reduction to mere rubble, emphasizing the utter and irreversible destruction of Tyre's power, security, and physical existence as a fortified city.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 26:11 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending and comprehensive doom. **Vivid Imagery** is paramount, as the prophet paints a graphic and visceral picture of destruction: the thunderous sound of horses trampling city streets, the chilling sight of people slain by the sword, and the final, crushing collapse of formidable garrisons. This rich sensory detail immerses the reader in the horror and finality of the conquest. **Metonymy** is evident in the phrase "hoofs of his horses," where the part (hoofs) stands for the whole (the cavalry or the entire invading army), powerfully emphasizing the brutal, impersonal, and overwhelming force of the attackers. The declaration that the invaders "tread down all thy streets" functions as **Hyperbole**, suggesting an absolute and total subjugation that leaves no corner of the city untouched, thereby underscoring the completeness and pervasiveness of the devastation. Furthermore, the relentless progression of destructive actions—from pervasive trampling to direct slaying and finally to the utter obliteration of defenses—creates a powerful sense of **Climax**, building from the initial invasion to the ultimate, comprehensive nature of God's judgment against Tyre.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 26:11 stands as a profound theological declaration of God's absolute and unchallengeable sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to executing righteous justice. It unequivocally demonstrates that no earthly power, however vast its wealth, strategic its position, or formidable its military might, can ultimately stand against the divine decree. Tyre's catastrophic downfall serves as a powerful object lesson against human pride, self-sufficiency, and hubris, illustrating that those who exalt themselves and gloat over the misfortunes of others will inevitably face divine retribution. This prophecy powerfully reinforces the biblical principle that God, in His sovereign plan, uses even pagan empires as instruments of His judgment, orchestrating global events to fulfill His righteous purposes and uphold His divine character. The meticulous and precise fulfillment of such specific prophecies also stands as a compelling testimony to the inerrancy, reliability, and ultimate authority of God's Word, strengthening faith in His promises and His warnings across generations.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Isaiah 23:1](/isaiah/23-1 "Isaiah 23:1 - Prophecy Against Tyre")
* [Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2 - Fall of Babylon the Great")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 26:11 compels us to deeply reflect on the inherently transient and fragile nature of all earthly power, wealth, and perceived security. In a world that frequently places its ultimate trust in military might, economic prosperity, technological advancement, or even personal achievements, this verse serves as a profound and sobering reminder that only God's kingdom is eternal, unshakable, and truly secure. It challenges us to critically examine the foundations upon which we build our lives and where our ultimate security truly lies, urging us to cultivate genuine humility rather than destructive pride. When we observe the rise and fall of nations throughout history, or even experience the personal triumphs and failures in our own lives, this passage calls us to acknowledge God's sovereign hand actively at work, orchestrating all things according to His divine will. It profoundly encourages a posture of absolute dependence on Him, rather than on fleeting human accomplishments or temporary earthly fortifications, and fosters a deep, abiding trust in His perfect justice and His ultimate, benevolent control over all circumstances, both global and personal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "strong garrisons" or sources of security do I tend to rely on more than God in my own life, and how can I shift my trust more fully to Him?**
* **How does the swift and total destruction of Tyre challenge or deepen my understanding of earthly power, divine justice, and the consequences of pride?**
* **In what specific ways might I be tempted to gloat over the misfortunes or struggles of others, and how does this verse call me to repentance, empathy, and compassion?**
* **How does the historical fulfillment of this ancient prophecy strengthen my faith in the reliability, authority, and enduring truth of God's Word for my life today?**

### FAQ
**Was Ezekiel's prophecy against Tyre completely fulfilled by Nebuchadnezzar?**

Answer: While Nebuchadnezzar's arduous thirteen-year siege (c. 586-573 BC) did result in the conquest of the mainland city of Tyre, the heavily fortified island fortress largely remained intact and unconquered by the Babylonians. However, the prophecy in [Ezekiel 26](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre") describes a far more complete and utter destruction, including the scraping of its dust and making it a bare rock, which went beyond Nebuchadnezzar's achievement. This more comprehensive fulfillment was achieved centuries later by Alexander the Great in 332 BC. Alexander famously built a massive causeway from the mainland to the island, utilizing the rubble of the old mainland city, and then proceeded to completely destroy the island city. This remarkable two-stage fulfillment across centuries powerfully demonstrates the comprehensive nature of God's prophetic word and His patient, yet absolutely certain, execution of judgment. The prophecy of Tyre becoming a "bare rock" (as explicitly stated in [Ezekiel 26:14](/ezekiel/26-14 "Ezekiel 26:14 - Tyre Becomes a Bare Rock")) points to a long-term, enduring desolation that transcends the scope of any single military campaign.

**What was Tyre's primary sin that led to such a severe judgment?**

Answer: Tyre's primary sin, as explicitly stated and condemned in [Ezekiel 26:2](/ezekiel/26-2 "Ezekiel 26:2 - Tyre's Rejoicing Over Jerusalem's Fall"), was its malicious rejoicing over the destruction of Jerusalem. Instead of showing empathy or concern for God's covenant people, Tyre viewed Jerusalem's downfall not as a tragedy, but rather as a lucrative commercial opportunity, believing it would gain greater access to trade routes and resources without a rival. This deeply prideful, self-serving, and uncompassionate attitude, coupled with its general arrogance stemming from its immense wealth and perceived invincibility, profoundly provoked God's severe judgment. It revealed a heart that was not only hostile to God's people but also prioritized material gain and worldly ambition above righteousness, justice, and basic human empathy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 26:11 directly prophesies the historical judgment of an ancient city, its profound Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the broader theological truths it powerfully reveals concerning God's absolute sovereignty, unwavering justice, and the ultimate triumph of His eternal kingdom. The dramatic fall of Tyre, a quintessential symbol of human pride, earthly might, and self-sufficiency, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate dismantling and humbling of all human systems, kingdoms, and boasts that set themselves in opposition to God. Just as Tyre's "strong garrisons" were destined to "go down to the ground," so too will all earthly powers, empires, and human boasts eventually crumble and be brought to nothing before the King of Kings. Jesus Christ, who unequivocally declared that [heaven and earth will pass away, but His words will never pass away](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away"), embodies the enduring, unshakable, and eternal nature of God's divine reign. He is the ultimate divine warrior, not wielding physical horses and swords like Nebuchadnezzar, but rather with the "sharp sword" of His mouth ([Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - Christ's Sword of Justice")) who will ultimately tread down all opposition and subdue every enemy. The judgment on Tyre, therefore, points forward to the final, cosmic judgment where Christ will decisively subdue all opposing forces and establish His eternal, unshakable kingdom, a kingdom that cannot be moved ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")). In Him, the pride of humanity is utterly humbled, and true, lasting security is found not in fleeting earthly fortifications or material wealth, but solely in the Lamb who was slain and now reigns supreme as Lord of all.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 5:28

Whose arrows [are] sharp, and all their bows bent, their horses' hoofs shall be counted like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind:

Isaiah 26:5

¶ For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, [even] to the ground; he bringeth it [even] to the dust.

Habakkuk 1:8

Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle [that] hasteth to eat.

Jeremiah 51:27

Set ye up a standard in the land, blow the trumpet among the nations, prepare the nations against her, call together against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashchenaz; appoint a captain against her; cause the horses to come up as the rough caterpillers.

Jeremiah 43:13

He shall break also the images of Bethshemesh, that [is] in the land of Egypt; and the houses of the gods of the Egyptians shall he burn with fire.