Ezekiel 27:28

KJV

The suburbs shall shake at the sound of the cry of thy pilots.

KJV (with Strong's)

The suburbs {H4054} shall shake {H7493} at the sound {H6963} of the cry {H2201} of thy pilots {H2259}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When they hear the cries of your pilots, the mainland coasts will tremble.

Berean Standard Bible

The countryside will shake when your sailors cry out.

American Standard Version

At the sound of the cry of thy pilots the suburbs shall shake.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 27:28 vividly depicts the immediate and widespread panic accompanying the catastrophic downfall of Tyre, a once-mighty maritime empire. As the prophetic lament reaches its climax, the verse portrays the profound despair and utter helplessness of those who steered Tyre's prosperity, illustrating how the shockwaves of divine judgment would extend beyond the city's immediate walls, affecting even its outlying territories and all who relied upon its immense wealth and influence. It marks a dramatic shift from detailing Tyre's former glory to foretelling its sudden and devastating collapse.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 27:28 is situated within a lengthy and elaborate prophetic lament, or dirge, against the city of Tyre, spanning [Ezekiel chapters 26-28](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel's Prophecy Against Tyre"). Chapter 27, in particular, personifies Tyre as a magnificent, meticulously crafted ship, built with the finest materials and manned by a diverse and skilled crew drawn from various nations, symbolizing its vast commercial reach and naval prowess. The preceding verses detail Tyre's immense wealth, extensive trade networks, and impressive array of goods and personnel, painting a picture of unparalleled prosperity and self-sufficiency. However, [Ezekiel 27:26-27](/ezekiel/27-26 "Ezekiel 27:26-27 - Tyre's Shipwreck") abruptly shifts the imagery to a catastrophic shipwreck, signaling the city's impending destruction. Verse 28 specifically describes the immediate aftermath of this disaster, focusing on the widespread terror and the despair of its leaders, marking the culmination of the judgment pronounced earlier in [Ezekiel 26:7-14](/ezekiel/26-7 "Ezekiel 26:7-14 - Nebuchadnezzar's Siege").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Tyre was a dominant Phoenician city-state, renowned for its maritime trade, naval power, and extensive commercial empire. Located on the Mediterranean coast (originally an island fortress), it was strategically positioned for trade routes, enabling it to amass immense wealth through its vast network of colonies and trading partners. Its "pilots" (shipmasters, navigators) were highly skilled professionals, indispensable to its economic engine, reflecting the city's reliance on seafaring for its prosperity. The cultural context of the lament emphasizes the pride and self-reliance that characterized Tyre, which, in the biblical prophetic tradition, often precedes divine judgment. The imagery of a ship and its crew would have been immediately recognizable and impactful to Ezekiel's audience, vividly conveying the total collapse of an entity whose very existence was tied to the sea. The "suburbs" (or open fields/pasturelands) refer to the areas surrounding the fortified city, indicating that the devastation would not be confined to the urban core but would extend to its agricultural and outlying dependencies, affecting everyone connected to Tyre's economy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Ezekiel's prophecy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **widespread impact of divine judgment**, demonstrating that the consequences of Tyre's fall would ripple outwards, affecting not only its inhabitants but also its dependencies and all who had profited from its trade. Secondly, it highlights the **fragility and transient nature of earthly power and wealth**. Despite its seemingly unassailable position and immense riches, Tyre is shown to be utterly vulnerable to God's decree, serving as a potent warning against pride and self-reliance, a theme echoed in other prophetic laments over powerful cities like Babylon in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon"). Thirdly, the "cry of thy pilots" signifies the **utter despair and helplessness of human leadership** and expertise in the face of divine wrath. All their skill, strategic planning, and accumulated wealth prove useless, emphasizing the ultimate **sovereignty of God** over all nations and human enterprises, a truth consistently proclaimed throughout the book of [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/1 "The Book of Ezekiel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **suburbs (Hebrew, _migrâsh'_):** This term (H4054) refers to open spaces, pasturelands, or common grounds surrounding a city. Its use here indicates that the terror and devastation of Tyre's fall would extend beyond its fortified walls, impacting even its agricultural lands and outlying communities, signifying the comprehensive nature of the calamity.
* **shake (Hebrew, _râʻash'_):** This primitive root (H7493) means to undulate, particularly through fear; to quake, tremble, or be moved. It vividly conveys the physical and emotional tremor that would seize the surrounding areas, suggesting a profound and unsettling disturbance, akin to an earthquake, caused by the sheer magnitude of Tyre's collapse.
* **cry (Hebrew, _zᵉʻâqâh'_):** This noun (H2201) denotes a shriek or outcry, specifically a loud, distressed wail. It emphasizes the extreme anguish, alarm, and despair of those witnessing Tyre's destruction, a stark contrast to the former confidence and prosperity associated with the city.
* **pilots (Hebrew, _chôbêl'_):** This active participle (H2259) refers to a sailor or shipmaster, literally one who handles ropes. In the context of Tyre as a ship, these are the skilled navigators and leaders who steered its success. Their "cry" signifies that even those at the helm, possessing the greatest expertise and responsibility, are utterly helpless and overcome by panic.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The suburbs shall shake":** This clause immediately conveys the widespread and profound impact of Tyre's judgment. The "suburbs" (Hebrew: _migrâsh_) refer to the open areas and pasturelands surrounding the city, implying that the shockwaves of its fall would not be contained within its fortified walls but would extend to its agricultural lands and outlying communities. The verb "shake" (Hebrew: _râʻash_) suggests a violent trembling, a profound disturbance, indicating that the terror and devastation would be felt far and wide, unsettling the very foundations of the surrounding region.
* **"at the sound of the cry":** This phrase specifies the immediate cause of the widespread shaking: the audible expression of extreme distress. The "sound" (Hebrew: _qôwl_) of the "cry" (Hebrew: _zᵉʻâqâh_) implies a loud, piercing wail of anguish and alarm. It is not just the visual destruction but the auditory manifestation of despair that causes the surrounding areas to tremble, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the catastrophe.
* **"of thy pilots":** This final clause identifies the source of the desperate cry. The "pilots" (Hebrew: _chôbêl_) are the shipmasters, the skilled navigators and leaders who guided Tyre's immense commercial enterprise. In the metaphor of Tyre as a ship, they represent the city's elite, its decision-makers, and those most responsible for its prosperity. Their "cry" signifies their utter helplessness and despair in the face of God's judgment, demonstrating that all their expertise, wealth, and strategic planning are rendered useless. This highlights the ultimate futility of human strength and wisdom when confronted with divine power.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 27:28 makes powerful use of several literary devices to convey the magnitude of Tyre's fall. **Personification** is central, as Tyre is depicted as a grand ship, and its "suburbs" are portrayed as capable of "shaking," imbuing the inanimate surroundings with a visceral reaction to the city's demise. This amplifies the sense of widespread terror. **Imagery** is vivid and auditory, focusing on the "sound of the cry" of the pilots, allowing the reader to almost hear the piercing wail of despair, which is contrasted with the earlier descriptions of Tyre's bustling, confident trade. The use of "shake" (Hebrew _râʻash_) suggests **Hyperbole**, implying a tremor so profound it affects the very ground, underscoring the overwhelming and catastrophic nature of the judgment. Furthermore, the "pilots" serve as a **Metaphor** for Tyre's leaders and those responsible for its economic and political direction, their cries symbolizing the collapse of all human wisdom and power in the face of divine sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 27:28 serves as a profound theological statement on the transient nature of earthly power, wealth, and human ingenuity when confronted with divine judgment. It underscores the biblical principle that pride and self-sufficiency, particularly when built upon exploitation or a disregard for God's righteousness, inevitably lead to a devastating fall. The widespread shaking and the despairing cries of the "pilots" illustrate that God's judgment is comprehensive, affecting not only the immediate source of sin but also all who are intertwined with its system. This passage reminds us that true security and lasting prosperity are found not in accumulating worldly riches or relying on human strength, but in humble submission to the sovereign God who alone holds the destiny of nations in His hands.

* [Isaiah 23:1-18](/isaiah/23 "Isaiah 23 - Prophecy Against Tyre") - Another significant prophetic lament against Tyre, emphasizing its commercial power and eventual desolation.
* [Revelation 18:9-19](/revelation/18-9 "Revelation 18:9-19 - Lament over Babylon's Fall") - A New Testament parallel depicting the lament of kings, merchants, and shipmasters over the fall of "Babylon the Great," a symbolic representation of a corrupt global economic and political system.
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction") - "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall," a foundational wisdom principle echoed in Tyre's demise.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 27:28 offers a timeless and sobering reflection for individuals and societies today. It challenges us to examine the foundations upon which we build our lives and our aspirations. Are we investing our trust and energy primarily in fleeting earthly achievements, wealth, and human wisdom, much like Tyre relied on its vast commercial empire and skilled navigators? Or are we seeking to build upon an enduring foundation, acknowledging God's ultimate sovereignty and aligning our lives with His righteous principles? The widespread impact of Tyre's judgment, causing even its "suburbs" to shake and its "pilots" to cry out in despair, serves as a powerful reminder that systems built on pride, injustice, or self-sufficiency are inherently fragile. When divine judgment comes, whether individually or corporately, it can dismantle even the most formidable human constructs, leaving those who once felt secure in utter helplessness. This passage calls us to cultivate humility, to recognize the ephemeral nature of worldly success, and to place our ultimate hope and security in the unshakeable kingdom of God, which alone endures forever.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I primarily place my trust and find my security: in worldly achievements and possessions, or in God's unchanging character and promises?**
* **How might the "shaking of the suburbs" in my own life or society reveal areas where we have built on insecure foundations?**
* **In what ways might I, like Tyre's "pilots," be tempted to rely on my own skills and wisdom rather than seeking God's guidance in times of crisis or prosperity?**

### FAQ
**What does "the suburbs shall shake" signify in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "the suburbs shall shake" signifies the widespread and profound impact of Tyre's downfall. The "suburbs" (Hebrew: _migrâsh_) refer to the open areas, pasturelands, or outlying communities surrounding the fortified city. Their shaking indicates that the terror, devastation, and economic collapse caused by Tyre's destruction would not be confined to its immediate urban center but would ripple outwards, affecting all its dependencies, agricultural lands, and those who relied on its prosperity. It conveys a sense of universal shock and instability, as if the very ground beneath them was trembling due to the magnitude of the catastrophe, much like the shaking of the nations described in [Haggai 2:7](/haggai/2-7 "Haggai 2:7 - Shaking of the Nations").

**Who are "thy pilots" and why is their cry significant?**

Answer: "Thy pilots" (Hebrew: _chôbêl_) refer to the skilled shipmasters, navigators, and leaders of Tyre. In the elaborate metaphor of Tyre as a magnificent ship, these pilots represent the city's elite, its decision-makers, and those responsible for guiding its immense commercial and political success. Their "cry" (Hebrew: _zᵉʻâqâh_, a loud, distressed wail) is highly significant because it symbolizes their utter despair, helplessness, and the futility of all their human wisdom, skill, and accumulated wealth in the face of divine judgment. It demonstrates that even those who were at the helm of this mighty empire, once confident and in control, are now overwhelmed by panic and unable to avert the impending doom, highlighting the ultimate sovereignty of God over all human endeavors, as seen in passages like [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 27:28 directly prophesies the historical judgment upon the city of Tyre, its themes find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the broader biblical narrative of God's sovereign rule, the ultimate triumph of His kingdom, and the fleeting nature of all earthly powers. The shaking of the "suburbs" and the despairing "cry of thy pilots" foreshadow the ultimate shaking of all things that can be shaken, as described in [Hebrews 12:26-27](/hebrews/12-26 "Hebrews 12:26-27 - The Shaking of All Things"), so that only the unshakeable kingdom of God remains. The fall of Tyre, a symbol of human pride and self-sufficient economic power, points to the ultimate demise of all systems and empires that oppose God's rule, culminating in the final judgment of "Babylon the Great" in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon"), where kings, merchants, and shipmasters lament its destruction. In contrast to Tyre's transient glory, Christ establishes an eternal kingdom that will never be destroyed ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Everlasting Kingdom")). He is the true and eternal "Pilot" who steers His people through the storms of life, not with human wisdom that ultimately fails, but with divine power and perfect love, leading them to the secure harbor of salvation. His victory on the cross and resurrection demonstrate that all earthly powers, even death itself, are ultimately subject to His authority ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Thus, the despair of Tyre's pilots contrasts sharply with the hope and security found in Christ, the one who holds all things together ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Sustains All Things")) and whose reign will have no end.

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 26:10

By reason of the abundance of his horses their dust shall cover thee: thy walls shall shake at the noise of the horsemen, and of the wheels, and of the chariots, when he shall enter into thy gates, as men enter into a city wherein is made a breach.

Ezekiel 26:15

¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD to Tyrus; Shall not the isles shake at the sound of thy fall, when the wounded cry, when the slaughter is made in the midst of thee?

Ezekiel 26:18

Now shall the isles tremble in the day of thy fall; yea, the isles that [are] in the sea shall be troubled at thy departure.

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.

Exodus 15:14

The people shall hear, [and] be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina.

Ezekiel 27:35

All the inhabitants of the isles shall be astonished at thee, and their kings shall be sore afraid, they shall be troubled in [their] countenance.

Ezekiel 31:16

I made the nations to shake at the sound of his fall, when I cast him down to hell with them that descend into the pit: and all the trees of Eden, the choice and best of Lebanon, all that drink water, shall be comforted in the nether parts of the earth.