Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Ezekiel 26:2

Next

Son of man, because that Tyrus hath said against Jerusalem, Aha, she is broken [that was] the gates of the people: she is turned unto me: I shall be replenished, [now] she is laid waste:

Son {H1121} of man {H120}, because that Tyrus {H6865} hath said {H559} against Jerusalem {H3389}, Aha {H1889}, she is broken {H7665} that was the gates {H1817} of the people {H5971}: she is turned {H5437} unto me: I shall be replenished {H4390}, now she is laid waste {H2717}:

"Human being, since Tzor has said against Yerushalayim, 'Ha! She is shattered, the gateway of the peoples. Now that she is ruined, her riches will be mine';

“Son of man, because Tyre has said of Jerusalem, ‘Aha! The gate to the nations is broken; it has swung open to me; now that she lies in ruins I will be filled,’

Son of man, because that Tyre hath said against Jerusalem, Aha, she is broken that was the gate of the peoples; she is turned unto me; I shall be replenished, now that she is laid waste:

Commentary

Ezekiel 26:2 initiates a powerful prophetic oracle against the ancient Phoenician city of Tyre (Tyrus), detailing its impending destruction. This verse reveals the immediate cause for God's judgment: Tyre's malicious satisfaction over the downfall of Jerusalem.

Context

This prophecy is delivered by the prophet Ezekiel, who was among the exiles in Babylon. It comes shortly after the devastating destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC. Jerusalem, once a thriving political and spiritual capital, a "gate of the people" (referring to its commercial and pilgrimage significance), lay in ruins. Tyre, a wealthy maritime city renowned for its trade networks across the Mediterranean, saw Jerusalem's ruin not with sympathy but with opportunistic glee. They believed Jerusalem's loss of influence and trade would directly benefit their own prosperity, allowing them to "be replenished" by absorbing routes and markets previously served by Jerusalem.

Key Themes

  • Schadenfreude and Malicious Joy: Tyre's exclamation "Aha!" signifies a perverse delight in Jerusalem's suffering. This attitude, celebrating the misfortune of others, particularly God's chosen people, is a recurring theme in divine judgment against nations.
  • Economic Opportunism: Tyre's statement, "she is turned unto me: I shall be replenished," clearly indicates their primary motivation was material gain. They viewed Jerusalem's destruction as a commercial advantage, paving the way for Tyre's increased wealth and dominance.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: This verse underscores God's active involvement in the affairs of nations. He sees and responds to the attitudes and actions of empires, demonstrating His sovereignty over human history and His commitment to justice. The subsequent chapters in Ezekiel detail the precise nature of Tyre's judgment for its pride and covetousness.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "Aha" is he'ah (הֶאָח), an interjection expressing triumph or malicious joy, often used in a derogatory or mocking way. It highlights the deeply offensive nature of Tyre's reaction in God's eyes. The phrase "gates of the people" (sha'are ammîm) emphasizes Jerusalem's former status as a significant international hub, a gateway for trade, travel, and religious pilgrimage, making its "broken" state a profound loss for many, yet a gain in Tyre's cynical view.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 26:2 serves as a powerful warning against the dangers of covetousness, pride, and celebrating the downfall of others. It reminds us:

  • Beware of Malicious Joy: Taking delight in another's misfortune, especially for personal gain, is condemned by God. Instead, believers are called to "rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep" (Romans 12:15).
  • God Sees All: No nation or individual's actions, even their hidden attitudes, escape God's notice. His justice is comprehensive.
  • Prosperity Gained Through Unrighteousness is Fleeting: Tyre's anticipated gain was ultimately short-lived, as God's judgment against it was severe and enduring. True and lasting prosperity comes from righteousness, not from opportunism at others' expense.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Isaiah 23:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.

  • Isaiah 23:18 (4 votes)

    And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the LORD: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the LORD, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.

  • Joel 3:4 (3 votes)

    Yea, and what have ye to do with me, O Tyre, and Zidon, and all the coasts of Palestine? will ye render me a recompence? and if ye recompense me, swiftly [and] speedily will I return your recompence upon your own head;

  • Jeremiah 25:22 (3 votes)

    And all the kings of Tyrus, and all the kings of Zidon, and the kings of the isles which [are] beyond the sea,

  • Ezekiel 36:2 (3 votes)

    Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the enemy hath said against you, Aha, even the ancient high places are ours in possession:

  • Joshua 19:29 (2 votes)

    And [then] the coast turneth to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre; and the coast turneth to Hosah; and the outgoings thereof are at the sea from the coast to Achzib:

  • Psalms 83:2 (2 votes)

    For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head.