Ezekiel 28:7

KJV

Behold, therefore I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations: and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, therefore I will bring {H935} strangers {H2114} upon thee, the terrible {H6184} of the nations {H1471}: and they shall draw {H7324} their swords {H2719} against the beauty {H3308} of thy wisdom {H2451}, and they shall defile {H2490} thy brightness {H3314}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will bring foreigners against you, the most barbarous of the nations, to draw their swords against your fine wisdom and defile your splendor.

Berean Standard Bible

behold, I will bring foreigners against you, the most ruthless of nations. They will draw their swords against the beauty of your wisdom and will defile your splendor.

American Standard Version

therefore, behold, I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations; and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 28:7 pronounces God's impending judgment upon Tyre, specifically targeting its proud and self-exalting ruler. The verse declares that God will bring formidable foreign invaders, described as "strangers" and "terrible of the nations," who will violently attack and desecrate the very sources of Tyre's pride: its renowned wisdom, strategic brilliance, and opulent splendor. This divine decree underscores the fragility of human power and glory when confronted by the sovereign will of God, serving as a stark warning against arrogance and self-sufficiency.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 28 is part of a larger section within the book of Ezekiel (chapters 25-32) containing prophecies against various foreign nations that had either oppressed Israel or boasted against God. Specifically, chapters 26-28 focus on the wealthy and influential Phoenician city-state of Tyre. The chapter opens with a powerful oracle against the "Prince of Tyre" (verses 1-10), who is condemned for his extreme pride, self-deification, and belief that his immense wisdom and riches were products of his own inherent divinity. This hubris, detailed in verses 2-6, sets the stage for the divine retribution declared in verse 7. The subsequent verses (8-10) elaborate on the violent and humiliating death awaiting this prince, emphasizing that he is merely a man, not a god. This particular verse, therefore, directly follows the indictment of the prince's pride and initiates the pronouncement of the specific means of his downfall.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was an ancient and powerful Phoenician city, renowned for its maritime trade, strategic location on an island, and immense wealth. Its merchants were famous throughout the ancient world, and its commercial acumen was legendary, leading to great prosperity and influence. This wealth fostered a deep sense of self-reliance and pride, as the city believed itself impregnable due to its island fortifications and vast resources. Historically, the "strangers" and "terrible of the nations" refer primarily to the Neo-Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar II, who laid siege to Tyre for thirteen years (c. 586-573 BC). This prolonged siege, though not immediately resulting in the city's complete destruction, significantly weakened its power and prestige, fulfilling the prophetic pronouncements of its defilement and loss of glory. The cultural context highlights a common ancient Near Eastern belief in the invincibility of powerful city-states, a belief that Ezekiel's prophecy directly challenges by asserting Yahweh's ultimate sovereignty over all nations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes found throughout Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over history and His willingness to use even pagan empires, such as Babylon, as instruments of His righteous wrath against human pride and sin, a concept also seen in [Isaiah's prophecy against Assyria](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - God's Rod of Anger"). Secondly, the central theme of **Consequences of Pride** is starkly illustrated. The Prince of Tyre's self-exaltation and presumed invincibility directly lead to his downfall, serving as a timeless warning that [pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction"). Finally, the verse highlights the **Vulnerability of Earthly Glory**. Tyre's "wisdom" and "brightness"—its material wealth, strategic brilliance, and perceived beauty—are revealed as ultimately fragile and temporary when confronted by divine judgment. No human achievement or material possession can stand against God's decree, echoing the sentiment that [all flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field](/isaiah/40-6 "Isaiah 40:6 - The Fleeting Nature of Human Glory").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strangers (Hebrew, _zûwr'_):** From H2114, a primitive root meaning "to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane." It can also refer to committing adultery. In this context, it emphasizes the alien, external, and unwelcome nature of the invaders. They are not allies or familiar entities but outsiders who will disrupt and profane Tyre's established order and sacred spaces.
* **Terrible (Hebrew, _ʻârîyts'_):** From H6184, meaning "fearful, i.e. powerful or tyrannical; mighty, oppressor, in great power, strong, violent." This word describes the character of the nations God will bring against Tyre. It highlights their ruthless, oppressive, and destructive nature, underscoring the severity and ferocity of the impending judgment. These are not merely invaders but instruments of overwhelming, terrifying force.
* **Defile (Hebrew, _châlal'_):** From H2490, a primitive root meaning "to bore, i.e. (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin." In this context, "defile" signifies the stripping away of Tyre's perceived glory, dignity, and special status. It means to profane, pollute, or make common, reducing its "brightness" and "wisdom" to something contemptible and ruined. This is a powerful image of desecration, implying a loss of honor and sacredness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, therefore I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations":** This opening clause serves as a solemn declaration of divine intent. "Behold" (הִנֵּה, _hinneh_) signals a momentous and certain pronouncement. "Therefore" links this judgment directly to the Prince of Tyre's pride and self-exaltation detailed in the preceding verses. God explicitly states His active role ("I will bring") in orchestrating the invasion, identifying the invaders as "strangers" (foreigners) and "the terrible of the nations" (powerful, ruthless, and terrifying forces). This underscores God's sovereignty over all nations, using them as instruments of His will.
* **"and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom,"** This clause specifies the target and method of the invaders' attack. The "swords" represent violent military action and destruction. Crucially, these swords are directed not just against Tyre's physical defenses but metaphorically "against the beauty of thy wisdom." This refers to Tyre's renowned commercial shrewdness, strategic brilliance, and the wealth and splendor it generated. The "beauty" implies the admiration and pride Tyre took in its intellectual and economic prowess. The attack signifies the dismantling and discrediting of Tyre's most cherished attributes.
* **"and they shall defile thy brightness."** This concluding clause describes the ultimate outcome of the judgment: desecration and humiliation. "Brightness" (יִפְעָה, _yiphʻâh_) refers to Tyre's splendor, glory, and radiant reputation, often associated with its opulence, magnificent architecture, and global influence. To "defile" (חָלַל, _châlal_) means to profane, pollute, or render common. This signifies the stripping away of Tyre's honor, its reduction from a glorious, admired city to one that is disgraced, humiliated, and stripped of its former luster, a stark contrast to the divine glory it had implicitly usurped.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 28:7 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey the gravity of God's judgment. The most prominent is **Personification**, where abstract qualities like "wisdom" and "brightness" are treated as if they have physical form that can be attacked by "swords" and "defiled." This vivid imagery emphasizes that the very essence of Tyre's identity and pride will be targeted and annihilated, not just its physical structures. There is also a strong element of **Irony** at play; what Tyre considered its greatest strengths—its wisdom and splendor—become the very objects of divine wrath, leading to its downfall. This highlights the futility of human self-reliance when confronted with God's sovereignty. Furthermore, the phrase "terrible of the nations" serves as a powerful **Metonymy**, where the attribute (terrible) stands for the entity (the terrifying nations), emphasizing their destructive nature. The entire verse functions as a **Prophetic Oracle**, a direct divine pronouncement of future events, conveying certainty and inevitability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 28:7 is a profound theological statement on the nature of divine justice and the perils of human pride. It reveals God's active involvement in the affairs of nations, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers. The judgment on Tyre serves as a timeless warning that any nation or individual that exalts itself, attributing its success and wisdom solely to its own abilities rather than acknowledging God, will face divine opposition. This principle is deeply embedded in biblical theology, emphasizing that true wisdom and lasting glory are found only in God. The verse underscores the transient nature of all earthly achievements and possessions, reminding us that material wealth, intellectual prowess, and worldly splendor are ultimately fleeting and vulnerable to collapse when they become objects of idolatry or sources of arrogant self-sufficiency.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud")
* [Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - God Uses Assyria as His Instrument")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 28:7 offers critical insights for contemporary life, urging us to examine the foundations of our security and identity. In a world that often celebrates self-made success, material accumulation, and intellectual brilliance, this verse serves as a potent reminder that true wisdom and lasting fulfillment originate from God alone. It challenges us to cultivate profound humility, recognizing that all our gifts, talents, and achievements are ultimately derived from His grace. When we allow our hearts to be lifted up by our own accomplishments, or when we trust in our own "wisdom" and "brightness" more than in the Creator, we risk inviting divine correction and experiencing the defilement of what we hold most dear. The ultimate lesson is to guard against the subtle but destructive sin of self-idolatry, shifting our trust from fleeting earthly glories to the unchanging and eternal glory of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be prone to self-exaltation or relying on your own wisdom and strength rather than God's?**
* **How does the transient nature of Tyre's "beauty" and "brightness" challenge your own perception of security and success in the world?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate greater humility and dependence on God in your daily life?**
* **How can recognizing God's sovereignty over nations and history impact your prayers and perspective on current global events?**

### FAQ

**Who are the "strangers" and "terrible of the nations" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "strangers" and "terrible of the nations" primarily refer to the Neo-Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar II. Historically, Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Tyre for thirteen years (c. 586-573 BC), significantly weakening its power and prestige. This prophecy highlights God's sovereignty, as He uses even pagan empires as instruments of His judgment against those who oppose Him or become lifted up in pride, as seen in [Isaiah's prophecy regarding Assyria](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - God's Rod of Anger").

**What does it mean for the invaders to "draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness"?**

Answer: This is a powerful metaphorical expression. "Drawing swords against the beauty of thy wisdom" signifies that the very source of Tyre's pride—its renowned commercial shrewdness, strategic brilliance, and the wealth it generated—would be directly attacked and discredited. It implies the dismantling of its economic and political power structures. To "defile thy brightness" means to profane, pollute, or strip away Tyre's splendor, glory, and radiant reputation, reducing it from a magnificent and admired city to one that is disgraced, humiliated, and stripped of its former luster. It's a prophecy of profound humiliation and loss of honor.

**How does this prophecy against Tyre relate to other prophecies in Ezekiel?**

Answer: This prophecy is part of a larger series of oracles against foreign nations in Ezekiel, specifically chapters 25-32. These prophecies collectively demonstrate God's universal sovereignty, His justice against all forms of human pride and idolatry, and His ultimate control over history. The condemnation of Tyre, particularly its prince, for self-deification and arrogance, serves as a prime example of God's judgment against those who exalt themselves above Him, a theme echoed in other prophetic books like [Isaiah 14](/isaiah/14 "Isaiah 14 - Prophecy Against Babylon") and [Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humiliation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 28:7, with its stark portrayal of judgment against human pride and the transient nature of earthly glory, finds its ultimate fulfillment and counterpoint in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Prince of Tyre's self-exaltation and belief in his own wisdom and brightness stand in stark contrast to Christ, who, though truly divine, "did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). Where Tyre's wisdom was earthly and led to its downfall, Christ is the very embodiment of divine wisdom, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")). The "brightness" of Tyre, which was defiled and destroyed, points to the true and eternal light found in Christ, who is "the light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), a light that "shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" ([John 1:5](/john/1-5 "John 1:5 - The Light Shines in the Darkness")). Ultimately, while the "terrible of the nations" brought judgment upon Tyre, Christ himself bore the judgment for the sins of humanity, offering salvation and true, undefilable glory to all who humble themselves and trust in Him. His kingdom, unlike Tyre's, is an everlasting kingdom, and its glory will never be defiled, for its light is the Lamb himself ([Revelation 21:23-24](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Lamb is its Lamp")).

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 31:12

And strangers, the terrible of the nations, have cut him off, and have left him: upon the mountains and in all the valleys his branches are fallen, and his boughs are broken by all the rivers of the land; and all the people of the earth are gone down from his shadow, and have left him.

Ezekiel 32:12

By the swords of the mighty will I cause thy multitude to fall, the terrible of the nations, all of them: and they shall spoil the pomp of Egypt, and all the multitude thereof shall be destroyed.

Ezekiel 30:11

He and his people with him, the terrible of the nations, shall be brought to destroy the land: and they shall draw their swords against Egypt, and fill the land with the slain.

Habakkuk 1:6

For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, [that] bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces [that are] not theirs.

Habakkuk 1:8

Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle [that] hasteth to eat.

Isaiah 23:8

Who hath taken this counsel against Tyre, the crowning [city], whose merchants [are] princes, whose traffickers [are] the honourable of the earth?

Isaiah 23:9

The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, [and] to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth.