Ezekiel 26:6

KJV

And her daughters which [are] in the field shall be slain by the sword; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And her daughters {H1323} which are in the field {H7704} shall be slain {H2026} by the sword {H2719}; and they shall know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'Her daughters on the mainland will be put to death with the sword; then they will know that I am ADONAI.'

Berean Standard Bible

and the villages on her mainland will be slain by the sword. Then they will know that I am the LORD.’

American Standard Version

And her daughters that are in the field shall be slain with the sword: and they shall know that I am Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 26:6 pronounces a severe judgment against the mainland dependencies of the proud Phoenician city of Tyre, foretelling their violent destruction by the sword. This specific prophecy underscores the comprehensive nature of God's impending wrath, which would extend beyond the fortified island city to its vulnerable satellite towns. The ultimate purpose of this devastating judgment, as with all of God's decisive actions, is to compel both the inhabitants of Tyre and the surrounding nations to experientially recognize the supreme sovereignty and unique identity of the God of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 26:6 is embedded within a series of prophetic oracles against foreign nations found in [Ezekiel 25-32](/ezekiel/25 "Ezekiel 25-32 - Oracles Against Foreign Nations"). Specifically, chapters [Ezekiel 26-28](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26-28 - Prophecies Against Tyre") are dedicated to Tyre, a powerful maritime city. The immediate preceding verses ([Ezekiel 26:1-5](/ezekiel/26-1 "Ezekiel 26:1-5 - Tyre's Pride and God's Judgment")) establish the reason for God's judgment: Tyre's gloating over the fall of Jerusalem, viewing it as an opportunity to increase its own wealth and influence. This verse, therefore, describes the initial phase of Tyre's downfall, targeting its vulnerable mainland assets before the eventual siege of the island stronghold. It sets the stage for the more dramatic and detailed prophecies of Tyre's complete desolation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Tyre was a formidable Phoenician city, renowned for its immense wealth, naval prowess, and extensive trade networks that spanned the Mediterranean. It consisted of a mainland settlement (Old Tyre) and a heavily fortified island city, which was considered impregnable. The "daughters which are in the field" refer to the smaller towns, villages, and agricultural settlements on the mainland that were economically and politically dependent on the main city of Tyre. These outlying areas served as vital supply lines, agricultural providers, and initial defensive buffers for the island metropolis. The prophecy against Tyre was likely delivered around 586 BC, shortly after the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon. Historically, the Babylonian king [Nebuchadnezzar II](/jeremiah/27-6 "Jeremiah 27:6 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant") initiated a lengthy siege against Tyre (lasting 13 years, from 586-573 BC), during which he would have first targeted and destroyed these mainland dependencies, fulfilling the prophecy of their being "slain by the sword."
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, demonstrating that God's justice extends to all nations, particularly those who exhibit pride and hostility towards His people ([Ezekiel 26:2](/ezekiel/26-2 "Ezekiel 26:2 - Tyre's Reaction to Jerusalem's Fall")). Secondly, it emphasizes the **Comprehensive Scope of Judgment**, illustrating that no part of a defiant entity, no matter how seemingly insignificant or peripheral, is beyond God's reach. The destruction of the "daughters" signifies a total dismantling of Tyre's power base. Thirdly, and most significantly, the concluding phrase, "and they shall know that I am the LORD," is a recurring **Sovereignty Motif** throughout Ezekiel, appearing over 70 times. It underscores that the ultimate purpose of God's actions, whether in judgment or restoration, is to reveal His unique, supreme authority and identity to all peoples, forcing an experiential recognition of His divine power and faithfulness ([Ezekiel 37:13-14](/ezekiel/37-13 "Ezekiel 37:13-14 - Knowing the Lord in Resurrection")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **daughters (Hebrew, _bath'_):** This term, while literally meaning "female offspring," is used here in a figurative and idiomatic sense to denote dependent towns, villages, or settlements associated with a larger, mother city. In this context, "her daughters" refers to the smaller, less fortified communities on the mainland that were under the control and protection of the main island city of Tyre. This usage emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the impending judgment, which would not spare even the peripheral extensions of Tyre's power and influence.
* **slain (Hebrew, _hârag'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to smite with deadly intent," this verb signifies a violent and decisive act of killing or destruction. It conveys the brutal and final nature of the judgment to be inflicted upon Tyre's mainland dependencies. It is not merely a defeat or subjugation, but an utter annihilation, highlighting the severity of God's wrath against Tyre's arrogance and opposition.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This Hebrew verb is rich in meaning, extending beyond mere intellectual understanding to encompass a deep, experiential, and relational recognition. In the context of "they shall know that I am the LORD," it implies a forced acknowledgment of God's true identity, power, and sovereignty, brought about through His decisive actions in history. Through the unfolding of judgment, God reveals Himself in such a way that His unique authority cannot be denied, even by those who previously ignored or defied Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And her daughters which [are] in the field":** This clause identifies the specific targets of the judgment. "Her daughters" refers to the satellite towns and villages on the mainland that were subject to Tyre. "In the field" emphasizes their exposed, vulnerable location outside the main fortified city, making them easy prey for invading armies. This highlights the initial phase of the judgment, targeting Tyre's external assets before the main stronghold.
* **"shall be slain by the sword":** This phrase describes the method and severity of the judgment. "Slain by the sword" indicates a violent, military conquest leading to widespread death and destruction. It underscores the divine decree for utter devastation, leaving no doubt about the comprehensive and brutal nature of the impending attack.
* **"and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.":** This concluding declaration reveals the ultimate theological purpose behind the judgment. The destruction is not arbitrary but serves as a profound revelation of God's identity. "They" refers to the inhabitants of Tyre and potentially the surrounding nations who witness the event. "Know" implies an experiential, undeniable recognition of Yahweh (the LORD) as the sovereign, covenant-keeping God, whose word is fulfilled and whose authority is absolute.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 26:6 employs several impactful literary devices. **Personification** is evident in the phrase "her daughters," where the dependent towns and villages are given human familial characteristics, linking them intimately to the "mother city" of Tyre. This device effectively conveys the organic connection between the main city and its surrounding territories, making their destruction feel like a severing of vital ties. **Metonymy** is present in "by the sword," where the instrument of war stands for the entire act of violent conquest and slaughter. The sword symbolizes the destructive power of the invading army, acting as God's agent. Furthermore, the concluding phrase, "and they shall know that I am the LORD," functions as a powerful **Leitmotif** throughout the book of Ezekiel. Its **Repetition** across various prophecies of judgment and restoration underscores the central theological purpose of God's actions: to reveal His unique, sovereign identity to all peoples, whether through His wrath or His redemptive power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 26:6 profoundly illustrates God's unyielding justice and His ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers. The judgment against Tyre, a symbol of human pride, self-sufficiency, and commercial arrogance, serves as a stark reminder that no nation, however wealthy or powerful, is beyond the reach of divine accountability. God's actions are purposeful, designed not merely for punishment but for revelation—to demonstrate His unique identity as Yahweh, the self-existent and eternal God, whose word is trustworthy and whose will prevails. This revelation is often brought about through the shattering of human illusions of invincibility, compelling even those who defy Him to acknowledge His supreme authority. The destruction of Tyre's "daughters" signifies the comprehensive nature of this divine reckoning, indicating that God's judgment penetrates every aspect of a rebellious entity.

* [Isaiah 23:1-18](/isaiah/23 "Isaiah 23 - Prophecy Against Tyre")
* [Jeremiah 25:15-29](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15-29 - The Cup of God's Wrath for All Nations")
* [Psalm 9:16](/psalms/9-16 "Psalm 9:16 - The Lord is Known by His Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 26:6 offers timeless truths for reflection and application in our contemporary world. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's sovereignty extends over all nations and human endeavors, regardless of their perceived strength or economic prowess. In a world often driven by materialism, national pride, and self-reliance, this verse calls us to humility, recognizing that true security and prosperity are found not in earthly fortifications or vast wealth, but in alignment with God's will. The recurring motif, "they shall know that I am the LORD," challenges us to consider what it truly means to "know" God—is it merely intellectual assent, or a profound, experiential recognition that shapes our lives and priorities? This passage urges us to examine areas in our lives, communities, or nations where pride, self-sufficiency, or injustice might be leading us away from God's purposes, reminding us that there are real consequences for defying His moral order. Ultimately, it invites us to trust in God's ultimate justice and to seek a deeper, transformative knowledge of His character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might modern societies or individuals exhibit the kind of pride and self-sufficiency that characterized ancient Tyre?**
* **What does it mean for us today to "know that I am the LORD," not just intellectually, but experientially, in both times of blessing and challenge?**
* **How does the comprehensive nature of God's judgment against Tyre's "daughters" inform our understanding of divine justice in the world?**

### FAQ

**Who are "her daughters which are in the field" mentioned in Ezekiel 26:6?**

Answer: "Her daughters which are in the field" refer to the smaller, dependent towns, villages, and agricultural settlements located on the mainland, outside the heavily fortified island city of Tyre. These mainland territories served as vital sources of food, resources, and manpower for the main city, and also acted as a buffer zone. Their destruction by the invading army would have been a significant blow to Tyre's overall strength and economy, preceding the direct assault on the island stronghold itself. This phrase highlights the comprehensive scope of God's judgment against Tyre, extending to all its dependencies.

**What is the significance of the phrase "and they shall know that I am the LORD" in this verse and throughout the book of Ezekiel?**

Answer: This phrase is a central theological motif in the book of Ezekiel, appearing over 70 times. It signifies that the ultimate purpose of God's actions, whether in judgment or restoration, is to reveal His unique, supreme identity and authority. "To know" (Hebrew: _yâdaʻ_) here implies more than intellectual understanding; it means to experientially recognize, acknowledge, and be forced to confront the reality of Yahweh as the one true, sovereign God. In the context of judgment against Tyre, it means that through the devastating fulfillment of prophecy, both Tyre and the surrounding nations would be compelled to acknowledge God's power and faithfulness, even if they had previously ignored or defied Him. It underscores that God's glory and name are the ultimate ends of all His dealings with humanity ([Ezekiel 37:13](/ezekiel/37-13 "Ezekiel 37:13 - Knowing the Lord in Resurrection")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 26:6 speaks of God's judgment against a pagan nation, its underlying principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The revelation of God's identity and sovereignty, which was partially achieved through the judgment of Tyre, is fully and perfectly realized in Jesus Christ. The "knowing" of the Lord, which in Ezekiel's context came through destructive acts, is now offered through redemptive grace in Christ. Jesus Himself declared, "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent" ([John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God and Jesus")). He is the ultimate revelation of the invisible God, the exact imprint of His nature, through whom God speaks and acts ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Speaks Through His Son"); [Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ is the Image of the Invisible God")). Furthermore, the judgment that fell upon Tyre's "daughters" foreshadows the ultimate judgment against sin and rebellion, which Christ bore on the cross, becoming sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2-corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, the terrifying "knowing" of God through judgment is transformed into a saving "knowing" of God through Christ's atoning sacrifice, inviting all to acknowledge Him not through fear of destruction, but through faith and love.

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 26:8

He shall slay with the sword thy daughters in the field: and he shall make a fort against thee, and cast a mount against thee, and lift up the buckler against thee.

Ezekiel 16:46

And thine elder sister [is] Samaria, she and her daughters that dwell at thy left hand: and thy younger sister, that dwelleth at thy right hand, [is] Sodom and her daughters.

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.

Jeremiah 49:2

Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will cause an alarm of war to be heard in Rabbah of the Ammonites; and it shall be a desolate heap, and her daughters shall be burned with fire: then shall Israel be heir unto them that were his heirs, saith the LORD.

Ezekiel 16:48

[As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters.

Ezekiel 25:14

And I will lay my vengeance upon Edom by the hand of my people Israel: and they shall do in Edom according to mine anger and according to my fury; and they shall know my vengeance, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 25:5

And I will make Rabbah a stable for camels, and the Ammonites a couchingplace for flocks: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.