Ezekiel 26:7

KJV

For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring upon Tyrus Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, a king of kings, from the north, with horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and companies, and much people.

KJV (with Strong's)

For thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Behold, I will bring {H935} upon Tyrus {H6865} Nebuchadrezzar {H5019} king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}, a king {H4428} of kings {H4428}, from the north {H6828}, with horses {H5483}, and with chariots {H7393}, and with horsemen {H6571}, and companies {H6951}, and much {H7227} people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"For here is what Adonai ELOHIM says: 'I will bring upon Tzor, from the north, N'vukhadretzar king of Bavel, king of kings, with horses, chariots, cavalry, and a great and powerful army.

Berean Standard Bible

For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I will bring against Tyre from the north Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, king of kings, with horses and chariots, with cavalry and a great company of troops.

American Standard Version

For thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I will bring upon Tyre Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, king of kings, from the north, with horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and a company, and much people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 26:7 presents a precise and powerful prophetic declaration from the Lord GOD, foretelling the imminent judgment upon the opulent Phoenician city of Tyre. This verse specifically identifies Nebuchadrezzar, the formidable king of Babylon, as the divine instrument of this judgment, detailing the overwhelming military might—including vast numbers of horses, chariots, horsemen, companies, and people—that he would deploy from the north to execute God's decree against the proud and prosperous city.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This prophecy against Tyre is an integral part of a larger series of oracles found in [Ezekiel chapters 25-32](/ezekiel/25 "Ezekiel 25-32 - Oracles Against Foreign Nations"), where the prophet Ezekiel pronounces divine judgment against various nations surrounding Israel. These nations, including Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, and Egypt, are condemned for their pride, idolatry, and often, their malicious rejoicing over Jerusalem's downfall. The specific oracle against Tyre commences in [Ezekiel 26:1](/ezekiel/26-1 "Ezekiel 26:1 - Prophecy Against Tyre") and extends through [chapter 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Prophecy Against the King of Tyre"), detailing its commercial prowess, its arrogance, and its eventual destruction. [Ezekiel 26:2](/ezekiel/26-2 "Ezekiel 26:2 - Tyre's Gloating Over Jerusalem") reveals Tyre's specific sin: gloating over Jerusalem's destruction, perceiving it as an opportunity to expand its own trade and influence. Verse 7 marks the commencement of the detailed description of the instrument and manner of Tyre's prophesied downfall, setting the stage for the subsequent verses that describe the siege and ultimate desolation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Tyre (modern-day Sur, Lebanon) was a powerful and immensely wealthy Phoenician city-state, renowned for its maritime trade, its skilled artisans, and its seemingly impregnable defenses, particularly its island fortress. Strategically situated on the Mediterranean coast, it controlled vast trade networks, accumulating immense riches and fostering a deep sense of self-sufficiency and pride. At the time of this prophecy (early 6th century BCE), the Neo-Babylonian Empire, under King Nebuchadrezzar II, was the dominant power in the Near East, having already conquered Jerusalem and exiled its inhabitants. Tyre's strategic location and formidable defenses had allowed it to resist previous attempts at subjugation. The prophecy in [Ezekiel 26](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre") directly confronts this perceived invincibility, asserting that even such a mighty and proud city would fall to God's chosen instrument, Nebuchadrezzar, whose relentless military campaigns were well-known across the region.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader context of Ezekiel's prophecies, powerfully underscores several key theological themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God is the ultimate orchestrator of history, even using pagan kings like Nebuchadrezzar as instruments of His judgment and to fulfill His purposes, as also seen in [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5-7 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Rod"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **Reliability of Prophecy and Fulfillment**, providing a remarkably specific foretelling of the instrument, origin ("from the north"), and overwhelming military might that would be brought against Tyre, which was historically fulfilled. Thirdly, the prophecy serves as a stark warning against **Pride and Arrogance**, particularly that which arises from material prosperity and perceived invincibility, as Tyre's downfall illustrates that no human power can ultimately withstand God's decree. Finally, the description of Nebuchadrezzar as "a king of kings" underscores the theme of **Overwhelming Force**, signifying his unparalleled earthly authority and military dominance, yet implicitly reminding the reader that even this "king of kings" is ultimately subject to the "Lord GOD." This title is also applied to Nebuchadnezzar in [Daniel 2:37](/daniel/2-37 "Daniel 2:37 - Nebuchadnezzar as King of Kings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord GOD (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih'_):** This compound divine title emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and covenant faithfulness. `ʼĂdônây` (H136) signifies "Master" or "Lord," denoting His authority and ownership, while `Yᵉhôvih` (H3069) is a vocalization of the sacred tetragrammaton YHWH, highlighting His personal, covenantal name and self-existence. The combination underscores that the prophecy is not merely a human prediction but a definitive decree from the sovereign, covenant-keeping God, who is the ultimate source of this pronouncement.
* **Nebuchadrezzar (Hebrew, _Nᵉbûwkadneʼtstsar'_):** The specific naming of this historical figure, the powerful king of Babylon (H5019), is a remarkable feature of this prophecy. His name, meaning "Nebo protect the crown" or "Nebo protect the boundary," identifies him as the divinely appointed instrument for Tyre's destruction. This specificity adds immense weight to the prophetic declaration, demonstrating God's precise control over world leaders and historical events, even those who do not acknowledge Him.
* **king of kings (Hebrew, _melek melek'_):** The repetition of `melek` (H4428), meaning "king," signifies a monarch who holds supreme authority over other tributary kings or states. While an earthly title of great power, its application here to Nebuchadrezzar highlights the extraordinary extent of his dominion and military might, positioning him as the preeminent earthly ruler of his time, yet still subservient to the ultimate "Lord GOD" who uses him as His instrument.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening phrase functions as a divine oracle formula, asserting the absolute authority and origin of the message. It signifies that the following words are not human conjecture but a direct, infallible declaration from the sovereign God, demanding attention and belief from all who hear it.
* **"Behold, I will bring upon Tyrus Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon,":** This clause identifies the specific instrument of God's judgment: Nebuchadrezzar, the reigning monarch of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. The emphatic phrase "I will bring" underscores God's active agency and intentional orchestration of historical events, using even a pagan king as His precise tool to execute His righteous will against the city of Tyre.
* **"a king of kings, from the north,":** This further describes Nebuchadrezzar, emphasizing his unparalleled authority and military dominance over other rulers and nations ("a king of kings"). The geographical direction "from the north" was a common prophetic motif for invading forces in the ancient Near East, often symbolizing a source of divine judgment and destruction, as Babylon indeed lay to the north of Tyre.
* **"with horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and companies, and much people.":** This detailed enumeration paints a vivid picture of the overwhelming military might Nebuchadrezzar would deploy. The mention of various military units—cavalry (H5483, H6571), chariots (H7393), and a vast infantry (H6951, H5971, H7227)—emphasizes the sheer scale and comprehensive nature of the impending invasion, signaling that Tyre would face an irresistible and devastating force.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 26:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message with divine authority and vivid imagery. The predominant device is **Divine Decree**, powerfully signaled by the authoritative opening, "Thus saith the Lord GOD," which establishes the absolute certainty and divine origin of the prophecy, leaving no room for doubt about its fulfillment. The specific naming of Nebuchadrezzar functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, precisely identifying the agent of destruction long before the event, thereby validating the prophet's divine inspiration and the meticulous nature of God's plan. The phrase "a king of kings" serves as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing Nebuchadrezzar's immense power and dominion over tributary states, though the ultimate "King of Kings" is God himself, a contrast that subtly highlights divine supremacy. The detailed listing of military components ("with horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and companies, and much people") utilizes **Accumulation** or **Enumeration** to vividly portray the overwhelming and irresistible force that would be brought against Tyre, creating a palpable sense of inevitability and dread regarding its impending downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 26:7 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and their rulers. It reveals that no earthly power, however mighty or strategically positioned, is beyond the reach of His divine will and judgment. God actively orchestrates geopolitical events, raising up and bringing down empires as He sees fit, using them as instruments to accomplish His righteous purposes. The specific naming of Nebuchadrezzar, a powerful pagan king, as God's agent underscores that even those who do not acknowledge Him are nonetheless subject to His overarching plan and are unwitting participants in the unfolding of His divine narrative. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that history is not merely a series of random events or human machinations, but a grand narrative unfolding under the meticulous hand of the Lord GOD, who holds the ultimate authority as the true "King of Kings" over all earthly dominion.

* [Psalm 136:2](/psalm/136-2 "Psalm 136:2 - God as Lord of Lords")
* [Daniel 2:37](/daniel/2-37 "Daniel 2:37 - Nebuchadnezzar's Kingdom Given by God")
* [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 26:7 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us that our God is actively engaged in the affairs of the world, even amidst the chaos and shifting powers of human history. It calls us to recognize that no earthly empire, no political leader, and no economic system operates outside of His sovereign oversight. This truth should inspire both a healthy fear of God's judgment against pride and injustice, and an unwavering trust in His ultimate control. When we witness global events, whether political upheavals or the rise and fall of nations, this verse encourages us to look beyond the immediate human agents and discern the hand of God at work, fulfilling His eternal purposes. It challenges us to align our lives, our values, and our priorities with His righteous will, knowing that true security is found not in human strength or material wealth, but in humble submission to the Lord GOD, the true King of Kings who directs all things for His glory and the good of His people. It compels us to pray for our leaders, knowing they are ultimately accountable to Him, and to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that all earthly kingdoms are temporary.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the specificity of this prophecy (naming Nebuchadrezzar) strengthen your faith in the reliability of God's Word?**
* **In what ways might we, like ancient Tyre, be tempted to place our trust in perceived invincibility, wealth, or human power rather than in God?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over world leaders and nations (even pagan ones) impact your perspective on current global events?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live in greater humility and dependence on God, rather than relying on your own strength or resources?**

### FAQ
**Why was Tyre judged by God through Nebuchadrezzar?**

Answer: Tyre was judged primarily for its immense pride, its reliance on its wealth and perceived invincibility, and its gloating over the destruction of Jerusalem. As stated in [Ezekiel 26:2](/ezekiel/26-2 "Ezekiel 26:2 - Tyre's Sin Against Jerusalem"), Tyre saw Jerusalem's downfall as an opportunity to expand its own commercial empire, saying, "Aha! The gateway of the peoples is broken; it has swung open to me. I shall be replenished, now that she is laid waste." This self-serving attitude and lack of compassion for God's people, coupled with its general arrogance due to its prosperity, provoked God's righteous judgment. Nebuchadrezzar was simply the chosen instrument for this divine decree, a tool in the hand of the sovereign Lord.

**How specific was this prophecy, and was it fulfilled historically?**

Answer: This prophecy was remarkably specific. [Ezekiel 26:7](/ezekiel/26-7 "Ezekiel 26:7 - Prophecy of Nebuchadrezzar") names the specific king (Nebuchadrezzar), his origin ("from the north"), and the overwhelming military force he would bring. Historical records confirm that Nebuchadrezzar II of Babylon did indeed besiege Tyre for an extended period (traditionally cited as 13 years, from c. 586-573 BCE), as detailed by the Babylonian historian Berossus and later by Josephus. While the island city of Tyre was not completely destroyed by Nebuchadrezzar in the same way the mainland city was, the prolonged siege and subsequent tribute exacted by Babylon significantly diminished Tyre's power and wealth, fulfilling the spirit of the prophecy concerning its downfall and the role of the Babylonian king. Subsequent prophecies in [Ezekiel 26](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre") and [Ezekiel 27](/ezekiel/27 "Ezekiel 27 - Lament Over Tyre") describe a more complete destruction, which was later accomplished by Alexander the Great, indicating a multi-stage fulfillment of God's comprehensive judgment upon Tyre.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 26:7 directly concerns the judgment of Tyre through Nebuchadrezzar, its profound theological undercurrents find ultimate fulfillment and illumination in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "Lord GOD" who sovereignly raises up and casts down earthly kings is ultimately the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has given all authority to His Son. The title "king of kings," applied here to Nebuchadrezzar in an earthly and temporal sense, finds its true and eternal meaning in Jesus Christ, who is explicitly called the "[King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords")" in the New Testament. Unlike Nebuchadrezzar, whose reign was temporal and whose power was derived, Jesus' kingship is eternal, inherent, and absolute. He is the one through whom "[all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")." The judgment against Tyre, rooted in pride and self-sufficiency, foreshadows the ultimate and righteous judgment that will fall upon all who reject the humble reign of Christ and exalt themselves. Conversely, the overwhelming force of Nebuchadrezzar's army points to the unstoppable power of Christ's spiritual kingdom, which will ultimately conquer all opposing forces and establish a reign of righteousness and peace. He is the true "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), but also the "[faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings on earth](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Christ as Ruler of Earthly Kings")," to whom every knee will one day bow ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Will Bow to Jesus")).

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

Nahum 2:3

The shield of his mighty men is made red, the valiant men [are] in scarlet: the chariots [shall be] with flaming torches in the day of his preparation, and the fir trees shall be terribly shaken.

Nahum 2:4

The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall justle one against another in the broad ways: they shall seem like torches, they shall run like the lightnings.

Ezra 7:12

Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect [peace], and at such a time.

Daniel 2:37

Thou, O king, [art] a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.

Ezekiel 23:24

And they shall come against thee with chariots, wagons, and wheels, and with an assembly of people, [which] shall set against thee buckler and shield and helmet round about: and I will set judgment before them, and they shall judge thee according to their judgments.

Jeremiah 52:32

And spake kindly unto him, and set his throne above the throne of the kings that [were] with him in Babylon,

Daniel 2:47

The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth [it is], that your God [is] a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.