Ezekiel 26 6

Ezekiel 26:6 kjv

And her daughters which are in the field shall be slain by the sword; and they shall know that I am the LORD.

Ezekiel 26:6 nkjv

Also her daughter villages which are in the fields shall be slain by the sword. Then they shall know that I am the LORD.'

Ezekiel 26:6 niv

and her settlements on the mainland will be ravaged by the sword. Then they will know that I am the LORD.

Ezekiel 26:6 esv

and her daughters on the mainland shall be killed by the sword. Then they will know that I am the LORD.

Ezekiel 26:6 nlt

and its mainland villages will be destroyed by the sword. Then they will know that I am the LORD.

Ezekiel 26 verses

Ezekiel 26 6 Meaning

Ezekiel 26:6 declares that the satellite towns and dependent settlements of Tyre, which are located on the mainland, will suffer violent destruction by military conquest. This devastation is specifically orchestrated so that the inhabitants, and by extension other nations, will come to recognize and acknowledge the sovereignty and power of the God of Israel, YHWH. It highlights a divine purpose behind the judgment.

Ezekiel 26 6 Context

Ezekiel 26 is part of a series of prophecies against various surrounding nations (Eze 25-32), highlighting God's sovereign control over all peoples, not just Israel. Specifically, chapter 26 is directed against Tyre, a powerful Phoenician maritime city-state. Tyre rejoiced at the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon (Eze 26:2), seeing it as an opportunity to prosper further now that its rival trade route was eliminated. The prophecy details the complete downfall and destruction of Tyre, moving from its mainland territories to its famous island city. Verse 6 describes the initial phase of this judgment: the destruction of Tyre's more vulnerable, agricultural and outlying towns ("daughters in the field") which would precede the difficult siege of the main island fortress by Nebuchadnezzar's forces, setting the stage for its eventual fall. This immediate judgment also serves to affirm God's justice against national pride and malevolence.

Ezekiel 26 6 Word analysis

• Her daughters (בּנוֹתֶיהָ, b'notéha): Literally "her daughters." In biblical prophetic literature, this term often refers metaphorically to the dependent towns, villages, or settlements that surround a major capital city, drawing resources and protection from it. It implies these are the peripheral parts of Tyre's dominion.
• in the field (בַּשָּׂדֶה, ba'sadéh): "In the open country" or "in the cultivated land." This signifies areas outside the fortified city walls, making them vulnerable and easily accessible targets for an invading army. It differentiates these settlements from the highly protected island city of Tyre.
• shall be slain (יֵהָרְגוּ, yehar'gu): Passive voice, future tense, meaning "they shall be killed" or "slaughtered." It denotes a violent and complete cessation of life, specifically through military action rather than natural death.
• by the sword (בַחֶרֶב, va'khérev): The primary instrument of warfare in ancient times. This specifies the violent means of destruction, unequivocally indicating a military invasion and conquest. It underscores the severity and ruthlessness of the judgment.
• and they shall know (וְיָדְעוּ, v'yad'u): This phrase, frequently used in Ezekiel (dozens of times), signifies an experiential knowledge, a compelled recognition rather than mere intellectual understanding. It means they will perceive and acknowledge God's active involvement in human affairs.
• that I am the Lord (כִּי אֲנִי יְהוָה, ki ani YHWH): This is a profound declaration of divine self-revelation. "YHWH" (the tetragrammaton) is the personal name of Israel's God, denoting His covenant faithfulness and sovereign existence. The declaration asserts His uniqueness, supreme power, and authority over all creation and nations. It contrasts with pagan deities and human self-reliance.

• "Her daughters in the field": This phrase specifically targets the less fortified and more exposed areas of Tyre's territory, highlighting the initial vulnerability and ease of destruction for these outlying communities compared to the main island city. It paints a picture of comprehensive regional devastation before the core.
• "shall be slain by the sword": This direct and unambiguous statement foreshadows military action leading to widespread death and confirms the human agency (invading army) as God's instrument for judgment. It denotes a violent end for the population of these settlements.
• "and they shall know that I am the Lord": This concluding clause is crucial for understanding the theological purpose of the judgment. The destruction is not arbitrary but serves to demonstrate YHWH's sovereignty and His ability to execute justice upon nations that defy Him or act against His people. It ensures that the divine identity and authority are acknowledged.

Ezekiel 26 6 Bonus section

The fulfillment of this prophecy began with Nebuchadnezzar's 13-year siege against mainland Tyre starting around 586-573 BCE, following the destruction of Jerusalem. While Nebuchadnezzar reportedly managed to take the mainland portion, the island city of Tyre proved largely impenetrable at that time. Historical accounts confirm the destruction of many Phoenician towns on the mainland. This prophecy is distinct from the later, more complete destruction of the island city by Alexander the Great in 332 BCE, which involved using the rubble from mainland Tyre to build a causeway to the island. Thus, Ezekiel 26 describes a multi-stage fulfillment, starting with the vulnerable "daughters in the field." The consistent repetition of "know that I am the Lord" across Ezekiel’s prophecies underscores its primary function as a theological marker: all divine actions, whether in judgment or restoration, aim to reveal God's identity and power. This concept served as a polemic against the polytheism and regional deities prevalent in the ancient Near East, affirming YHWH's universal dominion.

Ezekiel 26 6 Commentary

Ezekiel 26:6 delivers a precise prophecy regarding the immediate fate of Tyre's mainland territories. "Her daughters in the field," representing Tyre's vulnerable satellite towns and agricultural communities, were destined for violent eradication by an invading army using "the sword." This initial phase of destruction by Nebuchadnezzar's forces would strip Tyre of its surrounding support and resources. Crucially, the ultimate purpose behind this devastating judgment, explicitly stated as "and they shall know that I am the Lord," serves as a profound theological statement. It asserts that through these historical events, the peoples involved, including Tyre's remnants and observing nations, would be forced to acknowledge the undeniable power, justice, and singular sovereignty of YHWH, the God of Israel. The destruction is not just punishment but a dramatic act of self-revelation, leaving no doubt about who truly governs the affairs of the world.