Ezekiel 26:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 26:16 powerfully depicts the profound and fearful reaction of the "princes of the sea"—representing the rulers and leading merchants of maritime nations—as they witness the catastrophic downfall of Tyre. Stripped of their symbols of power and wealth, these once-exalted figures are portrayed as consumed by terror, sitting upon the ground in a state of utter despair and astonishment. This vivid scene underscores the far-reaching impact of God's sovereign judgment and the transient nature of all earthly might, prosperity, and human-derived security.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 26:16 is strategically positioned within the extensive prophetic oracle against the city of Tyre, which spans chapters 26-28 of the book of Ezekiel. This particular verse follows a detailed exposition of Tyre's impending destruction, first by Nebuchadnezzar (as described in [Ezekiel 26:7-14](/ezekiel/26-7-14 "Ezekiel 26:7-14 - Prophecy of Tyre's Destruction by Nebuchadnezzar")), and then its complete obliteration, emphasizing the totality of its ruin. The preceding verses vividly describe the city's walls being broken down, its wealth plundered, and its very dust being scraped into the sea. Verse 16 then shifts the prophetic camera from the act of destruction itself to the *reaction* of the surrounding nations, particularly those maritime powers who had benefited immensely from Tyre's vast commercial network. It serves as a powerful, undeniable testament to the reality and inescapable nature of God's judgment, as witnessed by those who had previously admired, envied, or relied upon Tyre's immense prosperity and perceived invincibility. The lament of these "princes" sets the stage for the broader laments over Tyre found in [Ezekiel 27](/ezekiel/27 "Ezekiel 27 - A Lament Over Tyre's Grandeur and Fall").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was a formidable Phoenician city-state, renowned throughout the ancient world as the premier maritime trading power. Its strategic island location, deep natural harbors, and extensive commercial network made it incredibly wealthy, influential, and seemingly impregnable. The "princes of the sea" refer to the rulers, kings, and powerful merchants of other coastal cities, island nations, and distant trading partners (such as Tarshish, Sidon, and various Mediterranean islands) who were intricately linked to Tyre's vast economic empire. Their "thrones," "robes," and "broidered garments" were potent symbols of their royal authority, immense wealth, and high social status—all derived, in significant part, from their association with Tyre's prosperity and trade routes. The act of "sitting upon the ground" was a common and profound gesture of deep mourning, humiliation, and despair in the ancient Near East, frequently associated with defeat, great calamity, or abject submission. The fulfillment of this prophecy would have sent shockwaves throughout the entire ancient world, demonstrating unequivocally that even the most impregnable and prosperous human kingdoms were ultimately subject to divine decree and could be brought to ruin.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prominent in Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **Humiliation of the Mighty**, illustrating God's capacity to bring down the proud and powerful from their exalted positions, stripping them of their dignity and symbols of authority. This is a recurring motif, emphasizing that no human power can ultimately withstand divine will. Secondly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating God's absolute control over nations and their destinies. Tyre's spectacular fall is not merely a geopolitical event but a direct, terrifying act of divine judgment against its pride and wickedness, serving as a chilling example of God's justice, a theme consistently echoed in prophecies against other nations in [Ezekiel 25](/ezekiel/25 "Ezekiel 25 - Prophecies Against Neighboring Nations"). Finally, the vivid imagery of "trembling" and "astonishment" emphasizes the theme of **Fear and Despair** that grips those who witness God's awesome power in judgment. It serves as a potent warning that no earthly power, wealth, or security can ultimately withstand the divine will, leading to a profound recognition of God's unmatched authority, a truth consistently affirmed throughout scripture, such as in the prophecies against Babylon in [Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Princes (Hebrew, _nâsîyʼ_):** From H5387, meaning "an exalted one, i.e. a king or sheik; also a rising mist." In this context, it refers to the leading figures, rulers, or commercial magnates of the maritime nations. The term emphasizes their high status and authority, making their subsequent humiliation and descent from power even more striking and impactful.
* **Robes (Hebrew, _mᵉʻîyl_):** From H4598, meaning "a robe (i.e. upper and outer garment); cloke, coat, mantle." These were typically luxurious outer garments worn by people of high rank and wealth, signifying their prestige, affluence, and social standing. The act of laying them away symbolizes the stripping away of their status, dignity, and all outward signs of their former glory.
* **Trembling (Hebrew, _chărâdâh_):** From H2731, meaning "fear, anxiety; care, [idiom] exceedingly, fear, quaking." This word captures the overwhelming terror, profound anxiety, and physical quaking that consumes these rulers. It's not just a fleeting fear but an intense, pervasive, and consuming dread that metaphorically becomes their new "garment," replacing their former robes of splendor and comfort.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then all the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones,"**: This initial clause vividly depicts the immediate and dramatic consequence of Tyre's fall on the leaders of other maritime nations. "Coming down from their thrones" signifies a profound dethronement, a loss of power, authority, and exalted status. It implies a forced descent from their position of comfort, command, and perceived invincibility into a state of vulnerability, distress, and abject humility.
* **"and lay away their robes, and put off their broidered garments:"**: This action is deeply symbolic, representing the shedding of their identity, wealth, and prestige. "Robes" and "broidered garments" represent their luxurious attire, indicative of their immense riches, high social standing, and the opulence associated with their commercial empires. To "lay away" and "put off" these symbols means to abandon their former glory, recognizing the utter futility and transience of worldly possessions and status in the face of such overwhelming divine judgment.
* **"they shall clothe themselves with trembling;"**: This is a powerful and striking metaphor that describes the complete psychological and emotional state of these princes. Instead of rich fabrics and costly adornments, their new "garment" is fear itself. This suggests that their terror is so pervasive, consuming, and inescapable that it envelops them entirely, becoming their defining characteristic and outward manifestation in that moment of profound crisis.
* **"they shall sit upon the ground, and shall tremble at [every] moment,"**: Sitting on the ground is a traditional posture of deep mourning, humiliation, and despair in the ancient Near East, signifying abject defeat, loss, and a complete lack of power. Their continuous "trembling at every moment" emphasizes the relentless, inescapable, and pervasive nature of their terror and shock. It conveys a state of constant, uncontrollable fear, a physical manifestation of their inner turmoil and the overwhelming reality of the judgment they witness.
* **"and be astonished at thee."**: The final clause directs their astonishment specifically "at thee," referring directly to Tyre. Their reaction is one of utter shock, awe, and disbelief at the complete and devastating ruin that has befallen such a seemingly invincible and prosperous city. This profound astonishment acknowledges the unprecedented and terrifying nature of the judgment and implicitly points to the divine, unchallengeable power behind it.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 26:16 is rich in **Imagery** and **Symbolism**, painting a vivid and visceral picture of humiliation, despair, and divine judgment. The "princes of the sea" serve as a potent **Symbol** of the interconnectedness of ancient economies and the widespread, far-reaching impact of divine judgment beyond the immediate target. Their "thrones," "robes," and "broidered garments" are powerful **Symbols** of worldly power, immense wealth, and elevated status, which are dramatically contrasted with the abject act of "laying away" and "putting off" these items. The most striking and profound device is the **Metaphor** "they shall clothe themselves with trembling," which personifies fear and transforms it into a tangible garment, emphasizing its overwhelming, inescapable, and all-consuming nature. The phrase "tremble at every moment" employs **Hyperbole** to convey the extreme intensity and continuous, relentless nature of their terror, suggesting an unending state of dread and shock. The entire scene functions as a powerful **Dramatic Irony**, as those who once held immense power and prestige are reduced to the lowest possible state of humiliation and fear, serving as a stark and unforgettable warning to all who trust in earthly might and fleeting prosperity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 26:16 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and the transient, unreliable nature of human power and pride. The spectacular downfall of Tyre, a city deemed impregnable and invincible by human standards, serves as a stark reminder that no earthly kingdom, no matter how wealthy, strategically positioned, or powerful, can ultimately withstand the will and decree of the Almighty. The trembling and astonishment of the "princes of the sea" are not merely reactions to a geopolitical shift or a commercial disaster but a terrified, humbling acknowledgment of divine judgment actively at work. This passage affirms that God is the ultimate arbiter of history, capable of humbling the proud and exalting the lowly, demonstrating that true security and lasting glory are found solely in Him, not in fleeting material possessions, human achievements, or the strength of human empires.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Isaiah 23:9](/isaiah/23-9 "God's Purpose to Stain the Pride of Tyre")
* [Revelation 18:9-19](/revelation/18-9-19 "The Lament Over Babylon's Fall")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 26:16 offers a timeless and sobering lesson for all generations, particularly relevant in a world that often measures success by wealth, influence, and status. This verse serves as a potent reminder that all earthly glory, no matter how grand or seemingly secure, is ultimately fleeting and vulnerable to divine judgment. The "princes of the sea" represent anyone who places ultimate trust in their achievements, their possessions, their professional standing, or their social position. Their stripping of robes and descent to the ground calls us to a profound self-examination, compelling us to consider where our true security and identity lie. It challenges us to cultivate genuine humility, recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from God, and that our ultimate hope and trust should be placed not in the shifting sands of worldly prosperity but in the unchanging character, unfailing promises, and sovereign power of God alone. This passage prompts us to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that God's sovereignty extends over all things, and His justice will ultimately prevail, urging us to align our lives with His eternal purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "thrones," "robes," or "broidered garments"—symbols of worldly security or identity—do I tend to rely on more than God?**
* **How does the "trembling" and "astonishment" of these powerful princes challenge my own complacency or pride in my accomplishments or possessions?**
* **In what practical ways can I better acknowledge God's absolute sovereignty over all aspects of my life, my nation, and the world around me?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a heart of deeper humility and unwavering trust in God alone, rather than in fleeting worldly success or human strength?**

### FAQ
**Who exactly are the "princes of the sea" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "princes of the sea" refer to the rulers, kings, and powerful commercial magnates of various maritime nations and coastal cities that were deeply interconnected with Tyre's vast trading empire. These would have included leaders from places like Sidon, other Phoenician cities, island nations in the Mediterranean, and distant trading partners like Tarshish. They were figures of immense wealth and influence whose prosperity was often tied to Tyre's commercial dominance. Their reaction to Tyre's fall highlights the widespread impact of God's judgment across the ancient world's economic and political landscape, demonstrating that no one was immune to the ripple effects of divine intervention.

**Why is Tyre being judged so severely in Ezekiel's prophecy?**

Answer: Tyre's severe judgment is primarily attributed to its immense pride, its arrogant self-sufficiency, and its malicious rejoicing over the destruction of Jerusalem. [Ezekiel 26:2](/ezekiel/26-2 "Ezekiel 26:2 - Tyre's Rejoicing Over Jerusalem's Fall") explicitly states that Tyre gloated over Jerusalem's downfall, seeing it as an opportunity to increase its own trade and wealth at Judah's expense. Furthermore, Tyre's king is later depicted as having a heart filled with hubris, even claiming to be a god, sitting in the seat of God (see [Ezekiel 28:2](/ezekiel/28-2 "Ezekiel 28:2 - The King of Tyre's Pride and Claim to Divinity")). God's judgment against Tyre underscores His absolute sovereignty over all nations and His intolerance for human arrogance, idolatry, and cruelty, especially towards His chosen people.

**What is the significance of the "princes" sitting on the ground and trembling?**

Answer: The act of sitting on the ground was a common and profoundly symbolic gesture in the ancient Near East, signifying deep mourning, abject humiliation, and utter despair. It represented a complete loss of status, power, and dignity, often associated with defeat in battle or great personal tragedy. Their "trembling at every moment" signifies an overwhelming, continuous, and inescapable terror. It's a physical manifestation of their profound shock and fear at witnessing the complete and irreversible destruction of Tyre, a city they likely viewed as invincible and a cornerstone of their own prosperity. This vivid imagery emphasizes the terrifying reality of God's judgment and its humbling, stripping effect on even the most powerful of earthly figures.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 26:16, with its vivid depiction of earthly powers brought low, finds its ultimate fulfillment and counterpoint in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "princes of the sea" are humbled, stripped of their robes and thrones, trembling before the awesome power of God's judgment. This dramatic scene foreshadows the ultimate reality that all earthly kingdoms, powers, and authorities are temporary and will one day bow before the eternal throne of Christ. Unlike the transient thrones of these princes, Jesus' kingdom is an [everlasting kingdom](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Everlasting Dominion of the Son of Man"), and His dominion is one that shall not pass away, as proclaimed in [Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Everlasting Dominion of the Son of Man"). While the princes of the sea are clothed with trembling, consumed by fear, Christ offers a radically different garment: the [robe of righteousness](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - The Garment of Salvation and Robe of Righteousness") and the [garment of salvation](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - The Garment of Salvation and Robe of Righteousness") to all who trust in Him. The astonishment felt by these rulers at Tyre's downfall, though profound, pales in comparison to the awe and worship that will be rendered to the [Lamb who was slain](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - Worthy is the Lamb"), before whom [every knee will bow](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus") and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, as declared in [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow"). The judgment on Tyre serves as a stark warning of God's justice against human pride, but Christ's coming offers the ultimate hope and security, inviting all to find refuge not in fleeting earthly power, but in the eternal King of kings whose reign is forever and whose grace brings true peace.

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 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.

Hosea 11:10

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

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

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

1 Peter 5:5

¶ 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

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

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