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.

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Ezekiel 27:35 describes the widespread shock and fear that will grip the maritime world upon witnessing the catastrophic downfall of Tyre, a once-mighty commercial empire.

Context

This verse is part of a detailed prophetic lament over Tyre, found in Ezekiel chapters 26-28. Chapter 27 specifically uses the vivid imagery of a magnificent ship, representing Tyre, that is utterly destroyed at sea. Tyre was a prominent Phoenician city-state, renowned for its immense wealth, extensive trade networks, and naval power. Its strategic location on the Mediterranean coast made it a hub for international commerce, connecting the known world. The preceding verses vividly depict Tyre's elaborate construction, its vast array of goods, and its many trading partners. This verse, therefore, highlights the global impact of its demise, emphasizing that the fall of such a powerful entity would send shockwaves across all who relied on or rivaled it.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The verse underscores God's ultimate sovereignty over all nations, demonstrating that even the most powerful and self-sufficient kingdoms are subject to His judgment. The astonishment and fear are a direct consequence of witnessing God's powerful hand at work.
  • Widespread Impact: The phrase "inhabitants of the isles" refers to coastal regions and maritime nations that traded with or were influenced by Tyre. Their reaction signifies that Tyre's fall was not an isolated event but had far-reaching implications for global trade and power dynamics, causing widespread dismay.
  • Fear and Dismay: The kings and inhabitants are not merely surprised; they are "sore afraid" and "troubled in their countenance." This reflects a deep-seated terror and visible distress, perhaps realizing their own vulnerability in the face of such overwhelming destruction. This reaction mirrors the lamentations found in Revelation 18 concerning the fall of spiritual Babylon.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "astonished" is shamem (שָםּם), which carries connotations of desolation, horror, and being dumbfounded. It's a profound sense of shock that leaves one aghast.
  • "Sore afraid" (Hebrew: charad charadah) emphasizes an intense, trembling fear.
  • "Troubled in their countenance" (Hebrew: ba'alu panim) literally means "their faces are dismayed" or "their faces are confounded." It paints a picture of visible terror and confusion etched onto their expressions, a stark contrast to the previous confidence of these powerful rulers.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

Ezekiel 27:35 serves as a timeless reminder that earthly power, wealth, and influence are fleeting. It highlights God's ultimate control over human affairs and the consequences of arrogance and rebellion against His will. For us today, it teaches:

  1. Humility: Nations and individuals should not place their trust in material prosperity or strategic advantage, but in the Almighty God.
  2. Divine Justice: God's justice will ultimately prevail, and those who operate with unbridled pride and injustice will face consequences.
  3. Sovereignty of God: Even when human empires seem invincible, God remains in control, orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes. This should inspire both reverence and a healthy fear of the Lord.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.