Ezekiel 28:19

All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never [shalt] thou [be] any more.

All they that know {H3045} thee among the people {H5971} shall be astonished {H8074} at thee: thou shalt be a terror {H1091}, and never {H369} shalt thou be any more {H5704}{H5769}.

All who know you among the peoples will be aghast at you. You are an object of terror, and you will cease to exist.'"

All the nations who know you are appalled over you. You have come to a horrible end and will be no more.’”

All they that know thee among the peoples shall be astonished at thee: thou art become a terror, and thou shalt nevermore have any being.

Commentary

Ezekiel 28:19 KJV Commentary

Context of Ezekiel 28:19

Ezekiel 28 is part of a series of prophetic oracles against foreign nations, specifically targeting the wealthy and powerful maritime city-state of Tyre. This chapter contains a lamentation against the "prince of Tyrus" (verses 1-10) and then the "king of Tyrus" (verses 11-19). While the former refers to the earthly ruler, the latter, with its vivid descriptions of a being in Eden, perfect in beauty and wisdom, often points to a deeper spiritual power, widely interpreted by scholars as a veiled reference to Satan's original rebellion and eventual downfall. Verse 19 serves as the concluding statement of this judgment, emphasizing the utter and irreversible destruction of this proud entity.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment and Humiliation: The verse highlights God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers, demonstrating His ability to humble even the most arrogant and seemingly invincible entities. The astonishment of those who knew Tyre signifies the dramatic reversal of its fortunes.
  • Irreversible Ruin: The phrase "never shalt thou be any more" underscores the finality and permanence of the judgment. It's not just a temporary setback but a complete cessation of its former glory and influence, serving as a stark warning against pride and self-exaltation. This resonates with the principle that pride goes before destruction.
  • Astonishment at Downfall: The "astonishment" of onlookers ("All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee") reflects the shocking nature of Tyre's demise, given its immense wealth, beauty, and power. It serves as a testament to the unexpected and devastating power of divine justice.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "astonished" is shamem, which conveys not just surprise, but a sense of desolation, horror, and utter amazement at the devastation witnessed. The phrase "thou shalt be a terror" (Hebrew: ballah) can be understood as "a dreadful ruin" or "an object of terror" due to the horrifying nature of its destruction. This emphasizes the profound and shocking collapse of what was once a source of admiration and fear.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 28:19 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  1. Warning Against Pride: It serves as a powerful reminder that earthly power, wealth, and beauty are fleeting. Any form of self-exaltation or trust in human achievements apart from God will ultimately lead to ruin.
  2. God's Sovereignty: The verse reaffirms God's ultimate control over history, nations, and even spiritual forces of evil. No entity, no matter how mighty, can stand against His righteous judgment.
  3. Focus on Eternal Values: It encourages a shift from pursuing temporal glory and material possessions to investing in eternal truths and a humble relationship with God. The temporary nature of all earthly kingdoms is starkly contrasted with the enduring nature of God's kingdom.
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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 26:21

    I will make thee a terror, and thou [shalt be] no [more]: though thou be sought for, yet shalt thou never be found again, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Revelation 18:21

    And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast [it] into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.

  • Revelation 18:15

    The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,

  • Revelation 18:19

    And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.

  • Ezekiel 26:14

    And I will make thee like the top of a rock: thou shalt be [a place] to spread nets upon; thou shalt be built no more: for I the LORD have spoken [it], saith the Lord GOD.

  • Isaiah 14:16

    They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, [and] consider thee, [saying, Is] this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;

  • Isaiah 14:19

    But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, [and as] the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet.