Ezekiel 26:13

And I will cause the noise of thy songs to cease; and the sound of thy harps shall be no more heard.

And I will cause the noise {H1995} of thy songs {H7892} to cease {H7673}; and the sound {H6963} of thy harps {H3658} shall be no more heard {H8085}.

I will put an end to your singing, the sound of your lyres will be heard no more.

So I will silence the sound of your songs, and the music of your lyres will no longer be heard.

And I will cause the noise of thy songs to cease; and the sound of thy harps shall be no more heard.

Commentary

Ezekiel 26:13 (KJV) delivers a powerful prophetic declaration of judgment against the ancient city of Tyre. This verse specifically targets the vibrant, luxurious atmosphere of Tyre, foretelling the complete cessation of its characteristic joy and revelry.

Context of Ezekiel 26:13

The Book of Ezekiel contains a series of divine judgments against various nations surrounding Israel, and chapters 26-28 are dedicated to the once-mighty Phoenician city of Tyre. Known for its immense wealth, extensive maritime trade, and impressive fortifications, Tyre was a symbol of worldly prosperity and self-sufficiency. Its inhabitants were known for their celebratory culture, often accompanied by music and festivities. This prophecy comes as a direct consequence of Tyre's pride and its apparent rejoicing over the downfall of Jerusalem, viewing it as an opportunity to expand its own trade dominance. The prophet Ezekiel, speaking for God, declares that Tyre's glory will be utterly dismantled, leading to its desolation, as detailed in Ezekiel 26:4.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment: The verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His willingness to bring judgment upon those who oppose His will or revel in the suffering of His people.
  • Cessation of Worldly Joy: The "noise of thy songs" and "sound of thy harps" symbolize the end of Tyre's prosperity, festive atmosphere, and the deep-seated joy derived from its worldly success. God declares an end to all forms of celebration that are rooted in pride and self-sufficiency rather than true reverence for Him. This theme of joy ceasing due to judgment is also echoed in Isaiah 24:8 concerning broader global judgment.
  • Consequences of Pride: Tyre's downfall serves as a stark warning against pride and arrogance, especially when born of material wealth and worldly power. Proverbs 16:18 succinctly states, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used here are straightforward. Z'mirah (Χ–Φ°ΧžΦ΄Χ¨ΦΈΧ”) refers to "songs" or "melody," and nevel (Χ Φ΅Χ‘ΦΆΧœ) refers to a type of stringed instrument, often translated as "harp" or "lute." Together, they paint a vivid picture of the joyful sounds that characterized Tyre's bustling and prosperous life. The prophecy emphasizes that these sounds, symbolic of their very culture and identity, would be silenced by divine decree.

Practical Application

For a contemporary audience, Ezekiel 26:13 offers several enduring lessons:

  • Beware of Misplaced Joy: The verse reminds us that joy derived solely from worldly prosperity, power, or material possessions is fleeting and vulnerable to divine judgment. True, lasting joy comes from God and a right relationship with Him.
  • Humility Over Arrogance: The fate of Tyre serves as a timeless reminder that pride, especially when coupled with gloating over others' misfortunes, leads to destruction. Humility and dependence on God are essential.
  • God's Ultimate Authority: This passage powerfully asserts God's ultimate authority over all nations and human endeavors. No city, empire, or individual can stand against His sovereign will. This brings comfort to those who trust in His justice and warning to those who defy Him.

The silencing of Tyre's songs is a poignant image of a complete and irreversible end to an era of self-sufficient revelry, replaced by desolation and silence, fulfilling God's prophetic word.

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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 7:34

    Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride: for the land shall be desolate.

  • Isaiah 23:16

    Take an harp, go about the city, thou harlot that hast been forgotten; make sweet melody, sing many songs, that thou mayest be remembered.

  • Isaiah 24:8

    The mirth of tabrets ceaseth, the noise of them that rejoice endeth, the joy of the harp ceaseth.

  • Isaiah 24:9

    They shall not drink wine with a song; strong drink shall be bitter to them that drink it.

  • Isaiah 14:11

    Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, [and] the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.

  • Jeremiah 25:10

    Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle.

  • Jeremiah 16:9

    For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will cause to cease out of this place in your eyes, and in your days, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride.