Ezekiel 27:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 27:2 initiates a profound prophetic dirge, where the prophet is divinely commanded to compose a lamentation for the powerful maritime city of Tyre. This verse sets the stage for a detailed and evocative oracle that mourns Tyre's impending destruction, portraying it as a funeral song for a once-glorious entity whose pride and commercial might ultimately led to its catastrophic downfall under God's sovereign judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of Ezekiel is structured around a series of divine oracles delivered during the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE). Following extensive prophecies against Judah and Jerusalem (chapters 1-24) and a transitional period (chapter 25), chapters 26-28 focus specifically on Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city-state. This lament in [Ezekiel 27](/ezekiel/27 "Ezekiel 27 - The Lament for Tyre") is immediately preceded by an oracle in [Ezekiel 26](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre") detailing Tyre's destruction by Nebuchadnezzar, and it is followed by a lament for the King of Tyre in [Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Prophecy Against the King of Tyre"). [Ezekiel 27:2](/ezekiel/27-2 "Ezekiel 27:2 - Command to Lament for Tyre") serves as the formal introduction to this elaborate poetic dirge, setting a somber tone for the detailed description of Tyre's former glory and its ultimate demise, which unfolds in the subsequent verses. The command to "take up a lamentation" signals that the following text is not merely a prediction but a mournful elegy, treating Tyre's fall as an already accomplished tragedy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre (modern-day Sur, Lebanon) was an ancient Phoenician city, renowned for its maritime trade, naval power, and formidable fortifications, including an island city. Its strategic location on the Mediterranean coast made it a dominant commercial hub, connecting the East and West. By the 6th century BCE, Tyre had amassed immense wealth and influence, leading to a reputation for invincibility and a deep-seated pride in its self-sufficiency. This period saw the rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar II, which exerted pressure on surrounding nations. Tyre's fall, prophesied here, was a significant event, demonstrating that even the most powerful human empires were not immune to the geopolitical shifts and divine judgments of the era. The cultural practice of composing laments or dirges was common in the ancient Near East, often performed at funerals or in times of great national calamity, underscoring the severity of the impending judgment.
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 27:2](/ezekiel/27-2 "Ezekiel 27:2 - Command to Lament for Tyre") introduces several profound themes central to Ezekiel's prophecy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating God's ultimate authority over all earthly kingdoms, regardless of their wealth, military might, or perceived invincibility. Even a formidable power like Tyre is subject to His decree, a theme echoed in [Isaiah 23](/isaiah/23 "Isaiah 23 - The Burden of Tyre"). Secondly, the command to lament foreshadows the **Pride and Fall** of Tyre, presenting its destruction as a direct consequence of its immense arrogance and self-sufficiency. This serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of human hubris, a principle articulated in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall"). Lastly, the repeated address to Ezekiel as "son of man" highlights the theme of **Prophetic Obedience and Humility**, emphasizing his role as a mortal messenger delivering God's challenging and often unwelcome word, even when it concerns the downfall of a great nation. This underscores the prophet's unique position as a conduit for divine truth, as seen in [Ezekiel 2:1-5](/ezekiel/2-1 "Ezekiel 2:1-5 - Ezekiel's Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **son of man (Hebrew, _bên ʼâdâm'_):** This recurring address to Ezekiel (H1121, _bên_, "son," and H120, _ʼâdâm_, "man/human being") emphasizes the prophet's mortal, human nature in stark contrast to the divine speaker. While _bên_ denotes lineage or belonging, and _ʼâdâm_ refers to a human being (often implying frailty or commonality), their combination highlights Ezekiel's status as a representative of humanity, a mortal instrument through whom God's transcendent message is conveyed. This phrase underscores the vast gulf between the divine and the human, yet also God's willingness to use a humble human vessel for His powerful revelation.
* **take up (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** Derived from H5375, _nâsâʼ_, meaning "to lift," "to carry," or "to bear." In this context, it signifies the act of composing, uttering, or delivering a lamentation. It implies a deliberate, weighty act of bearing a message, not merely speaking it. The prophet is not just to recite a dirge but to "lift up" or "bear" its burden, embodying the sorrow and gravity of the impending judgment.
* **lamentation (Hebrew, _qîynâh'_):** From H7015, _qîynâh_, this term specifically refers to a dirge or funeral song, typically characterized by a mournful tone and often a specific poetic meter (the _qinah_ meter, often a 3+2 beat). Its use immediately signals that the following prophetic oracle is not merely a prediction of destruction but a poetic expression of mourning, treating Tyre as if it were already dead or on the verge of death. It evokes a sense of tragedy, loss, and the irreversible nature of the impending judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now, thou son of man,"**: This opening phrase serves as a direct, divine address to the prophet Ezekiel. The term "son of man" (Hebrew: _ben 'adam_) is God's characteristic way of addressing Ezekiel throughout the book, emphasizing his humanity and mortality in contrast to the divine majesty of the one speaking. It sets the stage for a solemn divine command, highlighting that the message originates from God, delivered through a humble human intermediary.
* **"take up a lamentation"**: This is the core imperative of the verse. Ezekiel is commanded not merely to prophesy but to compose and utter a "lamentation" (_qinah_). This signifies a dirge or funeral song, a poetic form typically used to mourn the dead or lament a great tragedy. The command immediately establishes the nature of the ensuing prophecy: it will be a mournful elegy, treating Tyre's impending destruction as a cause for deep sorrow and lament, as if a funeral were already taking place.
* **"for Tyrus;"**: This specifies the object of the lamentation. "Tyrus" (Tyre) was a powerful and wealthy Phoenician city-state, renowned for its maritime trade and perceived invincibility. By naming Tyre as the subject of a funeral dirge, the verse immediately conveys the gravity of its impending downfall, signaling that even this formidable entity is not beyond the reach of divine judgment and will suffer a catastrophic end.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 27:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Direct Address**, as God speaks directly to Ezekiel using the recurring epithet "son of man," immediately establishing the divine authority behind the prophecy and highlighting the prophet's role as a human conduit. The use of the **Imperative Mood** ("take up") underscores the divine command, indicating that Ezekiel's task is not optional but a solemn duty. The entire passage functions as a **Prophetic Oracle**, a divine message delivered through a prophet, but specifically framed as a **Dirge** or **Elegy**. By commanding a "lamentation" for Tyre, the text employs **Personification**, treating the city as a living entity whose death is to be mourned. This pre-emptive mourning creates a powerful sense of impending doom and emphasizes the irreversible nature of Tyre's judgment, as if its fate is already sealed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 27:2 introduces a profound theological statement: God's absolute sovereignty extends even over the most powerful and seemingly invincible earthly kingdoms. The command to lament for Tyre, a city renowned for its wealth and pride, serves as a stark reminder that no human achievement, no matter how grand, can withstand divine judgment when it is rooted in arrogance and self-sufficiency. This passage underscores the biblical principle that pride precedes a fall, illustrating that God holds nations accountable for their actions, particularly their commercial exploitation and spiritual idolatry. The lament form itself is significant, reflecting not only judgment but also the pathos of a once-great entity brought low, inviting reflection on the transient nature of earthly power and the ultimate enduring nature of God's righteous rule.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride Goes Before a Fall") - "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
* [Isaiah 23](/isaiah/23 "The Burden of Tyre") - A comprehensive oracle against Tyre, detailing its fall and subsequent restoration after seventy years, demonstrating God's long-term plan.
* [Revelation 18:9-19](/revelation/18-9 "Lament for Babylon") - The lament over the fall of "Babylon the Great," a symbolic representation of a powerful, materialistic, and corrupt commercial system, echoing the themes of Tyre's judgment.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel's prophetic lament for Tyre, initiated in this verse, offers timeless insights for personal and communal reflection. It challenges us to examine the foundations of our security and identity. Do we place our ultimate trust in material wealth, professional achievements, social status, or perceived invincibility, much like Tyre did? This passage serves as a potent warning against the perils of pride and self-reliance, reminding us that all earthly power and prosperity are transient. True and lasting security is found only in acknowledging God's sovereignty and aligning our lives with His righteous will. It calls us to cultivate humility, recognizing that our gifts, resources, and successes are ultimately from Him, and to use them for His glory rather than our own self-aggrandizement. Embracing this truth leads to a life built on an unshakeable foundation, free from the spiritual pitfalls that lead to a devastating fall.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be placing undue trust in your own strength, resources, or achievements rather than in God's sovereignty?**
* **How does the concept of a "lamentation" for a city challenge your understanding of divine judgment and God's emotional response to human pride?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate greater humility and reliance on God in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why is Ezekiel addressed as "son of man" so frequently?**

Answer: The address "son of man" (Hebrew: _ben 'adam_) is used over 90 times in the book of Ezekiel. It serves primarily to emphasize Ezekiel's humanity and mortality in contrast to the divine majesty of God, who is speaking. It underscores that while the message is from the transcendent God, it is delivered through a frail, mortal instrument. This highlights the humility of the prophet's calling and ensures that the authority of the message rests solely on its divine origin, not on any inherent power or status of Ezekiel himself. It also connects Ezekiel to the broader human experience, making him a representative of humanity before God, a theme later picked up in the New Testament with Jesus's self-designation as the [Son of Man](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve").

**What is the significance of "lamentation" in a prophetic context?**

Answer: A "lamentation" (Hebrew: _qinah_) is a dirge or funeral song, typically associated with mourning the dead or expressing deep sorrow over a tragedy. In a prophetic context, as seen in [Ezekiel 27](/ezekiel/27 "Ezekiel 27 - The Lament for Tyre") for Tyre, its use is highly significant. It signals that the impending judgment is so certain and devastating that the prophet is commanded to mourn the entity as if it were already dead. This literary device imbues the prophecy with a profound sense of finality and pathos, transforming a mere prediction into a solemn funeral elegy. It emphasizes the complete and irreversible nature of God's judgment on pride and sin, while also conveying the sorrow that accompanies such a downfall, even for an enemy nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel's command to "take up a lamentation for Tyrus" finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. Firstly, Jesus, the true and ultimate [Son of Man](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"), perfectly embodies the humble humanity emphasized by the title, yet He is also the divine Word made flesh. Unlike Ezekiel, who merely delivered God's lament, Jesus Himself wept over Jerusalem, lamenting its spiritual blindness and impending destruction ([Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")). This demonstrates a divine lament, not just a human one, over the consequences of rebellion and pride. Secondly, while Tyre's fall was a judgment on earthly pride and commercialism, Christ's work on the cross represents the ultimate judgment on sin and the defeat of all powers that exalt themselves against God. He bore the lamentation of humanity's sin, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), so that those who trust in Him might be spared the final, eternal lamentation. Finally, the lament for Tyre foreshadows the ultimate fall of all ungodly systems and kingdoms, culminating in the complete and final triumph of Christ's eternal kingdom, where there will be no more lamenting for the redeemed ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "No More Tears")). The judgment on Tyre, therefore, points to the comprehensive judgment of Christ that purifies and prepares the way for His righteous reign.

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 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.