Ezekiel 26:5

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.

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}.

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.

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,

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

Context

The book of Ezekiel contains numerous prophecies delivered to the exiles in Babylon, often concerning God's judgment against Judah and surrounding nations. Ezekiel 26 specifically targets the ancient Phoenician city of Tyre, a powerful maritime trading hub renowned for its immense wealth, extensive commercial networks, and strategic island location on the Mediterranean coast. Tyre's pride and its rejoicing over Jerusalem's fall (Ezekiel 26:2) provoked God's wrath. This verse, Ezekiel 26:5, vividly describes the city's ultimate fate, transforming it from a bustling port into a desolate ruin.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: The phrase "saith the Lord GOD" underscores that Tyre's downfall is not merely a political or military event but a direct and certain decree from the sovereign God. This emphasizes God's ultimate control over all nations and their destinies, demonstrating His righteous judgment against human arrogance and opposition to His purposes.
  • Complete Desolation: The prophecy that Tyre will become "a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea" paints a stark picture of utter desolation. This imagery depicts a complete reversal of its former glory and commercial splendor, transforming it from a powerful, fortified city into a mere fishing spot, a desolate ruin. This contrasts sharply with its former status as a "merchant of the people for many isles" (Ezekiel 27:3).
  • Prophetic Certainty: The declaration "for I have spoken it" emphasizes the absolute certainty and infallibility of God's word. What God declares will undoubtedly come to pass, serving as a powerful reminder of His unchanging purpose and faithfulness to His declarations. The historical fulfillment of this prophecy, particularly with Alexander the Great's siege, attests to its accuracy.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Lord GOD" translates the Hebrew `Adonai Yahweh` (ืึฒื“ึนื ึธื™ ื™ึฐื”ื•ึดื”), emphasizing God's absolute mastery and covenant faithfulness. The declaration "I have spoken it" (Hebrew: `dibbarti`, ื“ึดึผื‘ึทึผืจึฐืชึดึผื™) highlights the divine decree, indicating that this is a direct, unchangeable word from God Himself, not a mere prediction or human speculation. This reinforces the authority behind the devastating prophecy.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 26:5 serves as a profound reminder of God's sovereignty over human empires, wealth, and pride. It warns against placing ultimate trust in material possessions, political power, or human achievements, which are ultimately transient and subject to divine will. The historical fulfillment of this prophecy, attested by the eventual decline and destruction of Tyre, reinforces the reliability of God's Word and His justice. For believers, it encourages humility and reliance on the eternal God rather than fleeting worldly success, reminding us that pride goes before destruction. It also assures us that God's plans, though sometimes involving judgment, are always certain to come to pass.

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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.