Ezekiel 26:19

KJV

For thus saith the Lord GOD; When I shall make thee a desolate city, like the cities that are not inhabited; when I shall bring up the deep upon thee, and great waters shall cover thee;

KJV (with Strong's)

For thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; When I shall make {H5414} thee a desolate {H2717} city {H5892}, like the cities {H5892} that are not inhabited {H3427}; when I shall bring up {H5927} the deep {H8415} upon thee, and great {H7227} waters {H4325} shall cover {H3680} thee;

Complete Jewish Bible

"For here is what Adonai ELOHIM says: 'When I make you a ruined city, like other uninhabited cities; when I bring the deep sea over you, and its mighty waters cover you;

Berean Standard Bible

For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘When I make you a desolate city like other deserted cities, and when I raise up the deep against you so that the mighty waters cover you,

American Standard Version

For thus saith the Lord Jehovah: When I shall make thee a desolate city, like the cities that are not inhabited; when I shall bring up the deep upon thee, and the great waters shall cover thee;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 26:19 delivers a stark prophetic judgment against the proud city of Tyre, foretelling its utter and overwhelming destruction at the hand of the Lord GOD. The verse vividly portrays Tyre's future state as a desolate ruin, likened to uninhabited cities, and dramatically describes its engulfment by an overwhelming force, symbolized by the "deep" and "great waters" that will completely cover it, signifying a complete and irreversible annihilation of its former glory and population.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a series of oracles against foreign nations found in [Ezekiel chapters 25-32](/ezekiel/25 "Ezekiel 25-32 - Oracles Against Foreign Nations"). Specifically, [Ezekiel 26](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre") initiates a prolonged and detailed prophecy against Tyre, extending through [Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Further Prophecies Against Tyre and Sidon"). The immediate context of [Ezekiel 26:19](/ezekiel/26-19 "Ezekiel 26:19 - Prophecy of Tyre's Desolation") follows the Lord's declaration of judgment against Tyre for its gloating over Jerusalem's destruction, as seen in [Ezekiel 26:2](/ezekiel/26-2 "Ezekiel 26:2 - Tyre's Reaction to Jerusalem's Fall"). The preceding verses detail the various ways in which Tyre will be plundered and its walls torn down, with verse 19 escalating the imagery to a complete and final desolation, emphasizing the divine origin and overwhelming nature of this judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was a powerful and wealthy Phoenician city-state, renowned for its maritime trade, formidable fortifications (situated on an island), and extensive commercial network that spanned the Mediterranean. Its immense prosperity fostered a spirit of pride and self-sufficiency, leading it to believe itself impregnable. Culturally, Tyre was a hub of commerce and idolatry, with its wealth often leading to arrogance and a disregard for the God of Israel. Historically, Tyre faced a thirteen-year siege by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (c. 586-573 BC), which significantly weakened its mainland component, and a decisive seven-month siege by Alexander the Great in 332 BC, which led to the complete destruction of the island city by building a causeway. These historical events remarkably fulfill the detailed prophecies of Ezekiel, including the imagery of being swept away and covered by waters, as Alexander used the rubble of the mainland city to construct his causeway to the island.
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 26:19](/ezekiel/26-19 "Ezekiel 26:19 - The Overwhelming Judgment of Tyre") powerfully contributes to several major themes within the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. One prominent theme is **Divine Judgment**, where God actively intervenes in human history to bring justice upon nations for their pride, idolatry, and opposition to His purposes, as seen in Tyre's downfall for its arrogance and schadenfreude over Jerusalem's plight. Another key theme is **Total Desolation and Irreversibility**, conveyed through the imagery of a city "not inhabited" and "covered" by waters, signifying an absolute and permanent ruin that leaves no trace of its former glory. This echoes the comprehensive nature of divine wrath found in other judgment passages, such as the [flood narrative in Genesis](/genesis/7 "Genesis 7 - The Great Flood"). Furthermore, the verse underscores **God's Sovereignty** over all nations and their destinies, asserting that no earthly power, however mighty or secure, is beyond His reach or ultimate control. This aligns with the broader biblical truth that God "removes kings and sets up kings" ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **desolate (Hebrew, _chârab'_):** This word (H2717) is a primitive root meaning "to parch (through drought), i.e. (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill." It conveys a sense of utter dryness, barrenness, and ruin. In the context of a city, it means to be laid waste, to be made uninhabitable, stripped of its vitality and population. The use of this term emphasizes the complete cessation of life and activity within Tyre.
* **deep (Hebrew, _tᵉhôwm'_):** This term (H8415) refers to an "abyss (as a surging mass of water), especially the deep (the main sea or the subterranean watersupply)." It often carries connotations of primordial, chaotic, or overwhelming waters, as seen in the [creation account](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - The Spirit Hovering Over the Deep") and the [flood narrative](/genesis/7-11 "Genesis 7:11 - The Fountains of the Great Deep"). Here, it is used metaphorically to describe an overwhelming, inescapable force of destruction that will engulf Tyre, whether literal waters, invading armies, or the sheer force of divine judgment.
* **cover (Hebrew, _kâçâh'_):** This word (H3680) means "to plump, i.e. fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy); clad self, close, clothe, conceal, hide, overwhelm." When used with "great waters," it signifies a complete submergence and concealment, implying that Tyre will be utterly overwhelmed and its very existence hidden from view, leaving no trace of its former prominence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening phrase firmly establishes the divine authority behind the prophecy. It is not merely a human prediction but a direct pronouncement from the sovereign God, YHWH (`H3069`, `Yᵉhôvih`), who is also the Master (`H136`, `ʼĂdônây`). This emphasizes the certainty and inevitability of the judgment to follow.
* **"When I shall make thee a desolate city, like the cities that are not inhabited;":** This clause describes the nature of Tyre's impending judgment: it will be rendered utterly desolate (`H2717`, `chârab`), reduced to a state of ruin comparable to cities that have been completely abandoned and emptied of their inhabitants (`H3427`, `yâshab`). This highlights the complete cessation of life, commerce, and human activity in what was once a bustling metropolis. The comparison underscores the severity and permanence of its ruin.
* **"when I shall bring up the deep upon thee, and great waters shall cover thee;":** This vivid imagery portrays the overwhelming force of the destruction. The "deep" (`H8415`, `tᵉhôwm`) and "great waters" (`H4325`, `mayim`, `H7227`, `rab`) symbolize an unstoppable, engulfing force that will utterly submerge (`H3680`, `kâçâh`) Tyre. This can be interpreted metaphorically as an overwhelming invasion or literally as the city being swept away by the sea, reflecting its island nature and maritime identity. It signifies a complete and inescapable annihilation, leaving the city buried and forgotten.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 26:19 employs powerful **Imagery** to convey the totality of Tyre's destruction. The phrases "desolate city," "cities that are not inhabited," "the deep upon thee," and "great waters shall cover thee" create a vivid mental picture of ruin and submergence. The verse uses **Simile** by comparing Tyre's future state to "cities that are not inhabited," emphasizing the complete absence of life and activity. Furthermore, the "deep" and "great waters" function as a potent **Metaphor** for the overwhelming, inescapable force of divine judgment and the invading armies that would bring about Tyre's downfall. This metaphorical language evokes the primal chaos of the sea, suggesting a return to a state of formlessness and emptiness for the once-proud city. The cumulative effect of these devices is to underscore the absolute and irreversible nature of God's decree against Tyre.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 26:19 serves as a profound theological statement on God's sovereignty, justice, and the transient nature of worldly power and pride. It demonstrates that no nation, however strong or wealthy, can stand against the divine will. Tyre's judgment is a testament to God's active involvement in human history, orchestrating the rise and fall of empires according to His righteous purposes. This prophecy underscores the principle that unchecked pride and self-sufficiency, especially when coupled with hostility towards God's people, inevitably lead to divine retribution. The imagery of being covered by the "deep" connects to ancient biblical themes of chaos and judgment, reminding us that God, who once brought order out of chaos, can also return the proud to a state of utter desolation.

* [Psalm 9:16](/psalm/9-16 "Psalm 9:16 - The Lord is Known by His Justice")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Isaiah 23:1-18](/isaiah/23 "Isaiah 23 - Prophecy Against Tyre")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 26:19 calls us to a sober reflection on the impermanence of all earthly achievements and the enduring reality of divine justice. Just as Tyre's immense wealth and formidable defenses could not protect it from God's decree, so too are our own human endeavors, accomplishments, and securities ultimately fragile when divorced from God's will. This verse challenges us to examine where we place our trust: in fleeting material possessions, personal strength, or the shifting sands of worldly influence, rather than in the eternal and unchanging God. It reminds us that humility before God and a recognition of His ultimate sovereignty are essential for true and lasting security. The judgment on Tyre serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of pride, self-sufficiency, and indifference to God's righteous standards.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What aspects of Tyre's pride and self-sufficiency might be mirrored in my own life or in contemporary society?**
* **How does the imagery of being "covered by the deep" challenge my sense of security and control?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a deeper reliance on God's sovereignty rather than on my own strength or worldly resources?**
* **What does this prophecy teach me about the nature of God's justice and His active involvement in human history?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "the deep" and "great waters" in this prophecy?**

Answer: The "deep" (Hebrew: *tehom*) and "great waters" are powerful symbolic images in [Ezekiel 26:19](/ezekiel/26-19 "Ezekiel 26:19 - The Deep and Great Waters"). The *tehom* often refers to the primeval ocean, the chaotic waters before creation ([Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - The Spirit Hovering Over the Deep")), or the destructive waters of the flood ([Genesis 7:11](/genesis/7-11 "Genesis 7:11 - The Fountains of the Great Deep")). In this context, it is a **metaphor** for an overwhelming, inescapable force of destruction. It doesn't necessarily mean literal water will cover Tyre, but rather that the city will be utterly submerged and annihilated by the force of God's judgment, whether through invading armies, natural disaster, or a combination thereof. The "great waters" reinforce this imagery of complete engulfment and irreversible ruin, signifying the totality of God's wrath against Tyre's pride and wickedness.

**Was the prophecy against Tyre in Ezekiel 26 fulfilled historically?**

Answer: Yes, the prophecies against Tyre in [Ezekiel 26](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre") are widely considered to have been remarkably fulfilled through historical events. The initial phase of destruction was carried out by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who besieged the mainland city of Tyre for thirteen years (c. 586-573 BC), as prophesied in [Ezekiel 29:18-20](/ezekiel/29-18 "Ezekiel 29:18-20 - Nebuchadnezzar's Reward for Tyre"). However, the more complete and devastating fulfillment, particularly the imagery of being swept away and covered by waters, came with Alexander the Great's siege in 332 BC. Alexander famously built a causeway (mole) from the mainland to the island city of Tyre, using the rubble and debris of the old mainland city. This act effectively "scraped her dust from her, and made her like the top of a rock" ([Ezekiel 26:4](/ezekiel/26-4 "Ezekiel 26:4 - Tyre to be a Bare Rock")), and the sea eventually covered parts of the causeway, fulfilling the imagery of "great waters shall cover thee" ([Ezekiel 26:19](/ezekiel/26-19 "Ezekiel 26:19 - Great Waters Shall Cover Thee")). Tyre never fully recovered its former glory, becoming a shadow of its past, thus confirming the prophecy of its desolation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 26:19 details a specific judgment on an ancient city, its ultimate theological resonance is found in its Christ-centered fulfillment. The overwhelming judgment against Tyre, symbolized by the "deep" and "great waters," foreshadows the ultimate and decisive judgment of God against all sin, pride, and rebellion, which finds its full expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. On the cross, Christ bore the "deep" of God's wrath and judgment for humanity's sin, becoming a desolate one so that we might be inhabited by God's Spirit ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The temporary desolation of Tyre points to the eternal desolation awaiting those who reject God's sovereignty and refuse His offer of salvation through Christ ([Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - Eternal Fire for the Unrighteous")). Conversely, for those who are in Christ, the "great waters" of judgment are replaced by the "living water" that He offers, which springs up to eternal life ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus Offers Living Water")). The destruction of earthly kingdoms like Tyre ultimately points to the establishment of Christ's eternal, unshakable kingdom, where there will be no more desolation, but rather the dwelling of God with His people ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven, New Earth, New Jerusalem")). Thus, Ezekiel's prophecy, though grim for Tyre, magnifies the redemptive work of Christ as the one who ultimately conquers all forces of chaos and brings forth a new creation.

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 8:7

Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, [even] the king of Assyria, and all his glory: and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks:

Isaiah 8:8

And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach [even] to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.

Ezekiel 26:3

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, O Tyrus, and will cause many nations to come up against thee, as the sea causeth his waves to come up.

Daniel 9:26

And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof [shall be] with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

Revelation 17:15

And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.

Daniel 11:40

And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.