Ezekiel 27:36
Those who trade among the nations hiss at you; you have come to a horrible end and will be no more.'"
Those who trade among the nations hiss at you;
This phrase highlights the reaction of international traders to the downfall of Tyre. Tyre was a major Phoenician port city known for its extensive trade networks across the Mediterranean. The "hiss" signifies scorn and derision, a common reaction to a once-great power's fall. In biblical context, hissing is often associated with judgment and derision (Jeremiah 19:8). The traders, who once benefited from Tyre's wealth, now mock its demise, illustrating the transient nature of worldly riches and alliances.

you have come to a horrible end
The "horrible end" refers to the complete destruction and desolation of Tyre. Historically, Tyre faced multiple sieges, most notably by Nebuchadnezzar II and later by Alexander the Great. This phrase underscores the fulfillment of prophetic judgment against Tyre for its pride and opposition to God's people (Ezekiel 26:3-14). Theologically, it serves as a warning against hubris and the consequences of turning away from God.

and will be no more.’”
This final phrase emphasizes the totality and permanence of Tyre's destruction. While the city was rebuilt after various sieges, the prophecy points to its ultimate insignificance and loss of former glory. This can be seen as a type of final judgment, reflecting the ultimate fate of all who oppose God's will. In a broader biblical context, it echoes the theme of divine justice and the eventual triumph of God's kingdom over earthly powers (Revelation 18:21).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He is the author of the book of Ezekiel, which contains prophecies and visions given by God.

2. Tyre
An ancient and wealthy city-state located on the Mediterranean coast, known for its trade and commerce. Tyre is the subject of Ezekiel's lamentation in chapter 27, symbolizing pride and eventual downfall.

3. Traders among the nations
These are the merchants and traders from various nations who engaged in commerce with Tyre. Their reaction to Tyre's downfall is one of astonishment and derision.

4. Nations
Refers to the various peoples and kingdoms that interacted with Tyre through trade. They witness Tyre's demise and respond with hissing, a sign of scorn and derision.

5. Horrible end
This phrase signifies the complete and devastating destruction of Tyre, marking the end of its prosperity and influence.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Pride
Tyre's downfall serves as a warning against the dangers of pride and self-reliance. Believers are encouraged to remain humble and dependent on God rather than their own achievements or wealth.

The Fleeting Nature of Worldly Wealth
The destruction of Tyre illustrates the temporary nature of material wealth and success. Christians are reminded to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The prophecy against Tyre demonstrates God's control over the rise and fall of nations. Believers can trust in God's ultimate authority and justice.

Witnessing to the World
The reaction of the nations to Tyre's fall highlights the importance of maintaining a godly witness. Christians should strive to reflect Christ in their interactions with the world.

Repentance and Restoration
While Tyre faced judgment, the broader biblical account offers hope of repentance and restoration through Christ. Believers are called to seek forgiveness and transformation.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the downfall of Tyre in Ezekiel 27:36 serve as a warning against pride in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our trust is in God rather than in material wealth or success?

3. How does the reaction of the nations to Tyre's destruction challenge us to maintain a godly witness in our communities?

4. What parallels can we draw between the fall of Tyre and the fall of Babylon in Revelation 18, and how do these parallels apply to modern society?

5. How can we apply the themes of repentance and restoration found in the broader context of Ezekiel to our personal spiritual journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 23
This chapter also contains a prophecy against Tyre, highlighting its pride and eventual downfall, similar to Ezekiel's lamentation.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon in Revelation echoes the themes of pride, wealth, and sudden destruction found in Ezekiel 27, drawing a parallel between Tyre and Babylon as symbols of worldly arrogance and materialism.

Proverbs 16:18
This verse speaks to the theme of pride leading to destruction, which is evident in the downfall of Tyre as described in Ezekiel 27.
A Celebration of Remarkable ProsperityW. Jones Ezekiel 27:1-36
A Proud CityW. Greenhill, M. A.Ezekiel 27:1-36
God's Observation of Our Business HoursEzekiel 27:1-36
Responsibility of City RulersT. De Witt Talmage.Ezekiel 27:1-36
The Fate of TyreJ. Parker, D. D.Ezekiel 27:1-36
The Position of Tyre on Land and SeaT. De Witt Talmage.Ezekiel 27:1-36
The Sin of TyreJohn Skinner, M. A.Ezekiel 27:1-36
Wreck of a Stately ShipJ.D. Davies Ezekiel 27:1-36
The Bewailing of the CityJ.R. Thomson Ezekiel 27:28-36
People
Aram, Ashurites, Dan, Dedan, Elishah, Ezekiel, Haran, Javan, Kedar, Kittim, Kittites, Lud, Lydia, Meshech, Phut, Tarshish, Togarmah, Tubal, Uzal, Zidon
Places
Arabia, Arvad, Asshur, Bashan, Canneh, Chilmad, Cyprus, Damascus, Dedan, Egypt, Elishah, Gamad, Gebal, Haran, Helbon, Helech, Javan, Kedar, Lebanon, Lud, Meshech, Minnith, Persia, Put, Sahar, Senir, Sheba, Sidon, Syria, Tarshish, Tigris-Euphrates Region, Tubal, Tyre, Uzal
Topics
Age, Business, Cease, Dreadful, Fear, Forever, Hast, Hiss, Horrible, Merchants, Nations, Nevermore, Peoples, Shrieked, Sounds, Surprise, Terrified, Terror, Wastes
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 27:1-36

     5587   trade

Ezekiel 27:2-36

     5899   lament

Ezekiel 27:25-36

     5517   seafaring

Library
Third Circuit of Galilee. The Twelve Instructed and Sent Forth.
^A Matt. IX. 35-38; X. 1, 5-42; XI. 1; ^B Mark VI. 6-13; ^C Luke IX. 1-6. ^b 6 And he ^a Jesus ^b went about ^a all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner sickness and all manner of sickness. [In the first circuit of Galilee some of the twelve accompanied Jesus as disciples (see [3]Section XXXIII.); in the second the twelve were with him as apostles; in the third they, too, are sent forth as evangelists to supplement
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Humility is the Root of Charity, and Meekness the Fruit of Both. ...
Humility is the root of charity, and meekness the fruit of both. There is no solid and pure ground of love to others, except the rubbish of self-love be first cast out of the soul; and when that superfluity of naughtiness is cast out, then charity hath a solid and deep foundation: "The end of the command is charity out of a pure heart," 1 Tim. i. 5. It is only such a purified heart, cleansed from that poison and contagion of pride and self-estimation, that can send out such a sweet and wholesome
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Second Great Group of Parables.
(Probably in Peræa.) Subdivision F. Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. ^C Luke XVI. 19-31. [The parable we are about to study is a direct advance upon the thoughts in the previous section. We may say generally that if the parable of the unjust steward teaches how riches are to be used, this parable sets forth the terrible consequences of a failure to so use them. Each point of the previous discourse is covered in detail, as will be shown by the references in the discussion of the parable.]
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Ezekiel
To a modern taste, Ezekiel does not appeal anything like so powerfully as Isaiah or Jeremiah. He has neither the majesty of the one nor the tenderness and passion of the other. There is much in him that is fantastic, and much that is ritualistic. His imaginations border sometimes on the grotesque and sometimes on the mechanical. Yet he is a historical figure of the first importance; it was very largely from him that Judaism received the ecclesiastical impulse by which for centuries it was powerfully
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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