Ezekiel 26:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Behold, I am against thee, O Tyrus {H6865}, and will cause many {H7227} nations {H1471} to come up {H5927} against thee, as the sea {H3220} causeth his waves {H1530} to come up {H5927}.

Complete Jewish Bible

therefore, Adonai ELOHIM says, 'Look, Tzor! I am against you. Just as the sea churns up its waves, I will churn up many nations against you.

Berean Standard Bible

therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, O Tyre, I am against you, and I will raise up many nations against you, as the sea brings up its waves.

American Standard Version

therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Behold, I am against thee, O Tyre, and will cause many nations to come up against thee, as the sea causeth its waves to come up.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 26:3 delivers a forceful divine declaration of judgment against the ancient Phoenician city of Tyre. Through the authoritative voice of the Lord GOD, this verse announces a relentless and overwhelming assault by "many nations" against Tyre, vividly likening the successive waves of attackers to the unstoppable surge of the sea. It sets the stage for a detailed prophecy detailing the complete and utter destruction of this proud, wealthy, and seemingly impregnable maritime power as a direct consequence of its arrogance and opportunistic stance against God's people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 26:3 is the pivotal declaration within a broader prophetic oracle spanning chapters 26-28, specifically targeting the city of Tyre. This section immediately follows a series of prophecies against other surrounding nations (Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia in [Ezekiel 25](/ezekiel/25 "Ezekiel 25 - Prophecies Against Neighboring Nations")), establishing a pattern of divine judgment against those who oppose God's purposes or rejoice in the downfall of His people, Israel. Verse 2 of this chapter explicitly states Tyre's opportunistic reaction to Jerusalem's destruction: "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." This verse, therefore, directly responds to Tyre's hubris and perceived commercial advantage gained from Jerusalem's calamity, initiating the detailed pronouncements of its downfall.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was a prominent Phoenician city-state, renowned for its immense wealth, extensive maritime trade networks, and formidable fortifications. Geographically, it was strategically located on the Mediterranean coast, with a significant portion of the city built on an island, separated from the mainland by a narrow strait, which contributed to its reputation as an impregnable fortress. Its prosperity was built on its skilled sailors, merchants, and artisans, making it a hub of international commerce. Culturally, Tyre was deeply rooted in Baal worship and was characterized by a spirit of self-sufficiency and pride in its material achievements. The historical backdrop for this prophecy includes the recent fall of Jerusalem to Babylon (586 BC), an event that Tyre viewed not with sympathy, but with cynical opportunism, believing it would divert trade routes and increase its own prosperity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several major themes prevalent throughout the prophecies against Tyre and the broader book of Ezekiel. First is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, underscored by the authoritative declaration, "Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Tyrus." This emphasizes God's absolute control over nations and His active intervention in human history to execute justice, a truth reiterated in passages like [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - The Most High Rules in the Kingdom of Men"). Second, the vivid simile of "many nations" coming up "as the sea causeth his waves to come up" highlights the theme of **Relentless and Overwhelming Opposition**. It portrays God's judgment not as a singular event, but as an unstoppable, successive onslaught that will utterly consume Tyre. Finally, while not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader context of [Ezekiel 26-28](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre") reveals the underlying theme of the **Consequences of Pride and Arrogance**. Tyre's judgment is a direct result of its self-exaltation, its trust in its own wealth and power, and its disdain for God's covenant people, serving as a timeless warning against the dangers of human hubris, as seen in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord GOD (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih'_):** This combination, "Adonai YHWH," emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and covenant faithfulness. **ʼĂdônây** (H136) signifies mastership and authority, used as a proper name of God only, meaning "my Lord." **Yᵉhôvih** (H3069), rendered "GOD" here, is a variation of YHWH, the ineffable covenant name, signifying His self-existent, unchanging nature. The declaration "Thus saith the Lord GOD" therefore carries the weight of ultimate, unquestionable authority and divine decree from the sovereign, covenant-keeping God.
* **nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** (H1471) This term refers to foreign peoples or Gentiles, often used in contrast to Israel. It can also figuratively denote a troop of animals or a flight of locusts, emphasizing a massing or multitude. The plural "many nations" underscores the vast and diverse array of forces God will mobilize against Tyre, not just one singular power, reflecting the multi-ethnic armies that would eventually besiege it.
* **waves (Hebrew, _gal'_):** (H1530) Derived from the root "gālal" meaning "to roll," this word describes something rolled, specifically the rolling, surging motion of the sea's billows. In the simile, it vividly conveys the relentless, successive, and overwhelming nature of the attacks against Tyre, like an unending series of powerful waves crashing upon a shore, eroding and eventually engulfing everything in their path.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, O Tyrus":** This opening clause establishes the divine origin and absolute certainty of the prophecy. The phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" is a standard prophetic formula, asserting that the following words are not human conjecture but a direct revelation from the sovereign, covenant-keeping God. The declaration "Behold, I am against thee, O Tyrus" is a stark and personal statement of divine opposition, signifying that God Himself has taken up arms, as it were, against the city, making its destruction inevitable. This highlights God's active involvement in human affairs and His righteous indignation against those who oppose His will and people.
* **"and will cause many nations to come up against thee":** This clause reveals the instruments of God's judgment. God will not directly intervene with a supernatural act, but will orchestrate human events, raising up "many nations" to execute His will. This implies a multi-faceted and prolonged assault, rather than a single, decisive blow, foreshadowing the historical reality of Tyre's eventual downfall by successive powers. It demonstrates God's sovereignty over the nations, using them as His agents of judgment.
* **"as the sea causeth his waves to come up":** This powerful simile illustrates the nature of the impending attack. Just as the sea relentlessly sends forth one wave after another, each building upon the last, so too will the nations come against Tyre. This imagery conveys an unstoppable, continuous, and overwhelming force that will batter and eventually submerge the city, eroding its defenses and leaving it utterly desolate. It speaks to the inevitability and totality of the destruction, emphasizing that Tyre's formidable defenses will be no match for God's orchestrated judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device in Ezekiel 26:3 is a striking **Simile**, where the attack of "many nations" against Tyre is directly compared to the relentless and overwhelming power of the sea's "waves." This comparison, introduced by "as," vividly communicates the irresistible, successive, and destructive nature of the impending judgment, evoking a sense of an unstoppable force. The use of **Anthropomorphism** is also subtly present in the phrase "I am against thee," attributing human-like opposition and direct involvement to God, emphasizing His active and personal engagement in the judgment against Tyre. Furthermore, the declaration "Thus saith the Lord GOD" functions as a **Prophetic Formula**, lending an authoritative and unchallengeable tone to the entire pronouncement, underscoring the divine origin and certainty of the prophecy. The cumulative effect of "many nations" and the "waves" imagery also creates a sense of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the sheer scale and inevitability of Tyre's destruction beyond ordinary human capacity, ensuring the audience grasps the totality of the impending doom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 26:3 profoundly underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to divine justice. It reveals that no earthly power, however mighty, wealthy, or fortified, stands outside the purview of God's judgment. Tyre's pride, self-sufficiency, and especially its opportunistic rejoicing over the fall of Jerusalem, God's chosen city, directly provoked this severe divine decree. The prophecy demonstrates that God actively orchestrates the rise and fall of empires, using even pagan nations as instruments of His righteous judgment. This serves as a timeless warning against national and individual arrogance, reminding humanity that true security lies not in material prosperity or military might, but in humble submission to the Lord GOD.

* [Isaiah 23:1](/isaiah/23-1 "Isaiah 23 - Prophecy Against Tyre")
* [Jeremiah 50:31](/jeremiah/50-31 "Jeremiah 50:31 - Judgment on Babylon's Pride")
* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules Over Kingdoms")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 26:3 holds profound lessons for contemporary believers and societies. It challenges us to examine where our ultimate trust lies: in material wealth, national strength, or the sovereign God. The downfall of Tyre, a city confident in its impregnable defenses and vast riches, serves as a stark warning against the insidious nature of pride and self-sufficiency. When we, like Tyre, become so enamored with our own achievements or so focused on opportunistic gain that we disregard justice, compassion, or God's purposes, we invite divine opposition. This verse calls us to cultivate humility, recognizing that all our blessings and security ultimately flow from God's hand. Furthermore, in a world often characterized by political upheaval and societal instability, Ezekiel 26:3 offers a powerful reminder that God remains in control, orchestrating the affairs of nations according to His eternal plan. This truth can bring immense comfort, knowing that even in chaos, our God reigns supreme, and His justice will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life, or in our society, might we be exhibiting "Tyre-like" pride or self-sufficiency, trusting in wealth or power more than in God?**
* **How does the imagery of God raising up "many nations" like "waves" challenge or comfort my understanding of God's activity in world events today?**
* **What specific actions can I take to cultivate greater humility and reliance on God in my daily life, rather than on worldly securities?**

### FAQ
**Why was God "against" Tyre, and what was their specific offense?**

Answer: God was "against" Tyre primarily because of its immense pride, self-sufficiency, and its opportunistic and malicious reaction to the destruction of Jerusalem. As stated in [Ezekiel 26:2](/ezekiel/26-2 "Ezekiel 26:2 - Tyre's Reaction to Jerusalem's Fall"), Tyre rejoiced at Jerusalem's downfall, seeing it as a commercial opportunity to expand its own trade and influence, rather than showing sorrow or solidarity with God's people. This arrogant exploitation of Judah's tragedy, combined with their general hubris in their wealth and perceived invincibility, provoked God's righteous judgment.

**How was this prophecy of "many nations" and "waves" fulfilled historically?**

Answer: This prophecy saw a remarkable, two-stage historical fulfillment. The first stage was the thirteen-year siege of mainland Tyre by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, around 586-573 BC, as mentioned in [Ezekiel 29:18](/ezekiel/29-18 "Ezekiel 29:18 - Nebuchadnezzar's Siege of Tyre"). While Nebuchadnezzar devastated the mainland city, the island fortress remained largely intact. The complete and dramatic fulfillment came nearly 250 years later, in 332 BC, with Alexander the Great. Alexander famously used the rubble and debris of the old mainland city to build a massive causeway (a mole) connecting the mainland to the island fortress. He then conquered the island, utterly destroying it, slaughtering many inhabitants, and selling others into slavery. This act perfectly matched the imagery of "many nations" (represented by Alexander's diverse, multi-ethnic army) coming against Tyre like relentless, successive "waves," leaving it a desolate place, as further detailed in [Ezekiel 26:12](/ezekiel/26-12 "Ezekiel 26:12 - Prophecy of Tyre's Utter Destruction").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 26:3 is a prophecy of judgment against an ancient city, it finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate authority and sovereignty of Jesus Christ over all earthly powers and His role as the final judge. The declaration "Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee" foreshadows the divine authority fully vested in Christ, who declared, "[All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")." Just as God raised up "many nations" like "waves" against proud Tyre, so too will Christ, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), ultimately triumph over all rebellious kingdoms and systems that oppose God's reign. The relentless judgment depicted against Tyre points to the certain and inescapable judgment that will be executed by Christ upon all who reject His rule and trust in their own fleeting power or wealth. The imagery of overwhelming forces also anticipates the final victory of Christ's kingdom, which will [crush and put an end to all other kingdoms](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Kingdom Will Never Be Destroyed"), establishing an eternal reign of righteousness and peace. Ultimately, the fall of Tyre serves as a microcosm of the grand biblical narrative, where every earthly power that exalts itself against God will ultimately bow before the sovereign rule of the King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus Christ, who will return to [execute judgment and make war in righteousness](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - Christ's Triumphant Return").

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

Jeremiah 51:42

The sea is come up upon Babylon: she is covered with the multitude of the waves thereof.

Isaiah 5:30

And in that day they shall roar against them like the roaring of the sea: and if [one] look unto the land, behold darkness [and] sorrow, and the light is darkened in the heavens thereof.

Ezekiel 27:32

And in their wailing they shall take up a lamentation for thee, and lament over thee, [saying], What [city is] like Tyrus, like the destroyed in the midst of the sea?

Ezekiel 27:34

In the time [when] thou shalt be broken by the seas in the depths of the waters thy merchandise and all thy company in the midst of thee shall fall.

Micah 4:11

Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion.

Ezekiel 27:26

¶ Thy rowers have brought thee into great waters: the east wind hath broken thee in the midst of the seas.

Ezekiel 28:22

And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, O Zidon; and I will be glorified in the midst of thee: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I shall have executed judgments in her, and shall be sanctified in her.