Ezekiel 26:18

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now shall the isles {H339} tremble {H2729} in the day {H3117} of thy fall {H4658}; yea, the isles {H339} that are in the sea {H3220} shall be troubled {H926} at thy departure {H3318}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now the coastlands tremble on the day of your downfall, and the islands in the sea are in shock at your end.'

Berean Standard Bible

Now the coastlands tremble on the day of your downfall; the islands in the sea are dismayed by your demise.”’

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 26:18 masterfully portrays the profound and far-reaching repercussions of God's impending judgment upon the formidable maritime city of Tyre. It vividly describes how the news of Tyre's catastrophic downfall will send tremors of fear and dismay through the distant coastal regions and island nations that had long depended on its vast commercial empire and naval supremacy. This verse powerfully underscores the global consequences of divine judgment, demonstrating that even seemingly invincible earthly powers are ultimately subject to God's sovereign will, and their collapse can destabilize entire economic and political systems, causing widespread consternation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 26:18 is strategically placed within a comprehensive prophetic oracle against the city of Tyre, which spans [Ezekiel 26](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre") through [Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Further Prophecies Against Tyre"). This particular verse follows a detailed and graphic depiction of Tyre's destruction, including the siege by Nebuchadnezzar and the subsequent utter devastation that would leave it a bare rock, a place for the spreading of nets, as declared in [Ezekiel 26:4-5](/ezekiel/26-4-5 "Ezekiel 26:4-5 - Tyre's Complete Desolation"). The preceding verses, specifically [Ezekiel 26:15-17](/ezekiel/26-15-17 "Ezekiel 26:15-17 - The Lament of the Coastal Princes"), describe the lament of other kings and princes who witness Tyre's fall, emphasizing their astonishment and fear. Verse 18 then expands this reaction to the broader maritime world, highlighting the ripple effect of Tyre's demise on its trading partners and those who benefited from its prosperity, setting the stage for further laments and descriptions of the city's irreversible ruin and descent into oblivion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was a preeminent Phoenician city-state, strategically located on the coast of modern-day Lebanon. It was renowned for its formidable naval power, extensive trade networks, and immense wealth. Comprising both a mainland settlement and a virtually impregnable island fortress, Tyre served as a vital hub for international commerce, particularly in purple dye, cedar, and skilled craftsmanship. Its strategic position made it a linchpin in the ancient world's economy, facilitating trade between the East and West. The "isles" (Hebrew: _'iyyim'_) refer not merely to literal islands but broadly to distant coastlands and maritime nations throughout the Mediterranean basin with whom Tyre conducted extensive business. The prophecy of its fall would have been profoundly shocking given its perceived invincibility and economic dominance. The "trembling" and "trouble" described reflect the profound economic disruption and geopolitical instability that would inevitably ensue from the collapse of such a vital trading partner, impacting nations far beyond Tyre's immediate borders.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Ezekiel's prophecy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating that no earthly power, however mighty or wealthy, is beyond God's ultimate authority. Tyre's fall serves as a stark reminder that God orchestrates the rise and fall of nations according to His purposes, a truth echoed in passages like [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"). Secondly, it highlights the **Instability and Transience of Worldly Power and Wealth**. Tyre's immense prosperity and perceived security were ultimately fleeting, emphasizing the ephemeral nature of human achievements and the danger of placing ultimate trust in material possessions, a concept frequently addressed in wisdom literature such as [Proverbs 11:28](/proverbs/11-28 "Proverbs 11:28 - Trust in Riches Leads to Ruin"). Finally, the verse underscores the **Interconnectedness of Nations** and the far-reaching **Consequences of Pride and Sin**. Tyre's hubris, idolatry, and exploitation (as detailed in [Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Prophecies Against Tyre's Prince and King")) led to its judgment, and the "trembling of the isles" shows how the spiritual and moral decline of one major power can have devastating economic and social repercussions across the globe.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **isles (Hebrew, _ʼîy'_):** This term (H339), derived from a root meaning "to be habitable" or "desirable," refers broadly to habitable spots, dry land, coasts, or islands. In the context of Tyre, a major maritime power, it specifically denotes the various coastal regions, islands, and distant lands that were part of its extensive trade network. The repeated use of "isles" emphasizes the global reach of Tyre's influence and, consequently, the widespread impact of its fall, affecting all who relied on its commercial stability.
* **tremble (Hebrew, _chârad'_):** This primitive root (H2729) signifies to shudder with terror, to fear, or to hasten with anxiety. It conveys a deep, visceral reaction of fright and alarm, indicating a physical manifestation of inner dread. Here, it describes the profound shock and fear experienced by the maritime nations as they witness or hear of Tyre's catastrophic destruction, indicating not just economic concern but a genuine sense of existential dread.
* **troubled (Hebrew, _bâhal'_):** This primitive root (H926) means to tremble inwardly or palpitate, to be suddenly alarmed or agitated, or by implication, to hasten anxiously. It reinforces the sense of inner turmoil, dismay, and sudden panic among the "isles." The combination of "tremble" and "troubled" paints a vivid and comprehensive picture of widespread consternation, emotional distress, and a profound sense of instability among those who had relied on Tyre's might.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now shall the isles tremble in the day of thy fall":** This clause declares the immediate and profound reaction of the coastal and island nations to Tyre's impending destruction. The "isles," representing Tyre's vast network of trading partners and client states, will experience a deep, visceral fear and shock. "The day of thy fall" refers to the specific time of Tyre's utter collapse, emphasizing the suddenness, finality, and decisive nature of its demise, which will reverberate across the seas.
* **"yea, the isles that are in the sea shall be troubled at thy departure.":** This second clause reiterates and intensifies the first, employing synonymous parallelism to amplify the message. "The isles that are in the sea" specifically highlights those maritime entities most directly connected to Tyre's naval and commercial power, emphasizing their vulnerability. "Shall be troubled" reinforces the idea of internal agitation and dismay. "At thy departure" refers to Tyre's complete disappearance from its prominent position, its effective removal from the world stage as a dominant force, signifying the end of its influence, prosperity, and the stability it once provided to its trading partners.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 26:18 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message with striking impact. **Personification** is prominently featured as the "isles" are depicted as capable of "trembling" and being "troubled," attributing human emotions and reactions to inanimate geographical entities. This vividly illustrates the profound and widespread impact of Tyre's fall, suggesting that even the very lands connected to it will react with fear and distress, as if experiencing a seismic event. **Hyperbole** is also present, as the notion of entire landmasses trembling emphasizes the extraordinary and unprecedented nature of Tyre's destruction and its far-reaching consequences, extending beyond mere economic disruption to a sense of global upheaval and instability. Furthermore, the verse masterfully uses **Synonymous Parallelism** by repeating the core idea with slightly different phrasing ("Now shall the isles tremble... yea, the isles that are in the sea shall be troubled"). This repetition serves to intensify the message, reinforcing the certainty and severity of the reaction to Tyre's judgment, ensuring the reader fully grasps the immense magnitude of the impending event.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 26:18 serves as a potent reminder of God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and the ultimate futility of placing trust in worldly power and wealth. The trembling of the "isles" illustrates that divine judgment on a major power has ripple effects, demonstrating the profound interconnectedness of human societies and economies, and the universal accountability of all to God. It underscores that God's justice is not confined to a single city but can send shockwaves across the entire known world, dismantling systems built on pride, materialism, and self-sufficiency. This prophecy, therefore, is a testament to the fact that God alone is truly immutable and eternal, while all human empires, no matter how grand, are transient and subject to His will. It is a divine declaration that no earthly kingdom, no matter how strong or wealthy, can ultimately withstand the righteous judgment of the Almighty.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever") - "The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations."
* [Isaiah 23:1-18](/isaiah/23 "Isaiah 23 - Prophecy Against Tyre") - A broader prophetic lament against Tyre, detailing its pride and eventual fall, and the devastating impact on its extensive trading partners.
* [Revelation 18:9-19](/revelation/18-9-19 "Revelation 18:9-19 - The Lament Over Babylon's Fall") - Describes the lament of kings, merchants, and shipmasters over the fall of "Babylon the Great," a symbolic city representing global economic and political power, powerfully echoing the themes of Tyre's demise and its far-reaching economic consequences.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 26:18 offers profound and timeless lessons for contemporary believers and societies. It compels us to critically examine where our ultimate security and trust truly lie. In a world increasingly defined by globalized economies and intricately interconnected systems, the fall of one major power or the collapse of a key economic pillar can indeed send tremors across continents, much like the "trembling of the isles" foretold in Ezekiel's time. This verse challenges us to recognize the transient and fragile nature of all earthly kingdoms, economic systems, and human achievements. It calls us to shift our focus from accumulating perishable wealth and power to building a life rooted in eternal values and aligning with God's unchanging purposes. For the individual, it's a powerful reminder that true stability, peace, and lasting security are found not in financial portfolios, national strength, or worldly influence, but in a steadfast, humble, and dependent relationship with the sovereign God who is above all earthly powers. It encourages humility, dependence on God, and a recognition that all things are ultimately under His control, urging us to invest our lives in what truly lasts for eternity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Tyres" or seemingly invincible powers, whether nations, corporations, or ideologies, in our modern world might be prone to a similar fall, and how might this prophecy inform our perspective on them?**
* **How does the intricate interconnectedness of global economies and information networks today amplify the message of the "trembling of the isles" from Ezekiel's ancient context?**
* **In what specific areas of my own life might I be placing too much trust in temporary, earthly securities (e.g., career, finances, reputation) rather than in God's eternal sovereignty and provision?**
* **How can understanding the severe judgment on Tyre encourage me to live with greater humility, cultivate a deeper dependence on God, and maintain a clearer focus on eternal priorities?**

### FAQ
**What does "the isles" refer to in Ezekiel 26:18?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 26:18, "the isles" (Hebrew: _'iyyim'_, H339) refers broadly to the coastal regions, literal islands, and distant maritime nations that had extensive trade and political relationships with the powerful Phoenician city of Tyre. Tyre was a major hub for international commerce in the ancient world, and its influence extended across the Mediterranean Sea and beyond. Therefore, the "isles" represent the various trading partners and nations that would be profoundly impacted by Tyre's catastrophic fall, experiencing severe economic disruption and widespread fear at the loss of such a vital commercial link. This concept is similar to how other prophets use the term to denote distant coastlands and trading partners, such as in [Isaiah 23:6](/isaiah/23-6 "Isaiah 23:6 - Wailing of the Inhabitants of the Coastland").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 26:18 directly prophesies the historical judgment upon Tyre, its deeper theological resonance points toward the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and the transient nature of all earthly powers in light of Christ's eternal reign. The "trembling of the isles" at Tyre's fall foreshadows a greater, cosmic shaking that occurs at the coming of God's ultimate judgment and the establishment of Christ's unshakable kingdom. Just as Tyre, a symbol of worldly pride, commercial might, and self-sufficiency, was brought low, so too will all systems and empires that oppose God's righteous rule eventually crumble. The New Testament reveals that true security, lasting peace, and eternal prosperity are not found in the fleeting wealth or power of earthly "Tyres" but solely in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the true King, whose kingdom "cannot be shaken" ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")). The ultimate "departure" of any earthly power pales in comparison to the glorious return of Christ, at which time "every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow to Jesus")). Thus, Ezekiel's prophecy, while rooted in a specific historical event, serves as a powerful and enduring reminder that all human endeavors and earthly kingdoms are temporary, preparing our hearts to place our hope in the eternal Lamb of God, who alone is worthy of all praise and whose kingdom will never end ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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 23:5

As at the report concerning Egypt, [so] shall they be sorely pained at the report of Tyre.

Isaiah 23:7

[Is] this your joyous [city], whose antiquity [is] of ancient days? her own feet shall carry her afar off to sojourn.

Ezekiel 26:15

¶ 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?

Ezekiel 27:28

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

Ezekiel 27:30

And shall cause their voice to be heard against thee, and shall cry bitterly, and shall cast up dust upon their heads, they shall wallow themselves in the ashes:

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.

Isaiah 23:10

Pass through thy land as a river, O daughter of Tarshish: [there is] no more strength.