Ezekiel 26: Expository Sermon Preaching and Study Guide for Church Leaders

Overview

Ezekiel 26 is a prophecy given to the prophet Ezekiel concerning the ancient city of Tyre. This chapter is part of a larger section of Ezekiel where God pronounces judgment against the nations that opposed Israel. In this particular chapter, God declares His judgment upon Tyre because of its prideful response to Jerusalem’s downfall. When Jerusalem was attacked, Tyre rejoiced, believing that the destruction of God’s chosen city would open new economic opportunities for itself. Tyre saw Jerusalem’s fall as a chance to expand its trade and wealth, showing no compassion for God’s people.

In response to this sinful arrogance, God declares that He will bring nations, led by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, against Tyre. These nations will destroy its walls, break down its towers, and reduce the city to ruins. The prophecy describes how Tyre will become a bare rock, a place where fishermen spread their nets. The chapter concludes by proclaiming that Tyre’s downfall will be a display of God’s righteous judgment and a clear demonstration that He is the Lord.

Theologically, Ezekiel 26 highlights God’s sovereign control over nations and history. Tyre’s wealth, power, and influence cannot protect it from divine judgment. The chapter affirms that God holds all nations accountable, especially when they rejoice in the suffering of His people. It reinforces the biblical truth that God is not only the God of Israel but the God over all the earth, and He will not allow pride, greed, and injustice to go unpunished. This prophecy stands as a reminder that God’s word is absolutely true and trustworthy, and His judgments are always just and righteous.

Historical and Literary Context

Ezekiel 26 was delivered during the early years of the Babylonian exile, around 587 BC, after the initial fall of Jerusalem to Babylon. Ezekiel, who was living in exile in Babylon at the time, was called by God to proclaim messages not only to Israel but also to the surrounding nations. Tyre, located along the Mediterranean coast to the north of Israel, was a powerful and wealthy city-state renowned for its extensive maritime trade and its economic dominance in the ancient Near East. Tyre’s wealth came from its strategic location as a major port city, enabling it to control trade routes between Egypt, Mesopotamia, and beyond.

The prophecy is delivered in poetic form, filled with vivid imagery that portrays the complete destruction of Tyre. The literary style reflects prophetic announcements of judgment, with repeated statements of God’s action: “I am against you,” and “then they will know that I am the Lord.” This repetition reinforces the certainty and authority of God’s judgment. The description of Tyre’s destruction, including its stones being thrown into the sea and its land becoming a barren rock, communicates a total and irreversible downfall.

From a historical standpoint, the prophecy aligns with events in the ancient world. Nebuchadnezzar did indeed lay siege to Tyre shortly after the fall of Jerusalem. While the siege lasted many years and the mainland city was eventually conquered, the prophecy’s long-term fulfillment also points forward to later conquests, including Tyre’s ultimate ruin by Alexander the Great centuries later. The conservative evangelical view affirms that these prophecies were not exaggerated poetry but literal predictions, proving that God’s word is entirely trustworthy and inerrant. Every detail of Ezekiel’s prophecy, though fulfilled over time, demonstrates God’s sovereign hand over history and His faithfulness to fulfill His word.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

One of the central themes of Ezekiel 26 is the absolute sovereignty of God over nations and history. Tyre’s rise and fall were not ultimately determined by its economic strategies or military alliances but by God’s divine decree. This highlights the doctrine of God’s providence – that God governs all things according to His perfect will, and no nation or power can resist His purposes. Nations may plot their own futures, but ultimately, the Lord alone directs the course of history.

Another major theme is the danger of pride and self-exaltation. Tyre’s arrogance, celebrating Jerusalem’s destruction for its own gain, reveals the sinful heart that sees God’s judgment as an opportunity for personal profit rather than a call to humility. This connects to the biblical teaching that pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. God’s judgment upon Tyre serves as a warning that human pride, especially when it delights in the downfall of God’s people, will not escape divine punishment.

Ezekiel 26 also emphasizes the reality and certainty of divine judgment. God’s holiness demands that sin be dealt with, and when nations or individuals violate His standards, judgment will surely come. The judgment on Tyre shows that God’s justice is not confined to Israel but extends to all nations, affirming that God is the universal King and Judge.

The chapter further points to the importance of God’s covenant faithfulness. Though God allows Jerusalem’s fall due to its own sin, He does not abandon His covenant promises to His people. Tyre’s mistake was thinking that Jerusalem’s destruction meant the end of God’s purposes for Israel. This was a false assumption. God’s covenant with His people stands, and the nations that mistreat Israel will answer to God.

Together, these themes reinforce the authority of Scripture, showing that God’s word, spoken through the prophets, is true in every detail. Ezekiel’s prophecy is not just an ancient message for Tyre; it is a living demonstration of God’s character – holy, sovereign, just, and faithful – and these truths are foundational to all of evangelical theology.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis

In the first section of Ezekiel 26, God directly speaks to the prophet Ezekiel, delivering a message of judgment against the city of Tyre. This is not Ezekiel’s own opinion, nor is it the result of political analysis-it is the sovereign word of God. The passage begins with a clear time reference, rooting the prophecy in real history. This emphasis on historical precision reflects the reliability and inerrancy of God’s word. The judgment comes because Tyre openly rejoiced over the fall of Jerusalem, seeing it as a moment to increase its own wealth and power at the expense of God’s people.

In this passage, Tyre’s sin is more than simple joy at a competitor’s downfall; it is prideful rejoicing in the suffering of God’s covenant people. Throughout Scripture, God consistently warns against this attitude. Proverbs teaches that God hates haughty eyes and a heart that rejoices in evil. Obadiah also condemns Edom for gloating over Jerusalem’s fall. This pattern reveals an important doctrinal truth-God holds nations accountable not only for their own sins but also for how they treat His people. This connects directly to God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis, that those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse Israel will be cursed.

The prophecy then moves into a detailed announcement of Tyre’s destruction. God declares that He will bring many nations against Tyre, like the waves of the sea crashing against its walls. This imagery is not just poetic; it communicates a literal and repeated invasion over time, first by Nebuchadnezzar and later by other powers like Alexander the Great. God’s sovereign hand is the guiding force behind these historical events. The doctrine of God’s providence is clearly displayed-God directs the nations for His purposes, even using pagan empires like Babylon as instruments of His judgment.

The prophecy further describes how Tyre’s walls will be torn down and its towers destroyed. The rubble from the city will be thrown into the sea, leaving the city like a bare rock where fishermen spread their nets. This image connects to the physical reality of Tyre’s destruction. After Nebuchadnezzar’s long siege, Tyre was largely ruined. Later, Alexander the Great would fulfill this prophecy even more literally, using the debris from the mainland city to build a causeway out to Tyre’s island fortress. The accuracy of these predictions affirms the trustworthiness and authority of Scripture. This is not exaggerated language; it is a literal prophecy fulfilled in history.

Another section declares that Tyre’s wealth and trade will come to an end. Tyre was famous for its merchant fleets, luxury goods, and economic dominance. Its commercial success made it arrogant, believing that wealth made it secure. This is a clear biblical warning about trusting in riches. Jesus Himself teaches that it is hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. Paul later warns Timothy that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Tyre’s example proves that no amount of economic power can protect a nation or individual from God’s judgment.

The prophecy also speaks of Tyre’s leaders being slain and its people trembling in fear. This reinforces the biblical teaching that no human ruler can stand against God. The kings of the earth take their stand against the Lord, but He who sits in the heavens laughs. This connects to Psalm 2, which shows that God’s authority over nations is absolute.

The chapter closes with a powerful statement that Tyre’s downfall will cause surrounding nations to tremble and recognize that God Himself has acted. This reinforces the doctrine of God’s glory-His works in history reveal who He is. Tyre thought its fate was in its own hands, but the reality is that God alone determines the destiny of nations. This truth is echoed throughout Scripture, from Isaiah’s declarations that the nations are like a drop in the bucket to Paul’s sermon in Athens where he proclaims that God determines the times and places of nations.

In application, this passage warns believers against the sin of pride. Whether individually or nationally, trusting in wealth, power, or human strength will always lead to downfall. It also reminds God’s people that He will vindicate His name and His people. Though the world may mock or profit from the suffering of God’s people, judgment is certain. This chapter encourages believers to trust God’s justice, knowing that He sees every injustice and will act in His perfect time.

Ezekiel 26 ultimately calls the church to proclaim the fear of the Lord to a world that, like Tyre, exalts wealth and power over righteousness and humility. Christians must remember that God’s word never fails, and just as every prophecy against Tyre came true, so will every promise of redemption and restoration for those who trust in Christ.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis

Verse 1

This verse establishes the timing of the prophecy, tying it to a specific historical moment in the eleventh year. This is critical because it anchors God’s Word in real history, showing that the prophecy is not vague or symbolic, but a message given in an actual time and place. This reinforces the inerrancy of Scripture by demonstrating that biblical prophecy deals with historical events under God’s sovereign control. This reminds today’s believers that God’s Word is not a collection of abstract spiritual ideas but real revelation spoken into the real world, shaping history itself.

Verse 2

In this verse, Tyre’s sin is exposed. Tyre rejoices at the fall of Jerusalem, seeing it as an opportunity for economic gain. Tyre’s attitude reveals a heart of greed and pride, taking pleasure in the suffering of God’s chosen city. This connects to Obadiah’s warning to Edom for celebrating Jerusalem’s fall, and to Proverbs, which teaches that God hates a heart that rejoices in evil. Doctrinally, this verse reveals that God watches not only actions but attitudes. Application for believers today warns against celebrating when rivals fall, reminding us that God calls His people to compassion, not selfish gain.

Verse 3

Here, God Himself declares that He is against Tyre. This shows that God’s judgment is personal, not impersonal fate or random tragedy. The sovereign Lord actively brings judgment upon nations that exalt themselves. This connects to James, where God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. It reinforces the doctrine of divine sovereignty-that God governs not only individuals but entire nations according to His righteous will. For believers today, this teaches reverence for God’s authority over national and global events.

Verse 4

This verse describes how God will break down Tyre’s defenses. Its walls and towers will be torn down, showing that human strength, wealth, and security mean nothing when God acts in judgment. This connects to Psalm 127, which teaches that unless the Lord watches over a city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. Doctrinally, this teaches the futility of trusting in human defenses. Application reminds Christians not to place ultimate confidence in wealth, power, or security, but to trust fully in God.

Verse 5

This prophecy declares that Tyre will become a bare rock where fishermen spread their nets. This is not poetic exaggeration but a precise prediction that was literally fulfilled. Alexander the Great later used the rubble of the mainland city to build a causeway to the island, fulfilling this to the letter. This confirms the doctrine of biblical inerrancy-the accuracy of prophecy proves that God’s Word is completely trustworthy. For today’s believer, this teaches that God’s promises, whether judgment or blessing, are always fulfilled in exact detail.

Verse 6

This verse foretells the slaughter of Tyre’s inhabitants. God’s judgment affects all aspects of a nation-its economy, leadership, and people. This connects to Romans, which declares that the wages of sin is death. Doctrinally, this reinforces the seriousness of sin and the reality of divine wrath. Application calls Christians to warn others about the reality of God’s judgment and to pray for repentance and mercy upon their own nations.

Verses 7-11

These verses describe God’s use of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, as the instrument of judgment against Tyre. This reveals the doctrine of providence-God uses even pagan rulers to accomplish His purposes. This is similar to Isaiah’s prophecy about Cyrus, whom God calls His anointed, though Cyrus did not know Him. For today’s believer, this teaches that God is in control even over rulers who do not acknowledge Him. Application encourages Christians to trust that God works through all political events for His sovereign purposes, even when the circumstances seem dark.

Verse 12

Here, God declares that Tyre’s wealth and trade will be plundered. Tyre’s economy, built on pride and exploitation, will collapse. This connects to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew, warning against storing up treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy. Doctrinally, this teaches the fleeting nature of wealth when it is separated from obedience to God. Application reminds Christians to invest in eternal treasures through obedience, generosity, and kingdom work, rather than pursuing temporary riches.

Verse 13

This verse declares that Tyre’s joyful music will cease. Celebration and prosperity will be replaced with silence and grief. This connects to Revelation, where Babylon’s downfall is marked by the silence of its harps and singers. Doctrinally, this teaches that human glory is temporary and that only God’s kingdom endures. Application calls believers to find their ultimate joy in the unshakable kingdom of Christ, not in temporary pleasures.

Verse 14

God promises that Tyre will never be rebuilt to its former glory. This prophecy was fulfilled literally, as Tyre never regained its ancient power and prestige. This affirms the doctrine of prophecy-that God’s Word always comes to pass exactly as He declares. It also reinforces God’s sovereignty over human history. Application encourages believers to trust that every promise of Scripture, whether for judgment or restoration, will be fulfilled with the same precision.

Verses 15-18

These verses describe the reaction of surrounding nations. When they see Tyre’s fall, they tremble with fear. This shows that God’s judgment is meant to be a testimony to the world, revealing His holiness and power. This connects to Psalm 46, where God’s works make the nations know that He is God. Doctrinally, this teaches that history itself is a stage for God to reveal His glory. Application encourages Christians to interpret global events through the lens of God’s sovereign purpose and to use moments of crisis to call people to repentance.

Verse 19

This verse describes Tyre sinking into the deep, covered by the waters. This imagery reflects both physical destruction and spiritual judgment. It echoes Genesis, where judgment by flood covered the earth, and Revelation, where Babylon is cast down like a millstone into the sea. Doctrinally, this teaches the completeness of divine judgment. Application urges believers to flee from sin and find refuge in Christ before the final judgment comes.

Verse 20

God declares that Tyre will descend to the realm of the dead, joining other once-great nations in the grave. This points to the certainty of death and judgment, connecting to Hebrews, which teaches that it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment. Doctrinally, this affirms that every person and nation must stand before God. Application calls believers to live with eternity in mind, knowing that this life is temporary, but God’s judgment is final.

Verse 21

The chapter closes with God declaring that Tyre will be no more, and that those who search for it will not find it. This final word of judgment shows that God’s decisions are final and irreversible. It echoes Revelation, where the fall of Babylon is celebrated as a demonstration of God’s perfect justice. Doctrinally, this teaches that God always completes what He starts-His judgments are not halfway measures, but fully executed according to His righteous will. Application calls believers to reverent fear of God and to the comfort of knowing that evil will not endure forever. Ultimately, God’s justice will prevail.

This verse-by-verse analysis confirms the reliability of God’s Word, the certainty of divine judgment, and the call to trust fully in the Lord, who alone holds the fate of nations and the eternal destiny of every soul. It stands as a powerful reminder to the church to live humbly, proclaim the gospel boldly, and trust in the sovereign hand of God to accomplish all His purposes.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Ezekiel 26 ultimately points to the Lord Jesus Christ by revealing the reality of divine judgment and the certainty of God’s sovereign control over history. Jesus Himself is the final and perfect Judge, to whom all authority has been given in heaven and on earth. Tyre’s judgment is a preview of the future judgment Christ will carry out when He returns, separating the righteous from the wicked and establishing His eternal kingdom. Just as Tyre trusted in wealth and power but fell under God’s hand, Jesus warned against building a life on the foundation of earthly treasure rather than the solid rock of obedience to His word. The fall of Tyre is a sobering picture of what happens to every individual and nation that rejects God’s authority, showing that apart from Christ, there is no lasting security.

This chapter also points to Christ’s role as the only true refuge for sinners. While Tyre fell because of its pride, Christ humbled Himself, taking the very nature of a servant, so that those who trust in Him might be saved from the judgment to come. In the broader redemptive story, Jesus stands as the fulfillment of all God’s promises to restore and redeem His people. Tyre’s rejoicing over Jerusalem’s fall seemed to suggest that God’s purposes for Israel had failed, but in Christ, God’s plan for salvation is completed and fulfilled, proving that even judgment is part of the pathway to redemption. Christ’s death and resurrection demonstrate that God’s justice and mercy meet perfectly at the cross, where the full weight of divine judgment fell on the Savior instead of on His people.

Connection to the Father

This chapter reveals the Father’s role as the sovereign ruler and righteous judge over all nations. The judgment pronounced against Tyre is not random or cruel; it is the action of a holy and just Father who governs the world with perfect righteousness. The Father’s authority over history is displayed as He directs not only Israel’s destiny but also the fate of surrounding nations like Tyre. This shows that God the Father is not a passive observer but an active King who oversees the rise and fall of nations according to His perfect wisdom.

At the same time, the Father’s covenant faithfulness is woven into this chapter. Tyre’s celebration of Jerusalem’s fall was ultimately an attack on God’s covenant promises to His people. By judging Tyre, the Father defends His covenant, demonstrating that His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will not be broken. This faithfulness finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Father sending His Son to redeem Israel and the nations, showing that God’s plans cannot be derailed by human pride, greed, or hostility. Even in judgment, the Father’s goal is always to glorify His name and bring about redemption for those who trust in Him.

Connection to the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit’s work is seen in the way this prophecy was delivered and preserved. Ezekiel did not speak from his own imagination or personal opinion; he spoke by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, who carried him along to proclaim the inerrant word of God. The Spirit’s work of revelation is on full display in this chapter, showing that every word of prophecy comes from God Himself, not from human interpretation.

The Spirit is also the one who convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment. As the judgment of Tyre is proclaimed, the Spirit’s work is to stir repentance and a recognition of the seriousness of sin. The same Spirit who announced judgment to Tyre is the Spirit who now convicts individuals and nations today, calling them to repent and trust in Christ before the final judgment comes. The Spirit’s ongoing ministry also includes guiding believers to see how these Old Testament judgments are not just ancient history but living testimony to God’s unchanging character. Through the Spirit, this chapter becomes a powerful reminder to the church of the reality of God’s justice and the urgency of gospel proclamation.

Connection to God’s Love

Though Ezekiel 26 is a chapter of judgment, it also reveals God’s deep love and care for His people and His purposes. Tyre’s celebration over Jerusalem’s suffering grieved the heart of God because Jerusalem was not just any city-it was the city where God had placed His name. Even though God allowed Jerusalem’s fall because of Israel’s sin, His love for His people never failed. By judging Tyre, God showed His protective love, refusing to allow Israel’s enemies to profit from her suffering. This protective love foreshadows the way God ultimately defends His people through the saving work of Christ, who took the punishment His people deserved so that their enemies-sin, death, and Satan-would be ultimately defeated.

This chapter also reveals God’s love in His desire for all nations to know that He is the Lord. Every act of judgment in Scripture has this redemptive aim-to bring people to the knowledge of the one true God. The love of God is not soft tolerance of sin, but a holy love that seeks to remove every obstacle that keeps people from knowing and worshiping Him. Even as Tyre falls, God’s heart is for the nations to see His glory and turn to Him in repentance. In this way, Ezekiel 26 does not just display God’s judgment, but His loving call to the world to humble itself before Him and find life in His grace. Ultimately, this loving call is fulfilled in Christ, who not only warns of judgment but offers Himself as the way, the truth, and the life for all who will trust in Him.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Sermon Title: When Pride Falls: Learning from Tyre’s Judgment

Introduction

Begin by inviting the congregation to imagine a powerful coastal city-wealthy, secure, influential, and confident that nothing could ever bring it down. That was Tyre. But Ezekiel 26 tells a different story. God Himself stood against Tyre because of its pride, greed, and callousness toward His people. The same God who ruled over nations in Ezekiel’s day rules over our world today. Through Tyre’s fall, we learn not only about God’s justice but about the danger of pride and the hope of redemption for those who humble themselves before Him.

Main Point 1: God Sees the Heart of Nations and Individuals

Transition: Tyre’s sin was not only what it did but what it celebrated-rejoicing in the fall of God’s people for its own gain.
Explanation: In verse 2, Tyre celebrated Jerusalem’s destruction, seeing it as an economic opportunity. This reveals a heart motivated by greed and self-interest, not compassion or justice.
Doctrinal Insight: God sees not only outward actions but the motives of the heart. Proverbs teaches that God hates pride and a heart that devises wicked plans.
Application: This truth extends beyond nations. God sees the motivations of individuals. We may outwardly do good things but with wrong motives-seeking personal gain, recognition, or control.
Example: Imagine someone at work who helps a coworker, but only so they can be seen by the boss. God knows what’s in our hearts.

Main Point 2: God Sovereignly Directs the Rise and Fall of Nations

Transition: Tyre’s fall was not a random event or just bad political luck-it was God Himself who stood against them.
Explanation: Verse 3 declares that God is personally opposed to Tyre. God raised up Nebuchadnezzar to act as His instrument of judgment.
Doctrinal Insight: This reinforces God’s providence-He rules over history and uses even pagan rulers to accomplish His purposes. This is echoed in Daniel, where God raises kings up and brings them down.
Application: In times of global instability, Christians need to remember that world history is not controlled by elections, military power, or economies. It is governed by God. This truth should give believers peace in troubled times.
Example: Consider how unsettling recent world events have been-wars, economic shifts, cultural changes. Yet none of these things escape God’s control. Like Tyre, nations today rise and fall under His hand.

Main Point 3: Pride and Wealth Are False Foundations

Transition: Tyre thought its wealth would protect it, but in the end, all of its riches were plundered, and its city was reduced to rubble.
Explanation: Verse 12 describes the complete destruction of Tyre’s wealth and trade. Tyre’s security was tied to its economy, but wealth could not save it from God’s judgment.
Doctrinal Insight: This aligns with Jesus’ teaching that a person’s life does not consist in the abundance of their possessions. Wealth cannot protect anyone from judgment.
Application: Christians living in prosperous nations must resist the temptation to trust in financial security instead of trusting in God. Our culture encourages us to measure success by income, savings, and possessions-but God calls us to measure life by faithfulness.
Example: A man spends his entire life building his retirement account, only to have a medical diagnosis that reshapes his entire future. Wealth is uncertain, but God’s promises are sure.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Tyre’s story is not just ancient history; it is a living warning. God is still holy, still sovereign, still opposed to pride, and still faithful to His Word. But He is also merciful. Tyre’s fate does not have to be ours. Through Jesus Christ, the one who humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross, we can receive grace instead of judgment.
Examine your heart. Are there areas where you have trusted in wealth, status, or self-sufficiency instead of trusting in God? Repent of pride and self-reliance, and place your hope fully in Christ. Trust in the sovereign God who controls all history and seek to live humbly under His hand.

Illustrations and Examples

  • The Crumbling Skyscraper
    Imagine a powerful corporation building the tallest skyscraper in a city, a symbol of success, pride, and human achievement. Then, an unexpected earthquake shakes the foundation, and the building comes crumbling down. The world watches in shock. This is Tyre’s story-prideful confidence shattered under God’s sovereign hand.
  • The Athlete’s Fall
    Consider a world-famous athlete who boasts about their unbeatable skills and unmatched record, only to suffer a career-ending injury in an instant. Tyre’s wealth and power were its “record,” but no amount of success protected it from judgment.
  • The Personal Story of a Changed Heart
    Share the story of a Christian who once measured their value by wealth, career success, and possessions. After a personal crisis-whether job loss, health crisis, or family breakdown-they realized that only their relationship with God through Christ could give them lasting security. This is the heart change God desires for all who hear His Word today.

Application for Today’s Christian

For today’s believer, Ezekiel 26 speaks directly to the dangers of pride and misplaced trust. Christians must examine where they place their confidence. Do they trust more in their bank account than God’s provision? Do they measure their worth by worldly success or by faithfulness to God’s calling? Tyre’s downfall reminds believers that wealth, power, and comfort are fleeting, but the fear of the Lord endures forever.

This chapter also calls Christians to reflect on their attitude toward others. Tyre rejoiced at the downfall of Jerusalem. Christians are called to compassion, even toward those they consider enemies. When someone stumbles, the response should not be “they had it coming,” but a humble recognition that apart from God’s grace, all of us deserve judgment.

Finally, this chapter calls the church to trust in God’s sovereign hand over history. In an era of political uncertainty, global conflict, and cultural upheaval, believers must remember that no event is outside of God’s control. The same God who directed the fall of Tyre still reigns today. This gives Christians confidence to live faithfully, boldly proclaiming the gospel in a world that desperately needs to know the true King.

In practical terms, believers can apply Ezekiel 26 by:

  • Guarding their hearts from pride and self-reliance, regularly confessing areas where they have placed trust in wealth, success, or human approval.
  • Practicing generosity, using wealth to serve others rather than pursuing personal comfort.
  • Praying for the nations, asking God to humble world leaders and guide them toward justice and truth.
  • Showing compassion to those who suffer, even those who may have once opposed them.
  • Trusting God’s sovereignty in all circumstances, knowing that history belongs to Him, and His purposes will not fail.

Ezekiel 26 is a reminder that God’s Word stands forever, and every person, every nation, and every heart will ultimately answer to Him. For those in Christ, that future holds the promise of mercy and restoration. For those who remain in pride, the warning stands-when pride falls, only God’s grace can save.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Ezekiel 26 teach us about how God views pride, especially when it leads us to rejoice in the suffering or downfall of others? Are there times in your life when you have secretly celebrated someone else’s failure or hardship? What does God want to change in your heart?
  2. Tyre trusted in its wealth, power, and position to keep itself secure. What are some things you tend to rely on for security instead of trusting in God? How can you begin shifting your trust fully to Him?
  3. Ezekiel 26 shows that God controls the rise and fall of nations. How does this truth give you confidence and peace in today’s uncertain political and global climate? How should this shape the way you pray for your own nation and the world?
  4. Tyre’s judgment was rooted in both its sinful actions and the sinful posture of its heart. In what areas of your life do you need to invite God to search your motives, not just your outward actions? How can you cultivate a heart of humility before God?
  5. God’s judgment against Tyre ultimately served to reveal His glory and show the nations that He alone is the Lord. How can your life-your decisions, priorities, and attitudes-be a testimony that points others to God’s authority and grace?
  6. Jesus taught that wealth is temporary and that our true treasure is found in God’s kingdom. How does this chapter challenge you to rethink your relationship with money, success, and possessions? What practical steps can you take this week to live with an eternal perspective?
  7. How does the certainty of God’s judgment deepen your appreciation for the mercy offered through Jesus Christ? How can you share this message of both justice and grace with someone in your life this week?

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