Ezekiel 26:20

When I shall bring thee down with them that descend into the pit, with the people of old time, and shall set thee in the low parts of the earth, in places desolate of old, with them that go down to the pit, that thou be not inhabited; and I shall set glory in the land of the living;

When I shall bring thee down {H3381} with them that descend {H3381} into the pit {H953}, with the people {H5971} of old time {H5769}, and shall set {H3427} thee in the low parts {H8482} of the earth {H776}, in places desolate {H2723} of old {H5769}, with them that go down {H3381} to the pit {H953}, that thou be not inhabited {H3427}; and I shall set {H5414} glory {H6643} in the land {H776} of the living {H2416};

then I will bring you down with those who descend to the pit, to the people of long ago, and make you live in underworld places like those who were ruined long ago, with those who descend to the pit, so that you will be uninhabited when I give glory to the land of the living.

then I will bring you down with those who descend to the Pit, to the people of antiquity. I will make you dwell in the earth below like the ancient ruins, with those who descend to the Pit, so that you will no longer be inhabited or set in splendor in the land of the living.

then will I bring thee down with them that descend into the pit, to the people of old time, and will make thee to dwell in the nether parts of the earth, in the places that are desolate of old, with them that go down to the pit, that thou be not inhabited; and I will set glory in the land of the living.

Ezekiel 26:20 (KJV) is a powerful prophetic declaration concerning the utter destruction and desolation of the ancient city of Tyre.

Context

This verse is part of a series of prophecies delivered by the prophet Ezekiel against various foreign nations that had opposed Israel or boasted against God. Chapters 26-28 specifically target Tyre, a wealthy and powerful Phoenician maritime city known for its extensive trade and formidable fortifications. Tyre's immense pride and its perceived self-sufficiency, coupled with its rejoicing over the destruction of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 26:2), drew the Lord's severe judgment. This particular verse emphasizes the depth of Tyre's impending downfall, equating it to being cast into the realm of the dead.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Desolation: The repeated phrase "descend into the pit" and "low parts of the earth, in places desolate of old" vividly portrays a complete and irreversible destruction. It speaks to the city being rendered uninhabitable, much like ancient ruins or graves, signifying a permanent end to its former glory.
  • The Pit/Sheol: The imagery of "the pit" (Hebrew: bor) is a common biblical metaphor for the grave or the underworld (Sheol). It implies a state of non-existence or utter powerlessness, likening Tyre's fate to those long dead and forgotten. This is not merely defeat but erasure from the "land of the living" as a vibrant entity. The concept of being brought up from the pit is often associated with divine deliverance, as seen in Psalm 30:3.
  • God's Glory in the Land of the Living: The contrasting clause, "and I shall set glory in the land of the living," is highly significant. While Tyre is consigned to desolation, God's glory will be manifested elsewhere, particularly among His people and in His covenant land. This highlights God's sovereign control and His enduring presence with those who are truly alive in Him, even amidst judgment on the wicked. This concept resonates with Psalm 27:13, which speaks of seeing the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "pit" (bor) in this context is often translated as a cistern, dungeon, or grave. It signifies a deep, dark place associated with death and decay, contrasting sharply with the vibrant "land of the living" (eretz hachayim). The phrase "people of old time" (am olam) suggests ancient, forgotten inhabitants of the underworld, emphasizing the finality and historical depth of Tyre's demise.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 26:20 serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of pride and rebellion against God. It underscores that no earthly power, wealth, or fortification can ultimately stand against divine judgment. For believers, it also offers a comforting contrast: while the world and its proud systems may face desolation, God's glory remains, and His people are destined for life in His presence, truly in the "land of the living." It calls us to examine where we place our trust and to align ourselves with God's eternal purposes rather than fleeting worldly glories.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 27:13

    [I had fainted], unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

  • Ezekiel 28:25

    Thus saith the Lord GOD; When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered, and shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen, then shall they dwell in their land that I have given to my servant Jacob.

  • Ezekiel 28:26

    And they shall dwell safely therein, and shall build houses, and plant vineyards; yea, they shall dwell with confidence, when I have executed judgments upon all those that despise them round about them; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD their God.

  • Zechariah 2:8

    For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

  • Luke 10:15

    And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.

  • Ezekiel 39:25

    Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel, and will be jealous for my holy name;

  • Ezekiel 39:29

    Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.

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