LINK: Ezekiel 27
BACKGROUND
North of Israel, along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, was the city of Tyre. It was a major seaport city, an important trade center, a significant player in world commerce. Many of the materials to build Solomon's temple came from this area. Chapter 26 told of Tyre's coming destruction, and chapter 27 is a funeral dirge over the city. In reality, Ezekiel would not grieve over Tyre's destruction, but this dirge is a literary expression of the coming events. Since Tyre was such a maritime city, it is metaphorically described as a ship in this dirge. Let's take a look at it.
The dirge begins with a description of the building of the ship (vs 3-7). It was made of the finest materials from various neighboring countries. It was beautiful and much admired by the nations.
The ship was staffed with rowers and pilots (vs 8-9). The crew came from surrounding cities, representing some of the nations that made it possible for Tyre to be so successful.
The image briefly shifts from the ship metaphor to the city of Tyre itself (vs 10-11). Tyre had an army of mercenary soldiers from other countries. They were paid to protect the city and its shipping enterprise. They did not expect the city to be attacked, because they hung their helmets and shields on the walls as decorations.
Next (vs 12-25) is a description of the trade business that Tyre did along the Mediterranean coast. They traded with everyone along the sea, selecting the best of each type of merchandise.
The metaphorical ship of Tyre was filled with goods and was very glorious (vs 25), but alas! The rowers brought it into the open water, right into a hurricane, where it is broken up and destroyed (vs 26-36). The east wind that destroys the ship (vs 26) refers to Babylon. The beautiful ship, its valuable cargo, and its entire crew would all be lost in the sea. All the surrounding people will feel the economic repercussions of this loss and will be appalled. Tyre would be no more.
REFLECTION/APPLICATION
No matter how wealthy or powerful a nation or a person is, God is still more powerful. He is truly sovereign over all kings and rulers and powers of the world, and no one is invincible in His eyes. This truth applies on a personal as well as a national level. In fact, it can apply at any level of life. Our pride will get us in trouble every time! Let's reflect today on God's sovereignty over us and adjust ourselves, our own thinking, to that of submission and humility.
PRAYER
Lord, your name is above all names, your power above all powers, your rule above all rulers, your wealth above all wealth, you are the LORD GOD! There is no other besides you. Give us a glimpse of you and let us be humbled before you. You are the glorious one who gives us life and being. We worship you! Amen.
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