Ezekiel 27 2

Ezekiel 27:2 kjv

Now, thou son of man, take up a lamentation for Tyrus;

Ezekiel 27:2 nkjv

"Now, son of man, take up a lamentation for Tyre,

Ezekiel 27:2 niv

"Son of man, take up a lament concerning Tyre.

Ezekiel 27:2 esv

"Now you, son of man, raise a lamentation over Tyre,

Ezekiel 27:2 nlt

"Son of man, sing a funeral song for Tyre,

Ezekiel 27 verses

Ezekiel 27 2 Meaning

This verse addresses Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city renowned for its maritime trade and immense wealth. It is portrayed as a commercial and political power that has reached the pinnacle of its glory and influence. The imagery suggests a queen among cities, possessing unmatched splendor and commanding global respect.

Ezekiel 27 2 Context

This chapter, Ezekiel 27, is a detailed and elaborate oracle concerning the city of Tyre. Ezekiel, acting as a prophet of God, is given a vision and instructions to lament the impending fall of Tyre. The chapter meticulously describes Tyre's extensive trade, its maritime power, its skilled craftsmanship, and its eventual destruction. The immediate context leading into verse 2 is God's instruction to Ezekiel to prophesy against Tyre and its pride. Tyre was a major Phoenician city known for its wealth, seafaring prowess, and influence, making it a symbol of earthly power and prosperity.

Ezekiel 27 2 Word Analysis

• Son of man: This is a common prophetic formula used by God to address Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and the divine authority behind his message. It calls him to set his attention and focus on the subject of prophecy.
• Set your face against: This phrase signifies a direct, unwavering, and determined confrontation. It indicates a spiritual and prophetic opposition targeted specifically at the named entity.
• Sidon: While the verse specifically names Sidon, historical and prophetic contexts often associate Tyre and Sidon as leading cities of Phoenicia, with similar characteristics of pride, wealth, and maritime trade. The prophecy against Tyre encompasses the broader spirit of these prosperous but often arrogant coastal cities. In some prophetic traditions, they represent entities that resist God's people or God's ultimate dominion.

Ezekiel 27 2 Bonus Section

The extended lament for Tyre in Ezekiel 27 illustrates God’s sovereignty over all nations, regardless of their commercial or political might. The detailed description of Tyre’s trading partners and exotic goods showcases the vastness of its reach and the source of its pride. This pride is a common theme in prophetic literature, often leading to a fall, as seen in parallels with Babylon, Egypt, and other proud nations. The eventual destruction of Tyre, though a historical event (partially fulfilled by Nebuchadnezzar and Alexander the Great), also carries eschatological significance, pointing to the judgment of all human systems that exalt themselves against God. The emphasis on maritime trade and seafaring in Ezekiel’s description can be seen as an ancient parallel to modern global commerce and the "ships of Tarshish" can be understood metaphorically to represent great economic powers of any age.

Ezekiel 27 2 Commentary

Ezekiel is commissioned to pronounce a judgment, a dirge, upon Tyre, which is depicted here metaphorically as a magnificent vessel. The introductory phrase, "Son of man," establishes Ezekiel's role as a human mouthpiece for God. The command to "set your face against" highlights the intentional and resolute nature of the prophetic pronouncement. Although "Sidon" is mentioned, the subsequent prophecy (chapter 27) focuses on Tyre. This can be understood either as Sidon being representative of Tyre, or as a pointer to the broader judgment upon the Phoenician coast. Tyre, like a magnificent ship sailing the seas, symbolized commercial power, advanced craftsmanship, and formidable influence, but also a deep-seated pride and potential opposition to God’s kingdom. The verse thus sets the stage for a detailed exposé of Tyre's splendor and the divine decree of its inevitable downfall due to its hubris.