Ezekiel 26:15-16
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This prophecy isn't just about a city falling; it's about the ripple effect of judgment. The "isles" that shake are likely not just literal islands, but also coastal regions and trading partners, showing how deeply interconnected the world was and how Tyre's immense influence meant its destruction would be felt far and wide. This wasn't just a local event, but a global tremor of economic and political consequence.
“Thus says the Lord GOD to Tyre: Will not the coastlands shake at the sound of your fall, when the wounded groan, when slaughter is made in your midst? Then all the princes of the sea will step down from their thrones and remove their robes and strip off their embroidered garments. They will clothe themselves with trembling; they will sit on the ground and tremble every moment and be appalled at you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Ezekiel has just declared God's judgment against Tyre for its pride and exploitation, promising its utter destruction. This passage, starting with verse 15, shifts to describe the profound impact Tyre's fall will have on the surrounding world, emphasizing how even distant coastal lands and trading partners will tremble in fear and mourn its demise. The prophet paints a vivid picture of international shockwaves and a global lament for a city so powerful it was considered "the strength of the sea."
When a powerful entity falls, the ripples extend far beyond the immediate destruction. This verse paints a vivid picture of just how widespread that effect can be.
God's judgment on Tyre wasn't just a local event; it was meant to be a global spectacle.
A World on Edge
The prophet uses hyperbole to emphasize the magnitude of Tyre's fall. The "isles" and "coastlands" – referring to maritime nations and cities around the Mediterranean – aren't just hearing about Tyre's destruction; they are shaken by it. This suggests that Tyre was a hub, a central power whose economic and political influence was vast. Its collapse would destabilize trade, create fear, and serve as a stark warning to others.
More Than Just News
This shaking isn't just a passive reaction to news. It's the sound of "wounded groaning" and "slaughter." The prophet makes the distant hear the immediate, visceral horror of the city's demise. It implies that the fall was brutal and complete, leaving no doubt about the destructive power of God's judgment.
Beyond the geopolitical tremors, this verse focuses on the human cost of Tyre's destruction. What can we hear in the cries of the fallen?
The judgment on Tyre isn't just about a city's collapse; it's about the suffering embedded within that fall.
The Groans of the Wounded
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The phrase "when the wounded groan" points directly to the physical suffering and pain experienced by those caught in the conflict. It humanizes the destruction, moving beyond abstract political or economic consequences to the immediate, agonizing reality for individuals.
The Sound of Slaughter
Similarly, "when slaughter is made in your midst" emphasizes the violence and finality of the event. It’s not a gentle decline but a violent end. This imagery serves as a powerful testament to the severity of God's judgment against a city that had become proud and oppressive.
Understand the original words
'iy · Hebrew Noun
A term referring to the surrounding territories or regions near the sea, often used in prophecy to represent nations beyond Israel that are impacted by God's judgments or His salvation.
matbeach · Hebrew Noun
The act of death and destruction inflicted upon people, usually as a consequence of divine wrath or judgment upon sin. In Scripture, it highlights the severe reality and consequences of divine confrontation with human pride and rebellion.
re'adah · Hebrew Noun
A state of intense fear, agitation, or dread, often resulting from divine judgment or the overwhelming presence of God.
Ezekiel's prophecy against Tyre addresses a city renowned for its seemingly unassailable island fortress and vast trade network. The prophecy emphasizes that its fall would be so catastrophic that even distant maritime peoples ('isles') would be profoundly shaken, highlighting Tyre's immense regional influence and the far-reaching consequences of its impending judgment.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian Empire's Dominance
Tyre, a wealthy Phoenician city-state, existed as a powerful maritime trading hub, often paying tribute to dominant empires like Assyria to maintain its independence and trade routes.
685-645 BC
Tyre's Asserted Independence
During the reign of Assyrian kings Esarhaddon and Ashurbanipal, Tyre, under its king Baal I, asserted a remarkable degree of independence, resisting direct rule and maintaining its prosperity.
c. 660s BC
Assyrian Siege of Tyre
King Ashurbanipal of Assyria besieged Tyre for five years, but the island city's formidable defenses and naval strength allowed it to withstand the siege, though it likely led to tribute.
605-562 BC
Babylonian Empire's Rise
As the Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar II rose to power, Tyre continued to be a major commercial force, often navigating complex political relationships with the new empire.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonian conquest of Judah and destruction of Jerusalem deeply impacted the region, highlighting the power of Babylon and foreshadowing future judgments on nations.
573 BC— this verse
Nebuchadnezzar's Siege of Tyre
Nebuchadnezzar II laid siege to Tyre for 13 years. While the city eventually submitted and paid tribute, its island stronghold remained largely intact, though its economic power was severely impacted.
332 BC
Alexander the Great's Conquest
Alexander the Great conquered Tyre after a seven-month siege, a monumental military feat involving the construction of a causeway to the island city. This marked a significant turning point in its history and military vulnerability.
This passage describes the fall of Edom with similar imagery, showing that the nations around will be shaken and terrified by the downfall of a powerful city.
Revelation 18:10This New Testament passage echoes the lament over a fallen, influential city (Babylon), highlighting the widespread shock and mourning that accompanies the judgment of a major world power.
Ezekiel 27:28This chapter, which immediately follows, details the luxurious trade of Tyre and the devastation that will come upon it, providing context for why its fall would cause such a commotion.
Isaiah 23:11This prophetic word against Tyre speaks of the Lord stretching out His hand against the sea and shaking kingdoms, foreshadowing the global impact of Tyre's destruction.
barnesEzekiel 26:15: "Thus saith the Lord GOD to Tyrus; Shall not the isles shake at the sound of thy fall, when the wounded cry, when the slaughter is made in the midst of thee?"
The effect of the fall of Tyre.
cambridgeEzekiel 26:15: "Thus saith the Lord GOD to Tyrus; Shall not the isles shake at the sound of thy fall, when the wounded cry, when the slaughter is made in the midst of thee?"
15–18 . Commotion among the princes of the sea caused by her fall; they mourn and take up a lament over Tyre (17, 18) 15 . the isles shake ] the coast-lands, the island-like countries on the seaboard. the sound of thy fall ] might mean “at the report of thy fall,” but here by a strong hyperbole the prophet appears to repres…
This prophecy isn't just about a city falling; it's about the ripple effect of judgment. The "isles" that shake are likely not just literal islands, but also coastal regions and trading partners, showing how deeply interconnected the world was and how Tyre's immense influence meant its destruction would be felt far and wide. This wasn't just a local event, but a global tremor of economic and political consequence.
Ezekiel has just declared God's judgment against Tyre for its pride and exploitation, promising its utter destruction. This passage, starting with verse 15, shifts to describe the profound impact Tyre's fall will have on the surrounding world, emphasizing how even distant coastal lands and trading partners will tremble in fear and mourn its demise. The prophet paints a vivid picture of international shockwaves and a global lament for a city so powerful it was considered "the strength of the sea."
Ezekiel has just declared God's judgment against Tyre for its pride and exploitation, promising its utter destruction. This passage, starting with verse 15, shifts to describe the profound impact Tyre's fall will have on the surrounding world, emphasizing how even distant coastal lands and trading partners will tremble in fear and mourn its demise. The prophet paints a vivid picture of international shockwaves and a global lament for a city so powerful it was considered "the strength of the sea."
"“Thus says the Lord GOD to Tyre: Will not the coastlands shake at the sound of your fall, when the wounded groan, when slaughter is made in your midst? Then all the princes of the sea will step down from their thrones and remove their robe…" — This prophecy isn't just about a city falling; it's about the ripple effect of judgment. The "isles" that shake are likely not just literal islands, but also coastal regions and trading partners, sho…
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Last reviewed October 2026
