Ezekiel 26:20

then I will bring you down with those who descend to the Pit, to the people of antiquity. I will make you dwell in the earth below like the ancient ruins, with those who descend to the Pit, so that you will no longer be inhabited or set in splendor in the land of the living.

Study Bible

then I will bring you down with those who descend to the Pit
This phrase indicates a divine judgment, where God declares that Tyre will be brought down to Sheol, often referred to as the Pit. In biblical terms, the Pit is a place of the dead, a realm of the departed spirits. This reflects the ultimate humiliation and destruction of Tyre, a once-proud and prosperous city. The imagery of descending to the Pit is used elsewhere in Scripture to describe the fate of the wicked (Isaiah 14:15, Psalm 28:1). It signifies a complete and irreversible downfall.

to the people of antiquity
The "people of antiquity" refers to those who have already died and are in Sheol. This suggests that Tyre's fate will be similar to that of ancient civilizations that have perished and been forgotten. It emphasizes the finality of Tyre's destruction, aligning with the biblical theme that no earthly power can withstand God's judgment. Historically, Tyre was a significant Phoenician city, known for its wealth and influence, but like many ancient powers, it was subject to divine retribution.

I will make you dwell in the earth below like the ancient ruins
This phrase underscores the desolation that will befall Tyre. The "earth below" is a metaphor for Sheol, and "ancient ruins" suggests a state of complete abandonment and decay. The comparison to ancient ruins highlights the inevitability of Tyre's fall, as even the mightiest cities eventually succumb to time and divine judgment. Archaeologically, ruins of ancient cities serve as a testament to the transient nature of human achievements.

with those who descend to the Pit
Reiterating the earlier phrase, this emphasizes the company Tyre will keep in its downfall. It will join the ranks of other nations and peoples who have faced God's judgment and now reside in Sheol. This repetition serves to reinforce the certainty and severity of the prophecy against Tyre. The Pit is a common biblical motif for the grave or the abode of the dead, symbolizing the end of earthly existence and glory.

so that you will no longer be inhabited
This part of the prophecy foretells the complete depopulation of Tyre. The city, once bustling with life and commerce, will become uninhabited. This aligns with the biblical theme of divine judgment leading to desolation, as seen in other prophecies against cities like Babylon (Isaiah 13:20) and Nineveh (Zephaniah 2:13-15). Historically, Tyre was besieged and eventually fell, fulfilling this prophecy of desolation.

or set in splendor in the land of the living
The phrase "set in splendor" refers to Tyre's former glory and prominence. The prophecy declares that Tyre will no longer be a place of beauty or significance among the living. This reflects the biblical principle that human pride and splendor are temporary and subject to God's sovereign will. The "land of the living" contrasts with the Pit, emphasizing the transition from life and prosperity to death and obscurity. This serves as a warning to all nations and individuals about the consequences of pride and defiance against God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He conveyed God's messages of judgment and restoration.

2. Tyre
An ancient and wealthy city-state located on the Mediterranean coast, known for its commerce and pride. It was a significant trading hub in the ancient world.

3. The Pit
A metaphorical term often used in the Bible to describe Sheol or the grave, representing death and the realm of the dead.

4. People of Antiquity
Refers to those who have died and are in the realm of the dead, emphasizing the finality and permanence of Tyre's judgment.

5. Lower Parts of the Earth
Symbolic of the grave or Sheol, indicating a place of death and separation from the living.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Pride
Tyre's downfall serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

The Certainty of God's Judgment
God's pronouncement against Tyre demonstrates His sovereignty and the certainty of His judgments. No nation or city is beyond His reach.

The Reality of Death and the Afterlife
The imagery of the Pit and the lower parts of the earth reminds us of the reality of death and the importance of being right with God.

The Transience of Earthly Wealth and Power
Tyre's wealth and influence could not save it from destruction. We are reminded to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.

Hope in God's Restoration
While this passage focuses on judgment, Ezekiel's broader message includes hope and restoration for those who turn to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the fate of Tyre in Ezekiel 26:20 serve as a warning for individuals and nations today?

2. In what ways does the imagery of the Pit and the lower parts of the earth challenge our understanding of life and death?

3. How can we guard against the pride and self-reliance that led to Tyre's downfall?

4. What parallels can we draw between the judgment of Tyre and the fall of Babylon in Revelation 18?

5. How does the certainty of God's judgment influence the way we live our daily lives and interact with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 14
This chapter also speaks of the downfall of a proud city, Babylon, and its descent into Sheol, drawing a parallel to Tyre's fate.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon the Great in Revelation echoes the judgment on Tyre, highlighting themes of pride, commerce, and divine retribution.

Psalm 88
This psalm uses similar language about the "Pit" and the "land of the dead," providing a poetic reflection on the themes of death and separation from God.