Ezekiel 26:2

KJV

Son of man, because that Tyrus hath said against Jerusalem, Aha, she is broken [that was] the gates of the people: she is turned unto me: I shall be replenished, [now] she is laid waste:

KJV (with Strong's)

Son {H1121} of man {H120}, because that Tyrus {H6865} hath said {H559} against Jerusalem {H3389}, Aha {H1889}, she is broken {H7665} that was the gates {H1817} of the people {H5971}: she is turned {H5437} unto me: I shall be replenished {H4390}, now she is laid waste {H2717}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"Human being, since Tzor has said against Yerushalayim, 'Ha! She is shattered, the gateway of the peoples. Now that she is ruined, her riches will be mine';

Berean Standard Bible

“Son of man, because Tyre has said of Jerusalem, ‘Aha! The gate to the nations is broken; it has swung open to me; now that she lies in ruins I will be filled,’

American Standard Version

Son of man, because that Tyre hath said against Jerusalem, Aha, she is broken that was the gate of the peoples; she is turned unto me; I shall be replenished, now that she is laid waste:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 26:2 initiates a profound prophetic oracle against the ancient Phoenician city of Tyre, revealing the divine impetus for its impending judgment. The verse captures Tyre's malicious and opportunistic reaction to the recent, devastating destruction of Jerusalem, expressing perverse delight and anticipating significant commercial gain from the downfall of its former rival. This declaration of self-serving satisfaction, uttered in the wake of Jerusalem's desolation, provokes God's righteous indignation and sets the stage for a detailed prophecy of Tyre's own comprehensive and irreversible ruin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks the precise beginning of a major prophetic oracle against Tyre, a pronouncement that extends through [Ezekiel 26](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre") to [Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Prophecy Against the Prince of Tyre"). It immediately follows a series of divine judgments against Israel's more immediate neighbors—Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia—detailed in [Ezekiel 25](/ezekiel/25 "Ezekiel 25 - Oracles Against Neighboring Nations"). The strategic placement of this oracle underscores God's universal sovereignty, demonstrating that His authority extends over all nations, not solely over Israel. Furthermore, it highlights His particular attention to the attitudes and actions of those who interact with His covenant people. The extensive and specific nature of the Tyre prophecy, especially when compared to the briefer judgments against other nations, emphasizes its unique significance due to Tyre's immense pride, vast wealth, and its particularly egregious, self-serving response to Jerusalem's fall.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The immediate historical backdrop for this prophecy is the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC by Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces. This event led to the exile of many Jews, including the prophet Ezekiel, and left Jerusalem, once a vibrant political and religious capital, in utter ruins with its Temple demolished. Tyre, a dominant and affluent Phoenician city-state situated on the Mediterranean coast, was globally renowned for its expansive maritime trade networks, highly skilled artisans, and its strategically advantageous location. Culturally, Tyre was a bustling epicenter of commerce, characterized by immense material prosperity, which often fostered a spirit of pride and self-sufficiency among its inhabitants. Historically, Tyre's relationship with Jerusalem had been complex, oscillating between periods of mutually beneficial alliance and trade (e.g., under Solomon) and periods of rivalry. Tyre's reaction, as captured in this verse, is deeply rooted in its commercial opportunism, as it cynically viewed Jerusalem's demise as the elimination of a major competitor and the opening of lucrative new avenues for its own economic enrichment.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 26:2 powerfully introduces several critical themes that resonate throughout the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, it vividly portrays **Schadenfreude and Malicious Joy**, as Tyre's triumphant "Aha!" expresses a perverse delight in the suffering and devastation of others, particularly God's chosen city. This attitude, a celebration of misfortune, is consistently and vehemently condemned throughout Scripture. Secondly, the verse highlights **Economic Opportunism and Covetousness**, as Tyre explicitly articulates its intention to "be replenished" by usurping Jerusalem's former trade routes and influence. This reveals a motivation driven purely by insatiable material gain, a theme further elaborated in later chapters detailing Tyre's unparalleled commercial prowess and spiritual hubris, such as in the lament over Tyre's trade in [Ezekiel 27](/ezekiel/27 "Ezekiel 27 - Lament Over Tyre"). Finally, and most profoundly, the prophecy powerfully demonstrates **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment** over all nations. God meticulously observes and righteously responds to the moral failings and ungodly attitudes of empires, proving unequivocally that no nation, regardless of its power, wealth, or perceived invincibility, is beyond His jurisdiction or immune to His ultimate justice. The detailed and severe judgment against Tyre, particularly the indictment against its proud prince in [Ezekiel 28:1-19](/ezekiel/28-1-19 "Ezekiel 28:1-19 - Prophecy Against the Prince of Tyre"), serves as a stark and enduring reminder of God's absolute control over human history and His unwavering commitment to justice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son of man (Hebrew, _bên 'âdâm'_):** This recurring prophetic title, literally "son of a human being" (H1121 `bên` meaning "son" or "human," and H120 `ʼâdâm` meaning "human being" or "mankind"), emphasizes Ezekiel's humble, mortal nature. Used over ninety times in Ezekiel, it serves to underscore that the profound and authoritative messages he delivers originate not from his own wisdom or power, but directly from God, highlighting the divine source of the prophecy through a human vessel.
* **Aha (Hebrew, _heʼâch'_):** This interjection (H1889 `heʼâch`), directly translated as "aha!" or "ah," signifies a strong expression of malicious triumph, mocking derision, or gloating satisfaction. Tyre's use of this word reveals a perverse delight in Jerusalem's downfall, demonstrating a profound lack of empathy and a celebratory attitude towards the misfortune of a rival, which is a significant basis for God's impending judgment.
* **gates of the people (Hebrew, _deleth 'am'_):** The term `deleth` (H1817) refers to a "door" or "gate," specifically the valve of a door, while `ʻam` (H5971) denotes "a people" or "nation" as a congregated unit. This phrase collectively describes Jerusalem's former prominence as a vital hub, a "gateway" through which various "peoples" (nations, folk) passed for commerce, pilgrimage, and cultural exchange. Tyre's observation that this significant "gate" is "broken" highlights the city's utter desolation and their opportunistic perception of a commercial vacuum they intend to fill.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Son of man, because that Tyrus hath said against Jerusalem,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the divine speaker (God, communicating through His prophet Ezekiel) and directly identifies the specific cause for the impending prophetic judgment: the precise words and attitudes expressed by the city of Tyre concerning Jerusalem. It underscores God's attentiveness to the utterances and intentions of nations, even those seemingly insignificant in human terms.
* **"Aha, she is broken [that was] the gates of the people:"**: This is Tyre's direct, malicious exclamation. The interjection "Aha!" conveys their triumphant and mocking joy at Jerusalem's destruction. The descriptive phrase "gates of the people" refers to Jerusalem's former status as a significant international hub, a bustling center of commerce, trade, and pilgrimage, a place of access and influence for many. Tyre acknowledges Jerusalem's past glory only to gloat over its current "broken" or shattered state, reveling in its ruin.
* **"she is turned unto me:"**: This clause reveals Tyre's self-serving and opportunistic interpretation of Jerusalem's fall. They presumptuously believe that with Jerusalem's collapse, its former trade routes, commercial influence, and the flow of people and goods would naturally divert towards Tyre, thereby directly benefiting their own economic empire. It signifies a perceived transfer of power and prosperity.
* **"I shall be replenished, [now] she is laid waste:"**: This final clause encapsulates Tyre's ultimate motivation and eager expectation. They anticipate being "replenished" or filled with wealth, resources, and prosperity as a direct consequence of Jerusalem being "laid waste" or desolated. It starkly illustrates Tyre's covetous and self-centered perspective, celebrating another's profound ruin as the direct means to their own material gain and expansion.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 26:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with striking impact. The direct address "Son of man" is a clear example of **Apostrophe**, as God speaks directly to Ezekiel, emphasizing the divine origin and authoritative nature of the prophecy. Tyre's exclamation "Aha!" functions as a powerful **Interjection**, immediately and viscerally revealing its malicious, triumphant, and gloating attitude. The description of Jerusalem as "the gates of the people" is a sophisticated form of **Metonymy**, where a characteristic feature (its gates, symbolizing access, commerce, and influence) stands in for the entire city and its vital function as a regional hub. This phrase also subtly carries a degree of **Personification**, as Jerusalem is implicitly treated as an entity that can be "broken" and whose influence can "turn" to another. Furthermore, there is a profound element of **Irony** in Tyre's declaration; while they anticipate being "replenished" by Jerusalem's ruin, the subsequent prophecy details their own far more devastating and enduring destruction, making their perceived gain a tragic prelude to their own ultimate and complete loss.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 26:2 serves as a stark reminder of God's comprehensive justice and His profound intolerance for malicious joy (schadenfreude) and covetous opportunism. Tyre's "Aha!" is not merely a political or economic statement but a grave moral offense against the divine order. It reveals a heart that prioritizes material gain and self-enrichment above empathy, celebrating the suffering of others. This attitude stands in direct contradiction to the biblical call for compassion, solidarity, and righteous conduct, especially towards those who are afflicted or vulnerable. God, as the sovereign ruler of all nations, observes and judges not only overt actions but also the hidden attitudes and intentions of the heart. Tyre's short-sighted pursuit of economic advantage at Jerusalem's expense ultimately leads to its own cataclysmic downfall, powerfully demonstrating that prosperity gained through unrighteousness is fleeting, illusory, and inevitably subject to divine reckoning.

* [Proverbs 24:17-18](/proverbs/24-17-18 "Proverbs 24:17-18 - Do Not Rejoice When Your Enemy Falls")
* [Obadiah 1:12](/obadiah/1-12 "Obadiah 1:12 - Edom's Malicious Joy Against Jacob")
* [Isaiah 23:1-18](/isaiah/23 "Isaiah 23 - Prophecy Against Tyre")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 26:2 calls us to a profound and searching self-examination regarding our attitudes towards the misfortunes, failures, or setbacks of others. In a world often driven by intense competition, self-interest, and the relentless pursuit of advantage, it is alarmingly easy to fall into the subtle trap of celebrating another's downfall if it seemingly benefits our own position or prospects. This verse serves as a powerful and timeless warning against schadenfreude, covetousness, and the pursuit of gain through unrighteous or unfeeling means. It challenges us to actively cultivate a heart of genuine empathy, prompting us to rejoice with those who rejoice and to weep with those who weep, rather than seeking personal advantage from their pain or loss. Furthermore, it serves as a sobering reminder that God sees all—not just our outward actions and public pronouncements, but also the hidden intentions, desires, and secret thoughts of our hearts. True and lasting prosperity, both individually and nationally, is ultimately rooted in righteousness, justice, and faithfulness to God's ways, not in opportunistic exploitation or the celebration of another's ruin. We are called to trust implicitly in God's sovereign provision and to seek His kingdom and His righteousness first, knowing that His ways lead to genuine flourishing and enduring peace, even amidst life's inevitable adversities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my heart truly respond to the misfortunes or failures of others, particularly those I might perceive as competitors, rivals, or even adversaries?**
* **In what areas of my life—whether personal, professional, or communal—might I be subtly tempted to seek personal gain at the expense of another's loss or suffering?**
* **How does the profound knowledge of God's comprehensive justice and His intimate awareness of our inner attitudes shape my perspective on both global events and my daily personal interactions?**

### FAQ
**Why was Tyre so hostile towards Jerusalem, given their historical trade relations?**

Answer: Tyre's reaction, as depicted in Ezekiel 26:2, was less about deep-seated, long-standing hostility and more about opportunistic economic pragmatism and a callous disregard for human suffering. While Tyre and Jerusalem had indeed enjoyed periods of alliance and mutually beneficial trade (as seen during the reigns of David and Solomon), Tyre's primary identity was that of a powerful, self-sufficient commercial empire. Jerusalem's devastating destruction by Babylon removed a significant regional competitor and opened up lucrative trade routes and markets that Jerusalem had previously dominated. Tyre's "Aha!" was a cynical celebration of this commercial vacuum, a perverse delight in the prospect of absorbing Jerusalem's former influence and wealth, rather than an expression of long-standing animosity. It revealed a heart driven by profit, willing to celebrate the ruin of others if it meant their own enrichment.

**What was the ultimate fate of Tyre as prophesied by Ezekiel?**

Answer: Ezekiel's prophecy against Tyre in [Ezekiel 26-28](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre") is one of the most remarkably detailed and precisely fulfilled prophecies in the Bible. It foretold a multi-stage, comprehensive destruction. Initially, Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon was prophesied to besiege and destroy the mainland city of Tyre, which he did for an arduous 13 years (586-573 BC). However, the prophecy also spoke of Tyre's complete desolation, its stones being cast into the sea, and its eventual state as a bare rock, a place for the spreading of nets. This more complete and enduring destruction was famously fulfilled by Alexander the Great in 332 BC. During his seven-month siege of the island city of Tyre, Alexander built a massive causeway from the mainland to the island, literally using the rubble, timber, and stones of the old mainland city to construct it. This act effectively cast Tyre's "stones" into the sea, allowing him to conquer the formidable island fortress. This unparalleled historical fulfillment underscores the precision, authority, and divine origin of God's prophetic word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 26:2, with Tyre's malicious joy and covetous opportunism at Jerusalem's desolation, stands in profound and stark contrast to the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While Tyre delighted in Jerusalem's ruin for its own material gain, Jesus, the true Son of Man, wept openly over Jerusalem, lamenting its impending destruction and spiritual blindness ([Luke 19:41](/luke/19-41 "Luke 19:41 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")). His heart was filled with divine compassion and sorrow, not schadenfreude or self-interest. Tyre sought to be "replenished" by the downfall of others, but Christ, though infinitely rich in divine glory, for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might be made eternally rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Self-Sacrifice")). His kingdom is not built on economic exploitation, the defeat of rivals, or the accumulation of earthly wealth, but on radical, self-sacrificial love, boundless grace, and perfect righteousness. The concept of Jerusalem as "the gates of the people" finds its ultimate, spiritual fulfillment in Christ, who declares Himself to be the true "gate" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Gate")) through whom all, regardless of nation, social status, or past sin, may enter into salvation, abundant life, and eternal fellowship with God. The judgment against Tyre, a city consumed by pride and greed, foreshadows the ultimate judgment against all who reject God's ways and delight in unrighteousness, highlighting the eternal security and true, incorruptible prosperity found only in the righteous and everlasting kingdom of Christ, whose gates are always open to those who seek Him ([Revelation 21:25](/revelation/21-25 "Revelation 21:25 - Gates of New Jerusalem Always Open")).

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 23:1

¶ The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.

Isaiah 23:18

And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the LORD: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the LORD, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.

Joel 3:4

Yea, and what have ye to do with me, O Tyre, and Zidon, and all the coasts of Palestine? will ye render me a recompence? and if ye recompense me, swiftly [and] speedily will I return your recompence upon your own head;

Jeremiah 25:22

And all the kings of Tyrus, and all the kings of Zidon, and the kings of the isles which [are] beyond the sea,

Ezekiel 36:2

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the enemy hath said against you, Aha, even the ancient high places are ours in possession:

Joshua 19:29

And [then] the coast turneth to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre; and the coast turneth to Hosah; and the outgoings thereof are at the sea from the coast to Achzib:

Psalms 83:2

For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head.