Ezekiel 26:5

KJV

It shall be [a place for] the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea: for I have spoken [it], saith the Lord GOD: and it shall become a spoil to the nations.

KJV (with Strong's)

It shall be a place for the spreading {H4894} of nets {H2764} in the midst {H8432} of the sea {H3220}: for I have spoken {H1696} it, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}: and it shall become a spoil {H957} to the nations {H1471}.

Complete Jewish Bible

With the sea all around her, she will be a place for drying fish nets and a plunder for the nations. I have spoken,' says Adonai ELOHIM.

Berean Standard Bible

She will become a place to spread nets in the sea, for I have spoken, declares the Lord GOD. She will become plunder for the nations,

American Standard Version

She shall be a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea; for I have spoken it, saith the Lord Jehovah; and she shall become a spoil to the nations.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 26:5 prophesies the utter desolation of the once-mighty Phoenician city of Tyre, declaring that its strategic island location, formerly a bustling commercial hub, would be reduced to a barren rock suitable only for fishermen to spread their nets. This divine decree, affirmed by the sovereign Lord GOD, underscores the certainty of His judgment and the inevitable downfall of human pride and worldly power, as Tyre's immense wealth and fortifications would ultimately become a spoil for the nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 26:5 is situated within a series of prophecies against foreign nations (Ezekiel 25-32), specifically targeting Tyre in chapters 26-28. This section immediately follows prophecies against Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia (Ezekiel 25). The oracle against Tyre is particularly extensive, reflecting its prominence and the severity of its offense. Chapter 26 details the physical destruction of Tyre, emphasizing its transformation from a glorious maritime power to a desolate ruin. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 26:1-4) establish the reason for Tyre's judgment: its malicious rejoicing over Jerusalem's destruction, seeing it as an opportunity to expand its own commercial dominance. This verse, therefore, serves as a pivotal declaration of the irreversible nature of Tyre's impending doom, setting the stage for the more detailed lament and description of its fall in subsequent verses and chapters, such as the vivid portrayal of its commercial splendor and subsequent collapse in [Ezekiel 27](/ezekiel/27 "Ezekiel 27 - The Lament Over Tyre").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Tyre was a powerful and wealthy Phoenician city-state, renowned for its maritime trade, skilled artisans, and formidable fortifications. It comprised a mainland settlement and a virtually impregnable island city, about half a mile offshore in the Mediterranean Sea. Its strategic location made it a dominant force in international commerce, trading with nations across the known world, as detailed in [Ezekiel 27:12-25](/ezekiel/27-12 "Ezekiel 27:12-25 - Tyre's Extensive Trade Network"). Culturally, Tyre was deeply entrenched in pagan worship, particularly of Melqart, its patron deity. Its immense wealth fostered a spirit of arrogance and self-sufficiency, leading it to believe itself invincible. This pride, coupled with its opportunistic stance against Jerusalem, directly provoked divine judgment. The prophecy in Ezekiel 26:5, foretelling its transformation into a "place for the spreading of nets," dramatically contrasts with its historical reality as a bustling port and a symbol of human achievement and commercial might.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several key themes pervasive throughout Ezekiel and the prophetic literature. Firstly, **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty** are paramount; the phrase "saith the Lord GOD" unequivocally asserts that Tyre's downfall is not a mere geopolitical event but a direct, certain, and divinely orchestrated act of judgment against its pride and wickedness. This highlights God's absolute control over all nations and their destinies, a theme echoed in passages like [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever"). Secondly, **Complete Desolation** is vividly portrayed through the imagery of a "place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea." This metaphor signifies a radical reversal of Tyre's former glory, transforming it from a center of global commerce into a barren, forgotten rock, emphasizing the ephemeral nature of worldly power and wealth. This stark contrast is further elaborated in [Ezekiel 27:32-36](/ezekiel/27-32 "Ezekiel 27:32-36 - Lament Over Tyre's Fall"). Thirdly, **Prophetic Certainty** is underscored by the declaration "for I have spoken it." This phrase emphasizes the infallibility of God's word and the inevitability of His declared purposes, serving as a foundational principle of biblical prophecy, as seen in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - The Efficacy of God's Word"). The historical fulfillment of this prophecy, particularly through the sieges by Nebuchadnezzar and Alexander the Great, stands as a testament to this certainty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **spreading (Hebrew, _mishṭôwach'_):** H4894, derived from a root meaning "to spread out," refers to a "spreading-place." In this context, it vividly depicts a flat, open area specifically used for laying out fishing nets to dry. This imagery is crucial as it contrasts sharply with Tyre's former identity as a densely populated, fortified city, emphasizing its complete reduction to a desolate, utilitarian space for humble activities.
* **nets (Hebrew, _chêrem'_):** H2764, primarily meaning "a net" (either literal or figurative), but also carries the connotation of a "doomed object" or "utter destruction." While the primary sense here is fishing nets, the dual meaning subtly reinforces the idea that Tyre itself, once a powerful entity, is now destined for utter destruction, becoming a place associated with what is "doomed" or "devoted" to destruction.
* **Lord GOD (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih'_):** H136 and H3069. This compound title emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and covenant faithfulness. `ʼĂdônây` (Lord) signifies absolute mastery and authority, while `Yᵉhôvih` (GOD, a variant of YHWH, the covenant name) highlights His personal, unchanging, and self-existent nature. The combination "Lord GOD" underscores that this is not merely a human prediction but an unchallengeable, divinely authored decree from the supreme Ruler of the universe, who is also faithful to His word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It shall be [a place for] the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea":** This clause paints a striking picture of Tyre's future state. The once-proud, bustling island city, a hub of global commerce and a symbol of human ingenuity and wealth, will be reduced to a barren rock. The phrase "in the midst of the sea" specifically refers to the island portion of Tyre, which was its most formidable and renowned part. The image of "spreading of nets" signifies the complete cessation of its former activities—no more ships, no more merchants, no more palaces—only the humble, solitary work of fishermen, drying their nets on its desolate stones.
* **"for I have spoken [it], saith the Lord GOD":** This is the divine warrant for the prophecy's certainty. The declaration "I have spoken it" (Hebrew: `dibbarti`) emphasizes that this is a direct, unchangeable, and authoritative decree from God Himself. It is not a human prediction or a mere possibility, but a settled divine purpose. The accompanying "saith the Lord GOD" reinforces the absolute authority and infallibility of the speaker, linking the prophecy directly to the sovereign and covenant-keeping God, ensuring its inevitable fulfillment.
* **"and it shall become a spoil to the nations":** This final clause describes the practical outcome of God's judgment. Tyre, with all its accumulated wealth, its valuable goods, and its strategic assets, will be plundered and taken as booty by various foreign powers. This refers to the historical sieges and eventual destruction, first by Nebuchadnezzar and later, more completely, by Alexander the Great, who famously used the rubble of the mainland city to build a causeway to the island, fulfilling the prophecy of its being scraped bare like a "bare rock" (Ezekiel 26:4).

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 26:5 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of judgment and desolation. **Symbolism** is central, with the "spreading of nets" serving as a potent symbol of utter ruin and reversal of fortune. What was once a mighty fortress and commercial metropolis will become a mere drying rack for fishermen's tools, symbolizing its complete loss of power, wealth, and identity. The phrase "in the midst of the sea" emphasizes the isolation and vulnerability of the island city, which was once its strength. **Hyperbole** is also present in the dramatic contrast between Tyre's former glory and its prophesied abject state; while Tyre was not literally wiped off the map, its commercial and political significance was utterly destroyed, fulfilling the spirit of the prophecy. Finally, the repeated use of the **Divine Oracle** formula, "for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD," functions as a powerful rhetorical device, emphasizing the absolute certainty, authority, and divine origin of the prophecy, leaving no doubt as to its inevitable fulfillment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 26:5 stands as a profound testament to God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. It illustrates that no human power, however fortified by wealth, military might, or strategic location, can ultimately withstand the divine decree. The prophecy against Tyre serves as a timeless warning against pride and self-sufficiency, demonstrating that God will humble those who exalt themselves and rejoice in the downfall of His people. It underscores the transient nature of worldly empires and the enduring reliability of God's prophetic word, reminding us that His purposes will always prevail, even amidst the rise and fall of human kingdoms.

* [Isaiah 23:1-18](/isaiah/23-1 "Isaiah 23:1-18 - The Oracle Concerning Tyre")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever")
* [Revelation 18:1-24](/revelation/18-1 "Revelation 18:1-24 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 26:5 offers a sobering reflection on the futility of placing ultimate trust in worldly achievements, material wealth, or human strength. The dramatic fall of Tyre, a city that epitomized commercial success and impregnable defense, serves as a powerful reminder that all earthly kingdoms and their glories are ultimately ephemeral, subject to the sovereign will of God. For us today, this verse calls for a profound humility, urging us to examine where our true security and identity lie. Are we building our lives on foundations that are transient and vulnerable, or on the eternal and unchanging character of God? It challenges us to align our hearts and pursuits with God's purposes, rather than succumbing to the arrogance that often accompanies worldly success. Furthermore, the absolute certainty of God's spoken word in this prophecy should instill in believers a deep confidence in His promises and warnings, knowing that what He declares will undoubtedly come to pass. This should lead us to greater reverence for His Word and a steadfast reliance on His unchanging nature.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What aspects of modern society or personal life might mirror Tyre's pride and self-sufficiency?**
* **How does the transient nature of Tyre's wealth and power challenge my own priorities and sources of security?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem chaotic or uncertain?**
* **How does the certainty of God's prophetic word, as demonstrated in Tyre's downfall, strengthen my faith in His promises for the future?**

### FAQ
**How was the prophecy of Ezekiel 26:5 historically fulfilled?**

Answer: The prophecy against Tyre saw a remarkable, multi-stage fulfillment. Initially, the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar besieged mainland Tyre for 13 years (circa 586-573 BC), though he did not conquer the island city. This siege, however, significantly weakened Tyre and led to the plundering of its mainland assets, fulfilling the "spoil to the nations" aspect. The more dramatic and complete fulfillment came nearly 250 years later, in 332 BC, when Alexander the Great besieged the island city. To reach it, Alexander famously used the rubble and debris of the old mainland city to build a massive causeway connecting the mainland to the island. This act literally scraped the mainland city "like the top of a rock" (as prophesied in [Ezekiel 26:4](/ezekiel/26-4 "Ezekiel 26:4 - Tyre Scraped Bare")), and the island city, once conquered, was largely destroyed. From that point on, the island of Tyre never fully regained its former glory as a dominant commercial power, eventually becoming a minor fishing village, thus fulfilling the vivid imagery of it becoming "a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea."

**What is the significance of the phrase "saith the Lord GOD" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "saith the Lord GOD" (Hebrew: `nᵉʼum ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih`) is a crucial prophetic formula that appears frequently in the book of Ezekiel and other prophetic books. Its significance is threefold: Firstly, it establishes the **divine origin** of the message, indicating that the words are not Ezekiel's own thoughts or predictions, but a direct revelation from God. Secondly, it emphasizes the **absolute authority** of the speaker; `ʼĂdônây` (Lord) denotes God's supreme mastery, and `Yᵉhôvih` (GOD, the covenant name YHWH) highlights His self-existence and faithfulness. Together, they underscore that the decree is from the sovereign Ruler of the universe. Thirdly, it conveys **prophetic certainty** and infallibility. When God "speaks," it is not a suggestion or a possibility, but a definite and unchangeable declaration that will assuredly come to pass. In the context of Tyre's destruction, it assures the audience—both Ezekiel's contemporaries and future generations—that this judgment is an unalterable divine purpose, guaranteeing its historical fulfillment. This divine assurance is a recurring theme, as seen in [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 26:5 directly prophesies the judgment of an ancient city, its theological undercurrents find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the broader biblical narrative of God's sovereignty over all creation and His ultimate triumph over all forms of human pride and rebellion. Tyre, with its immense wealth and self-sufficient spirit, symbolizes the worldly systems and kingdoms that set themselves against God. The prophecy of its utter desolation foreshadows the ultimate dismantling of all earthly powers and structures that oppose the reign of God, as revealed in Christ. Just as Tyre's glory was reduced to a place for nets, so too will all human empires and their achievements ultimately fade before the eternal and unshakable Kingdom of God, established through Jesus Christ.

Christ's coming marks the definitive turning point in this cosmic drama. He is the true King, to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). His life, death, and resurrection demonstrate God's ultimate judgment on sin and pride, while simultaneously offering redemption and a new creation. The "spoil to the nations" finds its ultimate reversal in Christ, who, by His sacrifice, disarmed the powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")) and gathers His own people from every nation to inherit an everlasting kingdom ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). The certainty of God's spoken word, "I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD," finds its most glorious fulfillment in Christ, through whom all God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). The final desolation of all that opposes God, and the establishment of His eternal reign, will culminate in Christ's triumphant return, when He will judge the living and the dead and usher in the new heavens and new earth, where righteousness dwells and there will be no more sea, symbolizing the end of chaotic, rebellious forces ([Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, Tyre's judgment serves as a microcosm of the ultimate divine judgment that prepares the way for the universal reign of Christ.

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

Ezekiel 29:19

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall take her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey; and it shall be the wages for his army.

Ezekiel 47:10

And it shall come to pass, [that] the fishers shall stand upon it from Engedi even unto Eneglaim; they shall be a [place] to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.

Ezekiel 26:19

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;

Ezekiel 25:7

Behold, therefore I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and will deliver thee for a spoil to the heathen; and I will cut thee off from the people, and I will cause thee to perish out of the countries: I will destroy thee; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD.

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 26:14

And I will make thee like the top of a rock: thou shalt be [a place] to spread nets upon; thou shalt be built no more: for I the LORD have spoken [it], saith the Lord GOD.