Ezekiel 26:20

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 26:20 delivers a stark prophecy of the utter and irreversible destruction of the proud maritime city of Tyre, depicting its downfall as a descent into the "pit" of desolation, akin to the forgotten dead of ancient times. This divine judgment will render Tyre uninhabitable, contrasting sharply with God's enduring purpose to establish His glory in the "land of the living," highlighting His sovereignty over all nations and the ultimate triumph of His righteous will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of prophetic oracles delivered by Ezekiel against various foreign nations (Ezekiel 25-32), with a significant portion dedicated to Tyre (Ezekiel 26-28). The immediate context of [Ezekiel 26](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre") details God's judgment against Tyre for its arrogant rejoicing over Jerusalem's fall, seeing it as an opportunity to profit from Judah's demise (as seen in [Ezekiel 26:2](/ezekiel/26-2 "Ezekiel 26:2 - Tyre's Reaction to Jerusalem's Fall")). The prophecy outlines a multi-stage destruction, first by Nebuchadnezzar (26:7-14) and later by others, leading to its complete desolation. Verse 20 emphasizes the finality and depth of this judgment, likening Tyre's fate to a permanent burial in the underworld, a state of utter non-existence as a vibrant entity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was a formidable Phoenician city, renowned for its maritime trade, immense wealth, and seemingly impregnable island fortifications. Its cultural identity was deeply intertwined with its commercial prowess and self-sufficiency, fostering a spirit of pride and independence that bordered on hubris. The "pit" (Hebrew: _bôwr_) imagery draws upon ancient Near Eastern concepts of the underworld or Sheol, a shadowy realm of the dead where all, regardless of status, eventually descended. To be "brought down with them that descend into the pit" was a profound curse, signifying not just military defeat but a complete loss of identity, power, and memory, a fate worse than mere conquest for a city that prided itself on its enduring glory. The "people of old time" refers to those long forgotten in the depths of the earth, emphasizing the absolute and timeless nature of Tyre's coming oblivion.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes in [Ezekiel's prophecies against Tyre](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre") include **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute authority over all nations, even those seemingly invincible. The verse vividly portrays **Utter Desolation and Humiliation**, where a city once boasting of its splendor is reduced to a forgotten ruin, stripped of its inhabitants and glory. This contrasts sharply with Tyre's self-proclaimed perfection and wisdom, as detailed in [Ezekiel 28:1-19](/ezekiel/28-1 "Ezekiel 28:1-19 - The King of Tyre"). The imagery of "the pit" and "places desolate of old" underscores the theme of **Death and Oblivion**, likening Tyre's fate to the grave, a state of non-existence from which there is no return for a city. Finally, the concluding clause, "and I shall set glory in the land of the living," introduces a powerful contrasting theme of **God's Enduring Glory and Life**, asserting that while earthly powers may fall, God's presence and purpose will persist and be magnified among those who are truly alive in Him, often referring to Israel (as seen in [Psalm 27:13](/psalms/27-13 "Psalm 27:13 - Seeing God's Goodness in the Land of the Living")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **descend (Hebrew, _yârad'_):** From H3381, this primitive root signifies a downward movement, literally to go downwards, or figuratively to fall. In this context, it powerfully conveys the forced, irreversible descent of Tyre into a state of ruin and non-existence, emphasizing the divine agency ("I shall bring thee down") in its downfall. It's not just a fall, but a definitive plunge into oblivion.
* **pit (Hebrew, _bôwr'_):** From H953, this noun refers to a pit-hole, specifically a cistern or a prison. Biblically, it often serves as a metaphor for the grave, Sheol, or a place of deep imprisonment and decay. Here, it denotes the ultimate destination of Tyre's judgment – a dark, forgotten place of death and desolation, far removed from the vibrant "land of the living."
* **glory (Hebrew, _tsᵉbîy'_):** From H6643, this term means splendor or beauty, often referring to something conspicuous or excellent. In contrast to Tyre's lost splendor, God declares His intention to "set glory" elsewhere. This highlights the transfer of true, enduring splendor from a proud, fallen earthly city to God's own domain, emphasizing that genuine glory originates from and belongs to Him alone, not to human achievements.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When I shall bring thee down with them that descend into the pit, with the people of old time,"**: This clause establishes the divine initiative ("I shall bring thee down") in Tyre's destruction. The imagery of being brought down "into the pit" with "the people of old time" powerfully equates Tyre's fate with that of the long-dead and forgotten, signifying a complete and irreversible end to its existence as a vibrant city. It's a descent into the realm of Sheol, the underworld, where ancient, forgotten civilizations reside.
* **"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;"**: This expands on the previous clause, reiterating the depth and permanence of Tyre's desolation. "Low parts of the earth" and "places desolate of old" reinforce the idea of a deep, ancient, and utterly ruined state. The phrase "that thou be not inhabited" explicitly states the outcome: Tyre will cease to be a dwelling place, its former glory and population utterly removed, leaving it a perpetual wasteland.
* **"and I shall set glory in the land of the living;"**: This concluding clause provides a profound theological contrast. While Tyre is consigned to oblivion, God declares His intention to establish or manifest His "glory" in the "land of the living." This signifies that God's power, presence, and splendor will not be diminished by His judgment on the wicked but will instead be displayed and celebrated among those who are truly alive in Him, often referring to His covenant people, Israel, and ultimately, those who live in spiritual vitality.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 26:20 is rich in **Imagery**, painting vivid pictures of descent, pits, and desolate places to convey the depth of Tyre's destruction. The repeated phrase "descend into the pit" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for Sheol or the grave, emphasizing not just physical ruin but a state of non-existence and forgottenness. The contrast between Tyre's fate and God setting "glory in the land of the living" is a striking example of **Antithesis**, highlighting the stark difference between the judgment awaiting the proud and the enduring presence of God's splendor among His people. Furthermore, the description of Tyre being placed "with the people of old time" and "in places desolate of old" employs **Hyperbole** to underscore the absolute and timeless nature of its impending oblivion, suggesting a desolation so profound it rivals the most ancient ruins.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 26:20 serves as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. It underscores the theological truth that no earthly power, wealth, or human ingenuity, no matter how formidable, can ultimately withstand divine judgment when it is rooted in pride and opposition to God's purposes. Tyre's descent into the "pit" is a stark reminder that worldly glory is fleeting and ultimately subject to the will of the Almighty. The contrasting declaration that God will "set glory in the land of the living" affirms His enduring faithfulness to His covenant people and His determination to manifest His presence and splendor among those who are truly alive in Him, even amidst the desolation of the wicked. This highlights a fundamental biblical tension between the transient nature of human kingdoms and the eternal, unshakeable reality of God's kingdom and His life-giving presence.

* [Psalm 30:3](/psalms/30-3 "God Lifts from the Pit")
* [Psalm 27:13](/psalms/27-13 "Goodness of the Lord in the Land of the Living")
* [Isaiah 14:15](/isaiah/14-15 "King of Babylon's Descent to Sheol")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 26:20 offers a sobering reflection on the perils of pride and self-sufficiency, not just for ancient Tyre, but for individuals and nations today. It challenges us to examine where we place our ultimate trust and derive our sense of security and glory. Is it in our wealth, our achievements, our perceived invincibility, or in the enduring power and presence of God? The verse reminds us that all earthly foundations, no matter how strong, are ultimately temporal and subject to divine judgment. For believers, it provides a profound comfort and a call to reorient our priorities: while the world and its systems may face desolation, God's glory endures, and His people are called to live in the "land of the living," a spiritual reality of vitality and purpose found in Him. This calls for humility, repentance from pride, and a steadfast commitment to living in alignment with God's eternal purposes, rather than chasing fleeting worldly accolades.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or my community might pride manifest itself in ways that invite divine judgment?**
* **How does the contrast between Tyre's desolation and God's glory in the "land of the living" challenge my understanding of true security and lasting value?**
* **What does it mean, practically and spiritually, to live in the "land of the living" in a way that honors God's glory?**

### FAQ
**What does "the pit" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 26:20, "the pit" (Hebrew: _bôwr_) is a metaphorical reference to the grave or Sheol, the ancient Israelite concept of the underworld or the realm of the dead. It signifies a place of utter desolation, non-existence, and forgottenness. For Tyre, being brought down to "the pit" means a complete and irreversible end to its glory, its inhabitants, and its vibrant existence as a city. It's a state of permanent ruin, akin to being buried and forgotten among the "people of old time."

**Why was Tyre judged so severely by God?**

Answer: Tyre was judged severely primarily due to its immense pride, its perceived self-sufficiency, and its hostile attitude towards God's people. [Ezekiel 26:2](/ezekiel/26-2 "Tyre's Rejoicing Over Jerusalem's Fall") explicitly states that Tyre rejoiced over Jerusalem's destruction, seeing it as an opportunity to expand its own trade and influence. This hubris and spiritual indifference to God's covenant people, coupled with its reliance on its own wealth and fortifications rather than acknowledging God's sovereignty, provoked divine wrath. The prophecies against Tyre, particularly in [Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Prophecy Against the King of Tyre"), also highlight the "king of Tyre's" blasphemous claim to be a god, further illustrating the depth of its spiritual rebellion.

**What is meant by "the land of the living"?**

Answer: "The land of the living" (Hebrew: _ʼerets hachayim_) is a biblical phrase that contrasts with the realm of the dead ("the pit" or Sheol). It signifies a place of vitality, blessing, and God's active presence. While it can refer to the physical land of Israel where God's covenant people dwell, it also carries a deeper spiritual meaning, representing a state of life, flourishing, and fellowship with God, as opposed to spiritual death or oblivion. In this verse, it emphasizes that even as God brings judgment upon the wicked, His glory will continue to be manifested and celebrated among those who are truly alive in Him, experiencing His favor and blessing (see [Psalm 27:13](/psalms/27-13 "Seeing God's Goodness in the Land of the Living")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 26:20, with its stark contrast between the pit of desolation and the "land of the living" where God's glory is set, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Tyre's descent into oblivion foreshadows the fate of all who trust in worldly power and pride, ultimately facing spiritual death. However, the promise of God setting "glory in the land of the living" points directly to Christ, who is the embodiment of God's glory and the source of true life. Jesus Himself descended into the "pit" of death, experiencing the full weight of sin's consequence, yet He did not remain there. His glorious resurrection from the dead (as proclaimed in [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "God Raised Jesus from the Dead")) demonstrates God's ultimate triumph over death and desolation. Through Christ, believers are brought out of the pit of spiritual death and into the true "land of the living"—a new spiritual reality characterized by eternal life, communion with God, and participation in His glory. As [John 11:25](/john/11-25 "Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life") declares, Jesus is "the resurrection and the life," and those who believe in Him, though they die, yet shall live. His ascension and enthronement at the right hand of God (as described in [Ephesians 1:20-21](/ephesians/1-20 "Christ Seated at God's Right Hand")) signify the ultimate establishment of God's glory not in an earthly land, but in the heavenly realm where Christ reigns, from which He pours out life and glory upon His redeemed people, forming a new, eternal "land of the living" in Him.

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

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.