Ezekiel 27:29

KJV

And all that handle the oar, the mariners, [and] all the pilots of the sea, shall come down from their ships, they shall stand upon the land;

KJV (with Strong's)

And all that handle {H8610} the oar {H4880}, the mariners {H4419}, and all the pilots {H2259} of the sea {H3220}, shall come down {H3381} from their ships {H591}, they shall stand {H5975} upon the land {H776};

Complete Jewish Bible

The oarsmen, crew and pilots will disembark and stand on shore,

Berean Standard Bible

All who handle the oars will abandon their ships. The sailors and all the captains of the sea will stand on the shore.

American Standard Version

And all that handle the oar, the mariners, and all the pilots of the sea, shall come down from their ships; they shall stand upon the land,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 27:29 vividly portrays the catastrophic aftermath of Tyre's destruction, depicting a scene of utter reversal for its once-proud maritime empire. The verse describes all those intimately connected with Tyre's naval might—from the lowest oarsmen to the most skilled pilots—being forced to abandon their magnificent ships and stand helplessly on solid ground. This dramatic image encapsulates the complete collapse of human power, pride, and self-sufficiency when confronted by divine judgment, leaving a once-invincible city stripped of its identity, purpose, and dominion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel chapter 27 functions as a profound and elaborate dirge, or funeral lament, against the powerful Phoenician city of Tyre. Preceding this verse, Tyre is personified as a grand, perfectly constructed ship, meticulously built with the finest materials and crewed by skilled mariners drawn from numerous nations, symbolizing its unparalleled commercial success and global influence. Verses 3-25 detail Tyre's immense wealth, extensive trade networks, and seemingly unassailable position as the queen of the seas. The imagery is one of self-sufficient glory and invincibility. Verse 29 marks a stark and dramatic turning point in this poetic prophecy, shifting from a description of Tyre's zenith to the devastating consequences of its prophesied downfall. It portrays the complete dismantling of its power structure, as those who once commanded the seas are now rendered utterly helpless and dispossessed.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was a prominent ancient Phoenician city, renowned for its strategic location as an island fortress and its dominance in maritime trade. Situated on the eastern Mediterranean coast, it served as a crucial hub connecting the ancient Near East with the wider world, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures. Its naval prowess was legendary, enabling it to establish colonies and trade routes across the Mediterranean. Culturally, Tyre's identity, wealth, and pride were inextricably linked to its ships, its sailors, and its mastery of the sea. The city's prosperity was built upon its ability to navigate and control the waters, making the sea not just a means of livelihood but a symbol of its power and independence. The prophecy of its fall, therefore, struck at the very core of its existence, signifying the destruction of its economic engine, its military might, and its cultural identity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and broader biblical prophecy. Firstly, it highlights **The Collapse of Earthly Power and Pride**. Tyre's dramatic fall from maritime supremacy to utter helplessness on land vividly illustrates the inherent fragility of human achievements and the inevitable humbling of arrogance. The proud mariners, who once navigated the world's oceans with authority, are forced to abandon their vessels and stand defenseless, underscoring that no earthly empire, however grand or seemingly secure, is beyond the reach of divine judgment. This theme resonates throughout the prophetic books, as seen in prophecies against Babylon in [Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon") or Egypt in [Ezekiel 29](/ezekiel/29 "Ezekiel 29 - Prophecy Against Egypt"). Secondly, the verse underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**. Tyre's destruction is not merely a geopolitical event but a direct act of God's sovereign will, bringing low those who exalt themselves. The scene of the mariners abandoning their ships signifies the complete and irreversible nature of this judgment, leaving no aspect of Tyre's power untouched, affirming that the Lord is supreme over all nations ([Psalm 2:4-5](/psalms/2-4 "Psalm 2:4-5 - God's Sovereignty Over Nations")). Finally, it speaks to the **Loss of Identity and Purpose**. For a people whose entire identity, livelihood, and national pride were inextricably linked to the sea and their magnificent fleet, being forced "down from their ships" and made to "stand upon the land" represents a profound and humiliating loss. It symbolizes the utter stripping away of their purpose, their way of life, and their very being, leaving them dispossessed and helpless, a stark reminder that true identity and purpose are not found in transient earthly achievements.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pilots (Hebrew, _chôbêl'_):** This term, derived from a root suggesting the handling of ropes, refers to a sailor or, more specifically, a shipmaster or pilot. Its inclusion here, alongside "those who handle the oar" and "mariners," emphasizes that the judgment extends to every level of naval personnel, from the lowest laborer to the most skilled and authoritative navigator. The pilot represents the strategic mind and experienced hand that guides the ship, and their forced descent signifies the collapse of all leadership and expertise.
* **Sea (Hebrew, _yâm'_):** From a root meaning "to roar," this word denotes a large body of water, specifically the Mediterranean Sea in this context. The sea represents Tyre's domain, the source of its wealth, power, and identity. It is the element in which Tyre reigned supreme. The phrase "pilots of the sea" highlights their mastery over this vast, often tumultuous, realm. Their forced removal from the sea symbolizes the complete loss of their dominion and the very foundation of their existence.
* **Come down (Hebrew, _yârad'_):** This primitive root means "to descend," "to go downwards," or "to fall." In this context, it signifies a forced, humiliating descent from a position of power and elevation (on their ships) to one of vulnerability and lowliness (on the land). It is not a voluntary disembarkation but a compelled abandonment, emphasizing the irreversible nature of their downfall and the stripping away of their authority and control.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all that handle the oar, the mariners, [and] all the pilots of the sea":** This comprehensive enumeration signifies the totality of Tyre's maritime workforce and leadership. It includes everyone from the common oarsmen, who provided the brute force, to the experienced mariners, who managed the sails and general navigation, and finally to the highly skilled pilots, who guided the ships through treacherous waters. The inclusion of "all" underscores that no one associated with Tyre's naval power, regardless of rank or skill, would be exempt from the impending judgment.
* **"shall come down from their ships":** This clause describes the immediate and dramatic consequence of Tyre's destruction. The "ships" represent not just vessels, but Tyre's entire commercial enterprise, its military might, its wealth, and its very identity. To "come down" from them is to be forcibly removed from their place of power, security, and livelihood. It signifies a complete loss of control, a forced abandonment of their domain, and the collapse of their entire way of life.
* **"they shall stand upon the land;":** This final clause paints a vivid picture of their new, humiliating reality. The "land" stands in stark contrast to the "sea"—their natural element and source of power. On land, they are disoriented, vulnerable, and stripped of their authority. It symbolizes their complete displacement, their helplessness, and their public humiliation. They are no longer masters of the waves but mere spectators, standing on foreign ground, utterly dispossessed and without purpose.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 27:29 employs powerful literary devices to convey its message of judgment and downfall. **Personification** is evident throughout chapter 27, where Tyre is depicted as a magnificent ship, and here, its crew, representing the city's people, experiences its fate. **Symbolism** is central, with the "sea" representing Tyre's domain of power, wealth, and identity, while the "land" symbolizes vulnerability, displacement, and humiliation. The forced transition from sea to land is a potent symbol of complete loss and reversal of fortune. The comprehensive list of "all that handle the oar, the mariners, [and] all the pilots" uses **Synecdoche** (a part representing the whole) and **Hyperbole** (exaggeration for effect) to emphasize that every aspect of Tyre's maritime strength, from the lowest to the highest, would be affected. Finally, the dramatic **Contrast** between their former mastery of the sea and their present helplessness on land amplifies the impact of the judgment, underscoring the absolute nature of Tyre's collapse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 27:29 serves as a profound theological statement on the transience of earthly power and the unwavering sovereignty of God. It highlights the biblical principle that pride precedes a fall, and that no human achievement, no matter how grand or seemingly invincible, can stand against the divine will. Tyre's collapse is a stark reminder that reliance on material wealth, military might, or human ingenuity ultimately leads to ruin when it eclipses dependence on the Creator. This passage underscores God's justice in bringing low those who exalt themselves and His ultimate control over the destinies of nations, demonstrating that His plans will prevail regardless of human resistance.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Isaiah 23:1-18](/isaiah/23 "Isaiah 23 - Prophecy Against Tyre")
* [Revelation 18:9-19](/revelation/18-9 "Revelation 18:9-19 - Lament Over Babylon's Fall")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 27:29 offers timeless lessons for individuals and societies today. It cautions us against placing our ultimate trust, security, or identity in anything temporal—be it wealth, career, social status, or even national power. Like Tyre, we can become so engrossed in our achievements and self-sufficiency that we forget our dependence on God. This verse challenges us to examine where our true security lies. Are we building our lives on the shifting sands of earthly success, or on the unshakeable foundation of God's eternal kingdom? It reminds us that all human endeavors, however impressive, are ultimately fragile and subject to divine will. True wisdom lies in cultivating humility, acknowledging God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, and investing in what is eternal. When our "ships" of earthly security inevitably "come down," our hope must be in something far more enduring than transient power or possessions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be placing too much trust in my own "ships" or earthly achievements, rather than in God?**
* **How does the imagery of "coming down from ships" and "standing on land" challenge my understanding of security and vulnerability?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the importance of humility in the face of success or prosperity?**
* **How can I practically shift my focus from building earthly empires to investing in eternal values and God's kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Why is Tyre's fall described in such vivid and detailed maritime imagery?**
Answer: The detailed maritime imagery in Ezekiel 27, culminating in verse 29, is crucial because it directly reflects Tyre's identity and the source of its immense power and pride. Tyre was renowned as the queen of the seas, its wealth and influence derived almost entirely from its naval prowess and extensive trade networks. By describing its destruction through the lens of its ships, mariners, and pilots, the prophecy emphasizes that God's judgment would strike at the very core of Tyre's being, dismantling the foundation of its existence and leaving nothing untouched. It makes the fall particularly poignant and humiliating for a city that prided itself on its mastery of the waters, as seen in the earlier description of its glory in [Ezekiel 27:3-9](/ezekiel/27-3 "Ezekiel 27:3-9 - Tyre's Glory as a Ship").

**What does "standing upon the land" symbolize for the mariners?**
Answer: For the mariners of Tyre, "standing upon the land" symbolizes a complete and humiliating reversal of their identity and power. The sea was their domain, where they were skilled, powerful, and in control. The land, in contrast, represents an unfamiliar and vulnerable territory. It signifies their displacement, their loss of purpose, and their utter helplessness. They are stripped of their authority and forced to confront their mortality and weakness outside their element. It is a powerful image of public humiliation and the stripping away of all that gave them their sense of self and security. This stark contrast highlights the absolute nature of God's judgment and the fragility of human dominion.

**Is this prophecy against Tyre still relevant for believers today?**
Answer: Absolutely. While a specific historical prophecy against an ancient city, the themes in Ezekiel 27:29 are timeless and universally applicable. It serves as a powerful warning against the dangers of pride, self-sufficiency, and placing ultimate trust in worldly power or material wealth. It reminds us that all earthly empires, systems, and individual achievements are transient and subject to God's ultimate sovereignty. For believers, it reinforces the call to humility, to seek true security and identity in God alone, and to invest in eternal values rather than fleeting earthly successes, echoing the wisdom found in [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 27:29 directly prophesies the judgment of Tyre, its themes find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the broader narrative of God's kingdom and the ultimate triumph of Christ over all earthly powers. The forced descent of the proud mariners from their ships to stand helplessly on land foreshadows the ultimate dismantling of all human systems and dominions that exalt themselves against God. Just as Tyre's self-sufficient glory collapsed, so too will all kingdoms and powers of this world ultimately bow before the King of Kings. Christ, in His first coming, did not arrive on a magnificent ship of earthly power but humbly "came down" from heavenly glory, emptying Himself and taking the form of a servant, even to death on a cross ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). His "standing upon the land" was not one of forced humiliation but of redemptive solidarity with humanity, walking among us, experiencing our vulnerability, and ultimately conquering sin and death. In His second coming, Christ will return not as a vulnerable man, but as the triumphant Lord, before whom every knee will bow and every tongue confess ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). The ultimate "coming down" will be that of the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, descending from God, where there will be no more sea (symbolizing the turbulent, unstable realm of human rebellion and earthly powers), and God Himself will dwell with His people, establishing an eternal reign where no earthly "ship" or "pilot" can challenge His supreme authority ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, Tyre's fall points to the final, glorious reign of Christ, where all earthly pride and power are utterly subdued, and God's sovereignty is fully realized.

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 26:16

Then all the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones, and lay away their robes, and put off their broidered garments: they shall clothe themselves with trembling; they shall sit upon the ground, and shall tremble at [every] moment, and be astonished at thee.

Revelation 18:17

For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,

Revelation 18:24

And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.

Ezekiel 32:10

Yea, I will make many people amazed at thee, and their kings shall be horribly afraid for thee, when I shall brandish my sword before them; and they shall tremble at [every] moment, every man for his own life, in the day of thy fall.