Ezekiel 26 2

Ezekiel 26:2 kjv

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:

Ezekiel 26:2 nkjv

"Son of man, because Tyre has said against Jerusalem, 'Aha! She is broken who was the gateway of the peoples; now she is turned over to me; I shall be filled; she is laid waste.'

Ezekiel 26:2 niv

"Son of man, because Tyre has said of Jerusalem, 'Aha! The gate to the nations is broken, and its doors have swung open to me; now that she lies in ruins I will prosper,'

Ezekiel 26:2 esv

"Son of man, because Tyre said concerning Jerusalem, 'Aha, the gate of the peoples is broken; it has swung open to me. I shall be replenished, now that she is laid waste,'

Ezekiel 26:2 nlt

"Son of man, Tyre has rejoiced over the fall of Jerusalem, saying, 'Ha! She who was the gateway to the rich trade routes to the east has been broken, and I am the heir! Because she has been made desolate, I will become wealthy!'

Ezekiel 26 verses

Ezekiel 26 2 Meaning

This verse, "Son of man, because Tyre has said against Jerusalem, 'Aha, the gate of the peoples is broken; it has swung open to me. Now I shall be replenished, inasmuch as she is ruined!'" (Ezekiel 26:2 ESV), conveys the proud and malicious gloating of the city of Tyre over the downfall of Jerusalem. Tyre, a prominent commercial and maritime power, rejoices at Jerusalem's destruction, viewing it as an opportunity for increased wealth and influence. They perceive Jerusalem's ruin as their own gain, believing that the prosperity formerly flowing to Jerusalem will now be redirected to Tyre. This statement highlights Tyre's self-centered, materialistic, and vengeful attitude towards God's people.

Ezekiel 26 2 Context

Ezekiel chapter 26 is a prophecy of judgment against the city of Tyre, a major Phoenician port city known for its immense wealth, powerful navy, and sophisticated trade networks. At the time of Ezekiel's prophecy, Tyre was at the height of its power, located on an island off the coast of Phoenicia. The chapter falls within Ezekiel's pronouncements of judgment against the surrounding nations who exulted over Jerusalem's devastation by Babylon. Jerusalem, the capital of Judah and the center of God's worship, had been conquered and its people taken into exile. Tyre, a contemporary pagan city, not only failed to show compassion but actively rejoiced at Jerusalem's ruin, seeing it as a strategic and economic advantage for itself. The verse specifically captures the scornful and opportunistic attitude of Tyre towards the suffering of God's covenant people.

Ezekiel 26 2 Word Analysis

• Son of man (בֶּן־אָדָם, ben-adam): This is Ezekiel's common appellation from God, emphasizing his humanity and God's commission as a messenger. It reminds him of his role as God's representative speaking to human nations.
• because (מִן, min): signifies the reason or cause for God's opposition to Tyre.
• Tyre (צֹר, Tsor): A powerful island city in Phoenicia, renowned for its maritime strength, trade, and wealth, but also for its pride and idolatry.
• has said (אָמְרָה, amrah): The perfect tense, indicating a completed or definitive statement, expressing a settled attitude of hostility.
• against (עַל, al): Indicates the direction of their words and feelings—directed towards and concerning Jerusalem.
• Jerusalem (יְרוּשָׁלַיִם, Yerushalayim): The holy city, capital of the kingdom of Judah, the dwelling place of God's presence. Its fall represented a great blow to God's people.
• Aha (הֶאָח, he'ach): An interjection expressing triumphant glee, derision, and malicious joy at another's misfortune. It captures the essence of Tyre's exultation.
• the gate (שַׁעַר, sha'ar): A literal gate, but here used metonymically for access, entrance, and a center of activity and commerce.
• of the peoples (לְעַמִּים, la'amim): Referring to nations, often with the sense of being a passage or a gateway for peoples, i.e., a cosmopolitan center.
• is broken (נָתֹץ, natots): "Broken" or "pulled down." It refers to the breaching and destruction of Jerusalem's fortifications.
• it has swung open (נִפְתְּחָה, niftachah): From the root meaning "to open." Implies free access and unobstructed passage, meaning opportunity.
• to me (אֵלַי, elai): Personal possession, signifying that this newfound "openness" or opportunity is for Tyre's exclusive benefit.
• now (עַתָּה, attah): Denotes the present time of perceived advantage.
• I shall be replenished (אָשֻׁבָה, ashuvah - often translated as "return," but in this context, and considering the subsequent phrase, "I shall be enriched" or "filled" is implied through the opportunistic gain): While shuv primarily means "to return," the context of Jerusalem's ruin opening doors for Tyre implies Tyre returning to a state of abundance or being filled with gains. This implies replenishment of their wealth.
• inasmuch as (יַעַן, ya'an): Means "because" or "since." It states the reason for their replenishment – the ruin of Jerusalem.
• she is ruined (הִיא חָרְבָה, hi charebah): "She is laid waste," "devastated," or "ruined." This refers to the destruction and desolation of Jerusalem.

Words Group Analysis:

• "the gate of the peoples is broken; it has swung open to me": This phrase metaphorically describes Jerusalem as a transit point or a center for various nations. Its breaking signifies the cessation of its former prominence and the disruption of its "access." For Tyre, this brokenness means an opening for them to seize what was once mediated through Jerusalem, particularly in terms of trade routes and influence. It highlights their desire to absorb or replace Jerusalem's role.
• "Now I shall be replenished, inasmuch as she is ruined": This statement epitomizes Tyre's ruthless self-interest. Tyre anticipates filling its coffers ("replenished") directly because of Jerusalem's devastation ("she is ruined"). It underscores their belief that the world operates on a zero-sum principle, where one nation's loss is another's gain, a philosophy diametrically opposed to God's will for His people and the nations.

Ezekiel 26 2 Bonus Section

The destruction of Jerusalem was a significant event, shaking the foundations of Israelite identity and faith. Tyre's reaction, therefore, was not just a comment on a geopolitical event but a perceived attack on God's covenant and chosen people. This pride of Tyre and its schadenfreude foreshadow the condemnation of worldly empires that often rejoice when they perceive the church or God's people weakened. The verse serves as a reminder that true security and prosperity do not come from exploiting the misfortunes of others but from aligning with God's purposes. The extensive prophecies against Tyre in Ezekiel 26-28 illustrate the gravity with which God views pride, maliciousness, and the exploitation of the vulnerable, particularly in the context of His covenant people.

Ezekiel 26 2 Commentary

Tyre's jubilant exclamation over Jerusalem's destruction reveals a deep-seated animosity and spiritual ignorance. They saw the downfall of God's chosen city as a mere political and economic opportunity. This reaction reflects a purely materialistic worldview, devoid of any regard for divine sovereignty or covenant relationships. Their glee stems from a self-serving calculation: Jerusalem's loss is Tyre's potential gain. The prophecy against Tyre underscores that God is deeply concerned not only with the prosperity of His people but also with the attitudes and actions of other nations toward them, especially in times of affliction. Tyre’s pride and joy in wickedness would ultimately lead to its own severe judgment, demonstrating that God protects His people and will hold accountable those who delight in their suffering and attempt to profit from their ruin.