Ezekiel 27:2

Now, thou son of man, take up a lamentation for Tyrus;

Now, thou son {H1121} of man {H120}, take up {H5375} a lamentation {H7015} for Tyrus {H6865};

"You, human being, raise this lament for Tzor;

“Now you, son of man, take up a lament for Tyre.

And thou, son of man, take up a lamentation over Tyre;

Ezekiel 27:2 introduces a powerful prophetic lament concerning the ancient city of Tyre. The prophet Ezekiel is commanded by God to compose and deliver a funeral song, a dirge, for this prominent maritime power.

Context

The book of Ezekiel primarily recounts the prophecies given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile in the 6th century BCE. God frequently addresses Ezekiel as "son of man," emphasizing his human nature as a vessel for divine revelation. Chapters 26-28 are dedicated to a series of oracles against Tyre, a wealthy and influential Phoenician city-state located on the Mediterranean coast. Tyre was renowned for its vast trade networks, naval power, and impressive fortifications, leading to its reputation for invincibility and a deep sense of pride. This specific verse marks the beginning of a detailed poetic description of Tyre's former glory and its impending catastrophic downfall, serving as a stark warning to other nations.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: This verse, and the chapters that follow, powerfully demonstrate God's ultimate authority over all earthly kingdoms, regardless of their wealth or military might. Even the most formidable human achievements are subject to divine judgment.
  • Pride and Fall: The command to "take up a lamentation" foreshadows Tyre's destruction, which is presented as a direct consequence of its immense pride and self-sufficiency, themes echoed throughout the Bible regarding the dangers of arrogance.
  • Prophetic Obedience: Ezekiel's role as "son of man" highlights his humble yet crucial task of delivering God's challenging message, even when it involves pronouncing judgment on a powerful entity. This reflects the broader theme of the prophet's calling.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "son of man" (Hebrew: ben 'adam) is a recurring address to Ezekiel throughout his prophecy (used over 90 times). It emphasizes his humanity and mortality in contrast to the divine Speaker, underscoring that the message is from God, delivered through a mortal instrument.

The term "lamentation" (Hebrew: qinah) refers to a dirge or funeral song. It's a poetic form typically employed for mourning the dead or lamenting a great tragedy. Its use here immediately signals that the following prophecy will detail the demise and destruction of Tyre, treating it as if it were already dead.

Practical Application

Ezekiel's lament for Tyre serves as a timeless reminder that true security and lasting prosperity do not lie in material wealth, military might, or human ingenuity, but in acknowledging and submitting to God's sovereignty. For individuals and nations alike, this passage warns against the perils of pride and self-reliance, urging humility and a recognition that all earthly power is temporary. It encourages us to consider where we place our ultimate trust and to avoid the spiritual pitfalls that can lead to a devastating fall, much like Tyre's.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezekiel 28:12

    Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.

  • Jeremiah 9:17

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Consider ye, and call for the mourning women, that they may come; and send for cunning [women], that they may come:

  • Jeremiah 9:20

    Yet hear the word of the LORD, O ye women, and let your ear receive the word of his mouth, and teach your daughters wailing, and every one her neighbour lamentation.

  • Ezekiel 19:1

    ¶ Moreover take thou up a lamentation for the princes of Israel,

  • Jeremiah 9:10

    For the mountains will I take up a weeping and wailing, and for the habitations of the wilderness a lamentation, because they are burned up, so that none can pass through [them]; neither can [men] hear the voice of the cattle; both the fowl of the heavens and the beast are fled; they are gone.

  • Amos 5:1

    ¶ Hear ye this word which I take up against you, [even] a lamentation, O house of Israel.

  • Amos 5:16

    ¶ Therefore the LORD, the God of hosts, the Lord, saith thus; Wailing [shall be] in all streets; and they shall say in all the highways, Alas! alas! and they shall call the husbandman to mourning, and such as are skilful of lamentation to wailing.

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