Ezekiel 27:35

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

All the inhabitants {H3427} of the isles {H339} shall be astonished {H8074} at thee, and their kings {H4428} shall be sore {H8178} afraid {H8175}, they shall be troubled {H7481} in their countenance {H6440}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All who live along the coasts are aghast at you; their kings are horribly afraid, their faces are convulsed;

Berean Standard Bible

All the people of the coastlands are appalled over you. Their kings shudder with fear; their faces are contorted.

American Standard Version

All the inhabitants of the isles are astonished at thee, and their kings are horribly afraid; they are troubled in their countenance.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse vividly portrays the global shock and profound fear that will engulf the maritime nations and their rulers upon the catastrophic downfall of Tyre, a once-unrivaled commercial powerhouse. This verse serves as the climax of a prophetic lament, emphasizing that the demise of such a dominant economic and naval entity would send reverberations of astonishment and terror across all who were connected to or competed with it, revealing the fragility of earthly power in the face of divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a detailed and elaborate lament over Tyre, spanning [Ezekiel chapters 26-28](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26-28 - Prophecy Against Tyre"). Specifically, [Ezekiel 27](/ezekiel/27 "Ezekiel 27 - Tyre's Splendor and Fall") employs the powerful metaphor of Tyre as a magnificent, perfectly crafted ship, built from the finest materials and manned by skilled mariners from across the known world. The preceding verses meticulously describe Tyre's vast wealth, its extensive network of trading partners, and its unparalleled maritime strength, painting a picture of a seemingly invincible empire. Verse 35, therefore, marks the dramatic culmination of this narrative, depicting the moment the "ship" is utterly wrecked at sea, and the subsequent, widespread horror that grips those who witness its demise. It underscores that Tyre's fall is not merely an internal collapse but an event of global significance, particularly for other seafaring nations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was a prominent Phoenician city-state, strategically located on the eastern Mediterranean coast, renowned for its immense wealth, extensive trade networks, and formidable naval power. Its insular position (originally an island city, later connected by a causeway) made it a hub for international commerce, connecting the ancient Near East with the Mediterranean world through its purple dye, cedar, and diverse goods. The "isles" mentioned refer to the numerous coastal regions, islands, and maritime nations that engaged in trade with Tyre or were influenced by its economic dominance. The reaction described in the verse—astonishment, fear, and troubled countenances—reflects the profound impact that the collapse of such a central economic pillar would have on the interconnected ancient world, disrupting trade routes and shifting geopolitical power dynamics. This was a city whose influence was felt from Tarshish in the west to the Arabian deserts in the east, making its fall a truly global event for its time.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several major themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment** and God's ultimate sovereignty over all nations. Tyre, in its immense pride and self-sufficiency (as seen in [Ezekiel 28:2](/ezekiel/28-2 "Ezekiel 28:2 - Tyre's Pride and Claim of Divinity")), believed itself invincible, yet is brought low by God's decree, demonstrating that even the most powerful human kingdoms are subject to His will. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Widespread Impact of Judgment**. The "inhabitants of the isles" and "their kings" represent the global reach of Tyre's influence and, consequently, the far-reaching implications of its destruction. Their reaction signifies that Tyre's fall was not an isolated event but a shocking demonstration of divine power that resonated across the entire maritime world. Lastly, the theme of **Fear and Dismay** is prominent. The description of kings being "sore afraid" and "troubled in their countenance" indicates a deep-seated terror and visible distress, perhaps born from the realization of their own vulnerability in the face of such overwhelming destruction, mirroring the lamentations over the fall of Babylon in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **inhabitants (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, meaning "to sit down," "to dwell," or "to remain." In this context, it refers to those who permanently reside in the coastal regions and islands, emphasizing the settled populations who would witness and be affected by Tyre's collapse. It underscores the widespread nature of the astonishment, affecting not just transient traders but the very fabric of society in these maritime lands.
* **astonished (Hebrew, _shâmêm'_):** From H8074, meaning "to stun," "grow numb," "devastate," or "stupefy." This word conveys a profound sense of shock, horror, and desolation. It's not mere surprise but a deep, unsettling wonder that leaves one aghast and dumbfounded, reflecting the unimaginable scale of Tyre's destruction.
* **countenance (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** From H6440, meaning "the face" or "the part that turns." This term refers to the visible expression of one's face, which reveals inner emotions. The phrase "troubled in their countenance" indicates a visible manifestation of fear, confusion, and dismay etched onto their faces, a public display of terror that contrasts sharply with the typical composure expected of kings and powerful figures.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All the inhabitants of the isles shall be astonished at thee,"**: This clause establishes the universal and profound reaction to Tyre's demise. "Inhabitants of the isles" refers to the peoples of the coastal regions and islands, emphasizing the maritime world that was connected to Tyre through trade and influence. Their "astonishment" (H8074, _shâmêm'_) signifies a deep, unsettling shock and horror at the sudden and complete destruction of what was perceived as an invincible power.
* **"and their kings shall be sore afraid,"**: This expands the scope of the reaction to include the rulers of these maritime nations. The kings, who typically project strength and control, are depicted as "sore afraid." The Hebrew term for "sore" (H8178, _saʻar'_) connotes a tempest or terror, intensifying the fear (H8175, _sâʻar'_) to a trembling, overwhelming dread. This highlights the political and strategic implications of Tyre's fall, as these kings recognize the vulnerability of their own kingdoms.
* **"they shall be troubled in [their] countenance."**: This final clause describes the visible manifestation of their terror. "Troubled" (H7481, _râʻam'_) implies violent agitation, a shaking or trembling. When applied to "countenance" (H6440, _pânîym'_), it paints a vivid picture of faces contorted by fear, dismay, and confusion. It suggests a public, undeniable display of inner turmoil, indicating that the shock of Tyre's fall was so immense that it visibly altered the expressions of even the most powerful individuals.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 27:35 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the profound impact of Tyre's fall. **Hyperbole** is evident in the sweeping statement "All the inhabitants of the isles," emphasizing the universal and far-reaching nature of the shock, though perhaps not literally every single person. This exaggeration serves to highlight the immense influence Tyre wielded and the global reverberations of its collapse. **Personification** is subtly used by attributing human emotions like astonishment, fear, and troubled countenances to the collective "inhabitants of the isles" and "their kings," allowing the reader to grasp the widespread emotional turmoil. The vivid imagery of "troubled in their countenance" creates a strong sense of **Pathos**, evoking sympathy and understanding for the deep distress experienced by those witnessing such a cataclysmic event. Furthermore, the entire chapter, culminating in this verse, functions as a **Lament**, a poetic form traditionally used to mourn loss, which amplifies the tragedy and the irreversible nature of Tyre's destruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 27:35 serves as a potent theological statement about the transience of earthly power and the unwavering sovereignty of God. It underscores that no nation, however wealthy, strategically positioned, or militarily strong, is beyond the reach of divine judgment. Tyre's fall is a stark reminder that pride and self-sufficiency, particularly when they lead to exploitation and rebellion against God's moral order, inevitably lead to destruction. The astonishment of the "isles" and their kings is a testament to God's ability to humble the proud and demonstrate His control over all human affairs, orchestrating events to fulfill His righteous purposes. This judgment is not merely punitive but also revelatory, exposing the ultimate fragility of human constructs and redirecting focus to the enduring power of the Almighty.

* [Ezekiel 26:16](/ezekiel/26-16 "Ezekiel 26:16 - Kings Descending from Thrones") - Describes a similar reaction of kings descending from their thrones and being astonished at Tyre's fall, reinforcing the theme of widespread dismay among rulers.
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction") - "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall," directly reflecting the theological principle exemplified by Tyre's downfall, as elaborated in [Ezekiel 28:2](/ezekiel/28-2 "Ezekiel 28:2 - Tyre's King Boasts of Divinity").
* [Revelation 18:9-10](/revelation/18-9 "Revelation 18:9-10 - Kings Lamenting Babylon's Fall") - Echoes the lamentations of kings and merchants over the fall of "Babylon the Great," a spiritual counterpart to Tyre's commercial empire, highlighting a consistent biblical theme of judgment on proud, oppressive world systems.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 27:35 offers timeless lessons for individuals and nations today, reminding us that true security and lasting prosperity are not found in material wealth, strategic advantage, or human ingenuity, but in humble submission to the Almighty God. The astonishment and fear gripping the maritime world serve as a powerful warning against the dangers of unchecked pride, self-reliance, and the pursuit of commercial gain at the expense of justice and righteousness. It challenges us to examine where we place our ultimate trust and to recognize that even the most formidable human empires are transient. This passage calls us to cultivate humility, to live with an awareness of divine justice, and to remember that God remains sovereign over all circumstances, even when chaos seems to reign. Our response should be one of reverence and a healthy fear of the Lord, recognizing that His hand is at work in history, bringing low the proud and exalting the humble.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or in the society around me do I see an over-reliance on material wealth, power, or human wisdom, similar to Tyre?**
* **How does the "astonishment" of the kings and inhabitants challenge my own sense of security or vulnerability in a rapidly changing world?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, rather than in fleeting earthly systems or achievements?**

### FAQ
**Why were the "isles" and their kings so affected by Tyre's fall?**

Answer: The "isles" refer to the coastal regions and maritime nations that were deeply intertwined with Tyre's vast commercial empire. Tyre was the dominant economic and naval power of its time, serving as a central hub for international trade, connecting diverse regions across the Mediterranean. Its fall meant the collapse of established trade routes, economic stability, and a significant shift in geopolitical power. The kings and inhabitants were "astonished" and "sore afraid" because they witnessed the sudden and complete destruction of a seemingly invincible entity, which would have had profound economic, political, and psychological repercussions for their own kingdoms and livelihoods. It was a stark demonstration that no earthly power was immune to such a fate, causing them to fear for their own security and future, as seen in the lament of merchants and kings over Babylon in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon").

**What does "troubled in their countenance" imply about their reaction?**

Answer: "Troubled in their countenance" (Hebrew: _râʻam pânîym_) implies a visible and profound manifestation of inner turmoil, fear, and dismay etched onto their faces. It's more than just a feeling; it's a physical reaction where their expressions are contorted or agitated by the shock and terror. This phrase suggests that the impact of Tyre's destruction was so overwhelming that it robbed these powerful kings and inhabitants of their composure, revealing their deep-seated fear and confusion to all. It paints a vivid picture of public, undeniable distress, underscoring the severity of the event and its psychological toll on those who witnessed it. This visible distress contrasts with the typical stoicism expected of rulers, highlighting the unprecedented nature of Tyre's demise.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 27:35, while describing the judgment of an ancient city, points forward to a greater reality fulfilled in Christ. The astonishment and fear of the world's kings and merchants at Tyre's demise foreshadow the ultimate shaking of all earthly kingdoms and powers at the revelation of God's final, righteous judgment, which culminates in the return of Christ. Just as Tyre's commercial might and pride led to its downfall, so too will all human systems built on self-sufficiency, idolatry of wealth, and opposition to God's reign ultimately crumble. The "Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), who came not with earthly pomp but in humility, will ultimately establish a kingdom that is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")), a kingdom that "shall never be destroyed" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Kingdom Endures Forever")). The fear gripping the maritime nations in Ezekiel can be seen as a shadow of the universal awe and terror that will seize all who have rejected God when they face the glorious and formidable presence of Christ at His second coming ([Revelation 6:15-17](/revelation/6-15 "Revelation 6:15-17 - Kings and Great Men Hide from God's Wrath")). Ultimately, the fall of Tyre serves as a prophetic type, reminding us that only in Christ is true and lasting security found, and that His reign, unlike any earthly empire, will endure forever in the New Jerusalem, where there is no need for sun or moon, "for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp" ([Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Lamb is the Lamp of New Jerusalem")).

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 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.

Isaiah 23:6

Pass ye over to Tarshish; howl, ye inhabitants of the isle.

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.

Revelation 18:9

¶ And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,

Revelation 18:10

Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

Ezekiel 28:17

Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.