Ezekiel 26-28

In these three chapters the Lord speaks through the prophet against the city of Tyre, and in this there are multiple fulfillings of God’s plans to judge them. The city of Tyre was located on the Mediterranean coast north of Israel, in the region now within Lebanon. The city of Tyre was the economic hub of the Phoenician empire, which was sea-based, and the center of international trade on the Mediterranean sea for the better part of 1,000 years.

As predicted in chapter 26, Nebuchadnezzar came and completely destroyed the city of Tyre on the coast, after more than a decade of siege. However, history tells us that before he destroyed the city, the vast majority of the population had moved to an island about 1/2 mile off the coast, which was largely considered to be impregnable.

In chapter 27 the focus shifts to Tyre in the “midst of the sea”, and it’s future destruction, which was ultimately accomplished by Alexander the Great some 250 years after Nebuchadnezzar. Using the rock remains of the original city of Tyre, Alexander built a causeway all the way out to the island, and then laid siege and destroyed it.

In chapter 28 there is a prophetic shift from the “prince” of Tyre, to the “king” of Tyre, which is clearly speaking of Lucifer as it’s true king, and providing a brief view of his career in heaven before the fall (Ezekiel 28:12-15). Compare this passage with Isaiah 14:12-15.