Ezekiel 26:17

KJV

And they shall take up a lamentation for thee, and say to thee, How art thou destroyed, [that wast] inhabited of seafaring men, the renowned city, which wast strong in the sea, she and her inhabitants, which cause their terror [to be] on all that haunt it!

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall take up {H5375} a lamentation {H7015} for thee, and say {H559} to thee, How art thou destroyed {H6}, that wast inhabited {H3427} of seafaring men {H3220}, the renowned {H1984} city {H5892}, which wast strong {H2389} in the sea {H3220}, she and her inhabitants {H3427}, which cause {H5414} their terror {H2851} to be on all that haunt {H3427} it!

Complete Jewish Bible

Then they will raise this lament for you: "'How you have been destroyed, you who were peopled from the seas, city so renowned, once so strong at sea, you and your inhabitants, who used to spread terror over all [the mainland's] inhabitants!

Berean Standard Bible

Then they will lament for you, saying, “How you have perished, O city of renown inhabited by seafaring men— she who was powerful on the sea, along with her people, who imposed terror on all peoples!

American Standard Version

And they shall take up a lamentation over thee, and say to thee, How art thou destroyed, that wast inhabited by seafaring men, the renowned city, that was strong in the sea, she and her inhabitants, that caused their terror to be on all that dwelt there!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 26:17 presents a poignant prophetic dirge, a lament sung by the surrounding nations and seafaring communities over the catastrophic and unexpected downfall of Tyre. This verse powerfully captures the profound shock, sorrow, and disbelief at the obliteration of what was once a globally renowned, formidable maritime city. It underscores Tyre's dramatic transition from a vibrant center of power, commerce, and pride to a desolate ruin, prompting astonishment among those who had previously admired or feared its seemingly invincible strength.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into a series of divine pronouncements against Tyre, spanning [Ezekiel 26](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre") through [Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Further Prophecies Against Tyre and Sidon"). Specifically, the preceding verses in [Ezekiel 26:1-14](/ezekiel/26-1-14 "Ezekiel 26:1-14 - Nebuchadnezzar's Siege and Tyre's Devastation") meticulously detail the impending siege and utter destruction of Tyre by Nebuchadnezzar, followed by vivid imagery of its complete desolation. Verses [Ezekiel 26:15-18](/ezekiel/26-15-18 "Ezekiel 26:15-18 - The Nations' Reaction to Tyre's Fall") then pivot to describe the visceral reaction of the surrounding nations, island dwellers, and maritime rulers, who are depicted as trembling with fear and taking up a mournful lament over Tyre's demise. This particular verse, Ezekiel 26:17, serves as the core articulation of that mournful song, expressing the profound shock and despair felt by those who witnessed the collapse of such a dominant and seemingly impregnable power. The lament itself is a common and effective prophetic device employed to emphasize the finality and severity of divine judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Tyre was a preeminent Phoenician city-state, strategically situated on an island off the coast of modern-day Lebanon. Its unparalleled prosperity stemmed from its extensive maritime trade networks, formidable naval strength, and immense wealth, establishing it as a dominant force throughout the Mediterranean world. Its inhabitants, aptly described as "seafaring men," were master mariners, shrewd merchants, and skilled colonizers, establishing trading outposts and settlements across vast distances. Culturally, Tyre was characterized by its profound pride and self-sufficiency, often viewing itself as impervious to external threats due a combination of its island fortress status, formidable defenses, and vast economic resources. The prophet Ezekiel's pronouncements against Tyre were delivered during the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), a period in which God was emphatically demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over all nations, not merely Israel. Tyre's eventual fall would have been an event of monumental significance, sending shockwaves across the ancient Near East and serving as a stark, undeniable warning to other proud and prosperous cities.
* **Key Themes:** The lament over Tyre's destruction in Ezekiel 26:17 powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes prevalent throughout Ezekiel's prophecy and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it profoundly illustrates the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, unequivocally demonstrating that no earthly power, regardless of its strength, wealth, or renown, can ultimately withstand God's sovereign decree. Tyre's perceived invincibility is utterly shattered, proving the Lord's absolute control over human affairs, as He "brings princes to nothing and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness" ([Isaiah 40:23](/isaiah/40-23 "Isaiah 40:23 - God's Sovereignty Over Rulers")). Secondly, this lament underscores the inevitable **Humbling of Pride**. Tyre's arrogance, deeply rooted in its vast wealth and unassailable power, directly precipitated its downfall, echoing the timeless biblical principle that "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride and Destruction")). Finally, the verse speaks eloquently to the **Transience of Earthly Power and Wealth**. The mournful lament serves as a poignant and enduring reminder that all human achievements, empires, and material possessions are inherently fleeting and temporary, contrasting sharply with the eternal nature of God's kingdom and the enduring truth of His unchanging word.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **renowned (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** (H1984) This primitive root means "to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to celebrate; also to stultify; (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool(-ish, -ly), glory, give (light), be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, (sing, be worthy of) praise, rage, renowned, shine." In this context, "renowned" signifies Tyre's widespread fame, global glory, and the boastful reputation it had meticulously cultivated, often bordering on excessive arrogance. Its renown was inextricably linked to its immense commercial success and formidable naval might, rendering its catastrophic destruction all the more shocking and impactful to the ancient world.
* **strong (Hebrew, _châzâq'_):** (H2389) Derived from חָזַק, this word means "strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent); harder, hottest, [phrase] impudent, loud, mighty, sore, stiff(-hearted), strong(-er)." Here, "strong" emphatically highlights Tyre's formidable defenses, its overwhelming naval power, and its deeply ingrained perception of invincibility, particularly its dominance "in the sea." This perceived strength was the very foundation of its security and its ability to project influence across the Mediterranean, making its utter destruction a profound testament to a power far greater than its own.
* **inhabited (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** (H3427) A primitive root, properly meaning "to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry; (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry." This word appears twice in the verse, first describing Tyre as "inhabited of seafaring men" and later referring to "all that haunt it." It speaks to the city's once vibrant, bustling population, particularly those intrinsically connected to its maritime identity, and subsequently, to the profound desolation that will leave it haunted by only the remnants of its former life or by wild creatures, rather than thriving human inhabitants.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall take up a lamentation for thee, and say to thee,"**: This opening clause vividly sets the scene for a formal dirge or mournful elegy. "They" refers collectively to the kings, princes, and seafaring peoples mentioned in the preceding verses, who are depicted as witnessing Tyre's catastrophic destruction. The act of "taking up a lamentation" signifies a profound, public expression of grief, astonishment, and despair over the city's demise, acknowledging its finality and the overwhelming severity of its judgment.
* **"How art thou destroyed,"**: This rhetorical question serves as a powerful expression of utter shock, disbelief, and bewilderment. It underscores the unexpected, complete, and irreversible nature of Tyre's destruction, as a city once considered impregnable and eternal has fallen. It is a cry of profound astonishment from those who had previously admired, feared, or depended upon Tyre's immense power and influence.
* **"[that wast] inhabited of seafaring men,"**: This descriptive phrase emphatically highlights Tyre's core identity as a thriving, bustling port city, a global hub of maritime activity. Its entire population and economic life were inextricably defined by its deep connection to the sea, comprising expert merchants, intrepid sailors, and shrewd traders. The destruction prophesied here signifies the complete cessation of this vibrant, sea-dependent way of life.
* **"the renowned city, which wast strong in the sea,"**: This clause further elaborates on Tyre's former glory and formidable status. "Renowned" speaks to its widespread fame, celebrated reputation, and influence across the entire ancient world, while "strong in the sea" refers to its formidable naval power, its unassailable island defenses, and its strategic advantage as a maritime empire. These attributes were the very source of its pride, security, and global dominance, now shown to be utterly vulnerable and transient.
* **"she and her inhabitants,"**: This concise phrase reiterates the comprehensive and complete nature of the destruction, encompassing both the physical city itself and its entire, once-thriving population. The lament is not merely for the stones and structures of Tyre, but for the vibrant human life, culture, and commerce that once filled its streets and harbors.
* **"which cause their terror [to be] on all that haunt it!"**: This final clause vividly describes the profound impact and awe-inspiring influence Tyre once wielded over its surroundings. Its power, wealth, and naval might inspired widespread fear, respect, and even submission among other nations and those who navigated its waters. The lament acknowledges this past dominance, making its current state of utter ruin and desolation even more tragically ironic and a stark testament to the reversal of its fortunes. The "terror" it once projected is now replaced by the terror of its own catastrophic destruction.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Ezekiel 26:17 is the **Lament** or **Dirge** (Hebrew: _qinah_). This is a distinct poetic form, often characterized by a mournful tone and a specific metrical rhythm (typically a 3+2 pattern in Hebrew poetry), traditionally used for mourning the dead or expressing profound sorrow over a national calamity. Its strategic use here elevates the destruction of Tyre from a mere historical event to a profound, universal tragedy, inviting the audience to share in the grief and shock of the onlookers. The verse also employs a powerful **Rhetorical Question** ("How art thou destroyed?") to convey the utter astonishment, disbelief, and bewilderment at Tyre's fall, emphatically emphasizing its unexpected and complete nature. Furthermore, **Contrast** is powerfully utilized, starkly juxtaposing Tyre's former glory as "the renowned city, which wast strong in the sea" and a source of "terror" with its present state of utter desolation and ruin. This stark contrast dramatically amplifies the sense of loss and the overwhelming magnitude of divine judgment. There is also a subtle element of **Personification**, as the city of Tyre is directly addressed as a fallen entity, capable of being lamented over, which further humanizes its tragic and irreversible end.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 26:17 serves as a profound theological statement regarding God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and the inevitable, just consequences of human pride and self-reliance. Tyre, a quintessential symbol of human ingenuity, immense wealth, and formidable military might, erroneously believed itself to be invincible and beyond the reach of any external force. Its dramatic and complete fall unequivocally demonstrates that no human endeavor, however grand, secure, or prosperous, can ultimately stand against the righteous decree of the Almighty God. The lament voiced by the nations is a stark recognition that true security, lasting power, and enduring prosperity reside not in material possessions, strategic advantage, or military might, but solely in humble submission to the one true God. It serves as a timeless reminder that God is the one who "brings the princes to nothing and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness" ([Isaiah 40:23](/isaiah/40-23 "God's Sovereignty Over Rulers")), and that those who exalt themselves in pride will ultimately be humbled. The transience and ultimate futility of all earthly glory and human achievement is a recurring biblical theme, powerfully and tragically illustrated by Tyre's comprehensive demise.

* [Isaiah 23:1-18](/isaiah/23-1-18 "Prophecy Against Tyre")
* [Revelation 18:9-19](/revelation/18-9-19 "Lament over Babylon's Fall")
* [Psalm 73:18-20](/psalm/73-18-20 "The End of the Wicked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The mournful lament over Tyre in Ezekiel 26:17 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers in every generation. It compels us to deeply examine the objects of our ultimate trust and security. Do we, like ancient Tyre, place our reliance on our accumulated wealth, our societal influence, our personal accomplishments, or our perceived strengths and self-sufficiency? Or do we, with unwavering faith, anchor our hope in the unchanging, sovereign God, whose power transcends all earthly limitations? The dramatic and complete fall of this once-mighty city serves as a stark, sobering reminder that all earthly glories, human empires, and material possessions are inherently fleeting, temporary, and subject to decay. True and lasting security, enduring peace, and eternal prosperity are found only in Christ Jesus. This verse powerfully encourages a posture of profound humility, recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from God ([James 1:17](/james/1-17 "Every Good and Perfect Gift")) and that our ultimate strength is found in Him alone. It challenges us to live with an eternal perspective, diligently investing our lives in what truly lasts—God's eternal kingdom and His perfect righteousness—rather than accumulating perishable treasures on earth that are inevitably subject to moth, rust, and destruction ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Tyres" exist in my own life or in our contemporary society today—things that are renowned, seemingly strong, and inspire awe, but are ultimately fleeting and vulnerable?**
* **Where do I tend to place my ultimate trust and security: in my own abilities, material possessions, social reputation, or in God's unchanging character and unfailing promises?**
* **How does the undeniable transience of earthly power and glory, as vividly illustrated by Tyre's fall, shape my daily priorities, long-term aspirations, and life investments?**
* **In what specific ways might I be prone to the same dangerous pride and self-reliance that ultimately led to Tyre's catastrophic downfall, and how can I actively cultivate a spirit of profound humility and dependence before God?**

### FAQ
**Why is a lamentation sung for Tyre, and by whom?**

Answer: A lamentation, or dirge (Hebrew: _qinah_), is sung for Tyre to express profound sorrow, shock, and utter disbelief at its complete and irreversible destruction. It dramatically highlights the reversal of its fortunes from a powerful, globally renowned city to a desolate ruin. The lament is sung by "seafaring men" and other nations, particularly their kings and princes, who once engaged in extensive trade with Tyre or were significantly influenced by its immense power and commercial dominance. Their mournful song underscores the universal impact of Tyre's fall and acknowledges the overwhelming nature of the divine judgment against it, as described in [Ezekiel 26:15-18](/ezekiel/26-15-18 "Ezekiel 26:15-18 - The Nations' Reaction to Tyre's Fall"). It serves as a stark recognition that even the most formidable and seemingly impregnable human strongholds can be brought to absolute nothingness by God's sovereign hand.

**What does Tyre's destruction teach us about God's character?**

Answer: Tyre's destruction powerfully and unequivocally reveals several core aspects of God's character: His absolute sovereignty, His unyielding justice, and His unfailing faithfulness to His prophetic word. It demonstrates that God is not limited or constrained by human power, strategic advantage, or perceived invincibility; He is fully able to bring down even the most "renowned" and "strong" of cities and empires. His perfect justice is clearly seen in His judgment against Tyre's pervasive pride, its commercial exploitation, and its malicious rejoicing over Jerusalem's fall ([Ezekiel 26:2](/ezekiel/26-2 "Ezekiel 26:2 - Tyre's Reaction to Jerusalem's Fall")). Furthermore, it showcases His unwavering faithfulness in executing His declared judgment, proving that His word will always come to pass, regardless of how improbable or impossible it may seem from a human perspective.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 26:17, while a specific prophecy of judgment against an ancient city, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the triumph of God's eternal kingdom over all temporal earthly powers and the glorious establishment of the new heaven and new earth. Tyre, with its immense wealth, pervasive pride, and deeply ingrained perception of invincibility, represents the very epitome of human glory, self-reliance, and worldly systems built apart from God. Its dramatic and complete fall prophetically foreshadows the ultimate dismantling and dissolution of all systems, empires, and ideologies that stand in opposition to God's righteous reign and His divine will. In Christ, we behold the true "renowned city"—not one meticulously built by human hands, but the [New Jerusalem](/revelation/21-2 "The New Jerusalem"), the glorious bride of Christ, which is eternal, incorruptible, and descends from heaven. The "terror" Tyre once inflicted upon the nations is ultimately replaced by the profound awe and worship inspired by the [Lamb of God](/revelation/5-12 "Worthy is the Lamb"), whose kingdom is emphatically "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")) and will never be destroyed or given to another ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "God's Eternal Kingdom")). The lament over Tyre's destruction thus points forward to the final, triumphant lament over "Babylon the great" in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "The Fall of Babylon"), which symbolizes all anti-God systems and worldly power structures. Her fall is met not with sorrow, but with resounding rejoicing in heaven because of God's righteous and perfect judgment ([Revelation 19:1-3](/revelation/19-1-3 "Rejoicing in Heaven over Babylon's Fall")). Therefore, Tyre's demise serves as a powerful prophetic type, reminding us that all earthly glory and human achievements will inevitably fade, but the eternal kingdom established by Christ will endure forever, and in Him alone is true and lasting security, peace, and hope found.

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 14:12

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! [how] art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

Ezekiel 19:1

¶ Moreover take thou up a lamentation for the princes of Israel,

2 Samuel 1:25

How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, [thou wast] slain in thine high places.

2 Samuel 1:27

How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!

Ezekiel 32:2

Son of man, take up a lamentation for Pharaoh king of Egypt, and say unto him, Thou art like a young lion of the nations, and thou [art] as a whale in the seas: and thou camest forth with thy rivers, and troubledst the waters with thy feet, and fouledst their rivers.

Ezekiel 32:16

This [is] the lamentation wherewith they shall lament her: the daughters of the nations shall lament her: they shall lament for her, [even] for Egypt, and for all her multitude, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 27:2

Now, thou son of man, take up a lamentation for Tyrus;