Ezekiel 26:15

KJV

¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD to Tyrus; Shall not the isles shake at the sound of thy fall, when the wounded cry, when the slaughter is made in the midst of thee?

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} to Tyrus {H6865}; Shall not the isles {H339} shake {H7493} at the sound {H6963} of thy fall {H4658}, when the wounded {H2491} cry {H602}, when the slaughter {H2027} is made {H2026} in the midst {H8432} of thee?

Complete Jewish Bible

To Tzor Adonai ELOHIM says: "How the coastlands will shake at the sound of your fall, when the wounded groan, when the slaughter takes place in you!

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the Lord GOD says to Tyre: ‘Will not the coastlands quake at the sound of your downfall, when the wounded groan at the slaughter in your midst?

American Standard Version

Thus saith the Lord Jehovah to Tyre: shall not the isles shake at the sound of thy fall, when the wounded groan, when the slaughter is made in the midst of thee?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 26:15 delivers a profound prophetic declaration from the Lord GOD concerning the imminent and devastating fall of Tyre, a powerful Phoenician city-state. This verse vividly portrays the far-reaching impact of Tyre's destruction, emphasizing the widespread shock, terror, and lamentation it would inspire among its maritime allies and trading partners across the "isles" or coastal regions. It underscores the certainty of divine judgment against a city characterized by pride and commercial arrogance, illustrating that no earthly power is beyond God's sovereign decree.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 26:15 is situated within a larger prophetic oracle against Tyre, spanning [Ezekiel 26](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre") through [Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Judgment on Tyre's King"). This particular verse follows earlier declarations of Tyre's impending siege and destruction by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon (cf. [Ezekiel 26:7-14](/ezekiel/26-7 "Ezekiel 26:7-14 - Nebuchadnezzar's Siege of Tyre")). While previous verses detail the physical dismantling of the city, verse 15 shifts focus to the psychological and economic reverberations of Tyre's fall, emphasizing the terror it would strike into the hearts of its allies and trading partners. It serves as a rhetorical climax, posing a question that implies an undeniable, catastrophic reality for those who witnessed Tyre's demise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was an ancient and immensely wealthy Phoenician city-state, renowned for its strategic location on the Mediterranean coast, its formidable fortifications (both mainland and island components), and its unparalleled maritime trade network. Culturally, Tyre was a hub of commerce, craftsmanship (especially purple dye and cedar), and seafaring. Its inhabitants were known for their self-sufficiency, pride, and extensive commercial reach, establishing colonies and trading posts across the Mediterranean. The city's prosperity often led to arrogance, and its gloating over the fall of Jerusalem (cf. [Ezekiel 26:2](/ezekiel/26-2 "Ezekiel 26:2 - Tyre's Reaction to Jerusalem's Fall")) is cited as a specific provocation for God's judgment. The "isles" mentioned in the verse refer to the numerous coastal regions, islands, and distant lands that were economically intertwined with Tyre.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Ezekiel and broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating God's absolute authority over all nations, even the most formidable and wealthy like Tyre. No earthly power, however mighty, is beyond His ultimate judgment, a principle echoed throughout the prophets (e.g., [Isaiah 23](/isaiah/23 "Isaiah 23 - Prophecy Against Tyre")). Secondly, the verse underscores **The Fall of Pride and Arrogance**. Tyre's immense wealth and strategic position had fostered a spirit of self-reliance and hubris, and its destruction serves as a stark warning against human pride, illustrating that those who exalt themselves will ultimately be humbled by God, a truth consistently taught in Scripture (cf. [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")). Thirdly, the phrase "the isles shake" emphasizes the **Widespread Impact of Divine Judgment**. Tyre's fall would not be an isolated event but would send shockwaves throughout the entire maritime world, terrifying its trading partners and dependent coastal regions, and revealing the vulnerability of their own positions. Finally, the rhetorical question "Shall not the isles shake...?" conveys **Prophetic Certainty**. God's declarations are not mere possibilities but sure prophecies that will inevitably come to pass, often through human instruments like Nebuchadnezzar and later Alexander the Great, who historically besieged Tyre.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **isles (Hebrew, _ʼîy'_):** (H339) From a root meaning "to desire," properly a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island. In the context of Tyre, a major seafaring nation, this word encompasses the extensive network of trading partners, colonies, and coastal regions that were economically dependent on or influenced by Tyre's commerce. It signifies the far-reaching impact of Tyre's fall beyond its immediate vicinity.
* **shake (Hebrew, _râʻash'_):** (H7493) A primitive root meaning to undulate (as the earth, the sky, etc.; also a field of grain), particularly through fear; specifically, to spring (as a locust). This word conveys a strong tremor, violent disturbance, or profound trembling. Here, it vividly describes the intense fear, destabilization, and awe that Tyre's collapse would cause among the nations who witnessed it.
* **slaughter (Hebrew, _hereg'_):** (H2027) From the root `hârag` (H2026), meaning to smite with deadly intent, to kill, or to make slaughter. This noun specifically refers to the act of killing or the result of a massacre. In Ezekiel 26:15, it underscores the horrific and deadly violence that would accompany Tyre's downfall, leading to widespread death and devastation within the city.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the Lord GOD to Tyrus":** This opening phrase establishes the divine authority behind the prophecy. It is not merely a human prediction but a direct, authoritative word from Yahweh (Lord, H136, `ʼĂdônây`) and Elohim (GOD, H3069, `Yᵉhôvih`), emphasizing the certainty and immutability of the judgment against Tyre (H6865, `Tsôr`).
* **"Shall not the isles shake at the sound of thy fall":** This rhetorical question powerfully asserts the undeniable and widespread impact of Tyre's destruction. The "isles" (coastal regions and trading partners) would be profoundly disturbed and terrified ("shake," H7493, `râʻash`) by the sheer magnitude of Tyre's collapse ("fall," H4658, `mappeleth`), which implies not just physical ruin but also the shattering of its commercial empire and political influence. The "sound" (H6963, `qôwl`) of its fall suggests the resounding shockwaves felt across the maritime world.
* **"when the wounded cry, when the slaughter is made in the midst of thee?":** These parallel clauses vividly depict the horrific internal reality of Tyre's demise. The "wounded" (H2491, `châlâl`, pierced to death) crying out (H602, `ʼânaq`, to shriek or groan) paints a picture of intense suffering and agony. The phrase "when the slaughter (H2027, `hereg`) is made (H2026, `hârag`) in the midst of thee" emphasizes the widespread, deadly violence and massacre occurring within the city itself, a direct consequence of God's judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 26:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its prophetic message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question** ("Shall not the isles shake...?"), which is not meant to be answered but to affirm an undeniable truth: the impact of Tyre's fall will be catastrophic and far-reaching. This device creates a sense of certainty and inevitability. **Hyperbole** is also present in the idea of "the isles" shaking, emphasizing the extreme and widespread nature of the terror and destabilization. While not literal shaking, it conveys the profound psychological and economic tremor. **Vivid Imagery** is used to paint a grim picture of destruction, with phrases like "sound of thy fall," "wounded cry," and "slaughter is made," engaging the senses and creating a powerful emotional response. Finally, **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses describing the internal suffering of Tyre ("when the wounded cry, when the slaughter is made in the midst of thee"), which reinforce and intensify the depiction of violence and agony.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 26:15 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign control over all nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. Tyre, a symbol of human ingenuity, wealth, and self-sufficiency, believed itself impregnable, yet it faced a divine verdict that would shake the very foundations of its world. This prophecy serves as a powerful reminder that all earthly kingdoms, however mighty, are ultimately accountable to the Lord GOD. It challenges humanity's tendency to place ultimate trust in material prosperity, military might, or strategic advantage, demonstrating that true security and lasting peace are found only in submission to God's will. The fall of Tyre is a microcosm of a broader biblical principle: pride precedes destruction, and God will humble the arrogant.

* [Isaiah 23:1](/isaiah/23 "Isaiah 23 - Prophecy Against Tyre") - Another extensive prophecy detailing the destruction of Tyre, emphasizing its commercial downfall and the lament of its trading partners.
* [Revelation 18:9](/revelation/18-9 "Revelation 18:9-19 - The Kings of the Earth Mourn Babylon") - Describes the lament of kings and merchants over the fall of "Babylon the Great," a symbolic city representing the world's corrupt commercial and political systems, echoing the themes of Tyre's fall.
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction") - "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall," a timeless proverb that encapsulates the spiritual principle behind Tyre's judgment.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 26:15, though an ancient prophecy against a specific city, offers timeless lessons for contemporary individuals and societies. It compels us to examine where our ultimate trust and security lie. In a world that often measures success by wealth, influence, and material possessions, the fate of Tyre serves as a stark reminder that all earthly achievements are transient and vulnerable to the sovereign hand of God. It calls us to cultivate humility in prosperity, recognizing that every blessing is from above and that pride can lead to a devastating fall. For nations, it underscores the principle of divine accountability, urging leaders and citizens alike to pursue justice, righteousness, and humility, rather than relying solely on economic or military might. Ultimately, this verse invites us to place our hope not in the shifting sands of human power or prosperity, but in the unshakeable character and eternal kingdom of God, whose justice will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Tyres" exist in my own life—areas where I might place excessive trust in earthly security, wealth, or self-sufficiency rather than in God?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment against pride and injustice in nations like Tyre inform my perspective on current global events and the pursuit of righteousness?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a spirit of humility and dependence on God, even amidst personal or societal prosperity?**

### FAQ
**Was the prophecy against Tyre literally fulfilled?**

Answer: Yes, the prophecy against Tyre in Ezekiel 26 was fulfilled in stages. Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon besieged mainland Tyre for 13 years (c. 586-573 BC), as foretold in [Ezekiel 26:7-11](/ezekiel/26-7 "Ezekiel 26:7-11 - Nebuchadnezzar's Siege"). While he conquered the mainland city, the island city remained largely intact. Later, in 332 BC, Alexander the Great famously besieged and utterly destroyed the island city of Tyre, scraping its debris into the sea to build a causeway, fulfilling the more complete destruction described in [Ezekiel 26:12](/ezekiel/26-12 "Ezekiel 26:12 - Tyre's Utter Destruction") and [Ezekiel 26:14](/ezekiel/26-14 "Ezekiel 26:14 - Tyre Becomes a Bare Rock"). This two-stage fulfillment highlights the meticulous precision of biblical prophecy.

**Why did God judge Tyre so severely?**

Answer: God's judgment against Tyre was primarily due to its pride, its gloating over the fall of Jerusalem, and its commercial exploitation. [Ezekiel 26:2](/ezekiel/26-2 "Ezekiel 26:2 - Tyre's Reaction to Jerusalem's Fall") explicitly states that Tyre rejoiced at Jerusalem's destruction, seeing it as an opportunity to increase its own trade. Furthermore, [Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Judgment on Tyre's King") details the king of Tyre's arrogant self-exaltation, believing himself to be a god due to his wisdom and wealth. God, as the sovereign ruler of all nations, judges those who oppose His people, exalt themselves against Him, and engage in unrighteous commercial practices.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The judgment of Tyre in Ezekiel 26:15, while a specific historical event, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Just as God demonstrated His absolute sovereignty over earthly kingdoms by bringing down Tyre, so too does Christ embody the ultimate authority over all powers and dominions. He is the one before whom "every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth" ([Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). The fall of Tyre, a symbol of worldly pride and commercial might, foreshadows the final judgment where all earthly systems that oppose God's rule will be brought to ruin. The "shaking of the isles" at Tyre's fall points to the cosmic trembling that will accompany the return of Christ, who will judge the living and the dead and establish His eternal, unshakable kingdom ([Hebrews 12:26-28](/hebrews/12-26 "Hebrews 12:26-28 - The Unshakable Kingdom")). Furthermore, the "wounded cry" and "slaughter" within Tyre highlight the devastating consequences of sin and rebellion against God. In contrast, Christ, the true Lamb of God, was "wounded for our transgressions" and bore the "slaughter" of the cross, not for His own sin, but to provide redemption and eternal life for all who believe ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounded for Our Transgressions"); [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, the judgment of Tyre ultimately points to Christ as the righteous Judge, the victorious King, and the compassionate Savior who conquers sin and establishes a kingdom of everlasting peace and justice.

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

Ezekiel 27:35

All the inhabitants of the isles shall be astonished at thee, and their kings shall be sore afraid, they shall be troubled in [their] countenance.

Jeremiah 49:21

The earth is moved at the noise of their fall, at the cry the noise thereof was heard in the Red sea.

Ezekiel 26:18

Now shall the isles tremble in the day of thy fall; yea, the isles that [are] in the sea shall be troubled at thy departure.

Ezekiel 31:16

I made the nations to shake at the sound of his fall, when I cast him down to hell with them that descend into the pit: and all the trees of Eden, the choice and best of Lebanon, all that drink water, shall be comforted in the nether parts of the earth.

Ezekiel 27:28

The suburbs shall shake at the sound of the cry of thy pilots.

Ezekiel 32:10

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.

Hebrews 12:26

Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.