“For thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I will bring against Tyre from the north Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, king of kings, with horses and chariots, and with horsemen and a host of many soldiers.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easily missed is how the verse highlights Nebuchadnezzar's massive empire by calling him "king of kings" even though his capital, Babylon, wasn't directly north of Tyre. This title underscores that his vast dominion, with many subject kings, was being deployed from multiple directions, even if the main approach was from the north.
“For thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I will bring against Tyre from the north Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, king of kings, with horses and chariots, and with horsemen and a host of many soldiers.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God declares that the mighty Nebuchadnezzar, the "king of kings" whose vast armies swept down from the north, will be the instrument of Tyre's destruction. This powerful conqueror, with his impressive cavalry and massive forces, is about to lay siege to the proud city, marking the beginning of its long and devastating downfall.
When God pronounces judgment, He doesn't just wish it done; He appoints the agents to carry it out. This verse names a fearsome figure, but even he is under divine command.
The Lord God declares His intention to bring judgment upon Tyre. He doesn't leave this to chance or human ambition alone. Instead, He actively brings Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, against the city.
A Powerful King
Nebuchadnezzar was a formidable conqueror, known for his vast empire and military might. He was a 'king of kings,' meaning many other rulers were subservient to him. His reputation alone would have struck fear into the hearts of his enemies.
God's Authority
However, Ezekiel emphasizes that Nebuchadnezzar is not acting independently. 'Thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I will bring...' This is God's decree. He is using Nebuchadnezzar as His tool to execute judgment on Tyre for its pride and wickedness.
The direction of an attack can carry significant meaning. For Tyre, this formidable force approaches from a specific direction, laden with the tools of war.
The invasion of Tyre is specifically described as coming 'from the north.' While Babylon was geographically somewhat south of Tyre, the military approach and the origin of many of its constituent peoples and armies would have been from the northern regions of Nebuchadnezzar's vast empire.
Instruments of War
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The verse details the military might accompanying Nebuchadnezzar: 'with horses and with chariots, and with horsemen and a host of many soldiers.' This paints a vivid picture of a massive, land-based military force, equipped for a full-scale assault.
The Nature of the Threat
This isn't a small skirmish; it's a full invasion. The combination of cavalry (horses, horsemen) and chariots, along with a vast infantry ('host of many soldiers'), signifies overwhelming force. Tyre, a wealthy island city, would be subjected to a relentless siege, cut off from its resources and vulnerable to this landward onslaught.
Understand the original words
Adonai YHWH · Hebrew Noun/Proper Noun
A title for God (Adonai Yahweh) signifying His absolute authority, sovereignty, and ownership over all creation. It expresses humble acknowledgment of God as the supreme Ruler and Master.
melek melakim · Hebrew Noun Phrase
A title indicating supreme authority, used here for the Babylonian monarch to emphasize his immense earthly power and dominion over vassal kingdoms, ultimately permitted by God's sovereignty.
c. 630s BC
Assyrian and Babylonian Power Shifts
The Neo-Assyrian Empire, which had dominated the region for centuries, began to decline. Babylon rose to power, eventually forming an alliance with the Medes to challenge Assyrian dominance.
605 BC
Battle of Carchemish
Nebuchadnezzar, then crown prince, led the Babylonian army to a decisive victory over the Egyptians and remnant Assyrians. This victory cemented Babylonian control over the Levant, including Phoenicia, setting the stage for future campaigns.
c. 589-573 BC— this verse
Nebuchadnezzar's Siege of Tyre
Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon laid siege to the island city of Tyre. The siege was famously long and arduous, lasting thirteen years according to historical accounts, though Tyre ultimately fell and became tributary to Babylon.
c. 539 BC
Fall of Babylon to Persia
The Neo-Babylonian Empire fell to the rising Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great. This marked a significant shift in regional powers, though Tyre's subjugation by Babylon had already occurred.
This passage directly references Nebuchadnezzar with the same title 'king of kings,' reinforcing his vast authority and the scope of his empire as an instrument of God's judgment.
Isaiah 10:5-7This prophecy against Assyria parallels Ezekiel's message by describing God using a powerful, pagan empire as His 'rod' to execute judgment, highlighting God's sovereignty over even wicked nations.
Jeremiah 25:9Similar to Ezekiel's prophecy against Tyre, Jeremiah foretells Nebuchadnezzar as God's chosen instrument to bring judgment upon nations, emphasizing the widespread reach of Babylon's military might under divine direction.
Ezekiel 29:17-20This passage describes Nebuchadnezzar's conquest of Egypt as a reward for his long service against Tyre, showing how God uses his military power across multiple campaigns to fulfill His purposes.
gillEzekiel 26:7: "For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring upon Tyrus Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, a king of kings, from the north, with horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and companies, and much people."
For thus saith the Lord God,.... What follows; and declares by name the person that should be the instrument of this ruin, and the manner in which it should be brought about: I will bring upon Tyrus Nebuchadrezzar, king of Babylon; a prince whose name was terrible, having c…
ellicottEzekiel 26:7: "For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring upon Tyrus Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, a king of kings, from the north, with horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and companies, and much people."
(7) Nebuchadrezzar. —So the name is very often written by Jeremiah and a few times by Ezekiel. It is, perhaps, a closer representation of the Nabu-kudurriuzur of the Babylonian cylinders than the form finally adopted by the Hebrews of Nebuchadnezzar. A king of kings, from t…
What's easily missed is how the verse highlights Nebuchadnezzar's massive empire by calling him "king of kings" even though his capital, Babylon, wasn't directly north of Tyre. This title underscores that his vast dominion, with many subject kings, was being deployed from multiple directions, even if the main approach was from the north.
God declares that the mighty Nebuchadnezzar, the "king of kings" whose vast armies swept down from the north, will be the instrument of Tyre's destruction. This powerful conqueror, with his impressive cavalry and massive forces, is about to lay siege to the proud city, marking the beginning of its long and devastating downfall.
God declares that the mighty Nebuchadnezzar, the "king of kings" whose vast armies swept down from the north, will be the instrument of Tyre's destruction. This powerful conqueror, with his impressive cavalry and massive forces, is about to lay siege to the proud city, marking the beginning of its long and devastating downfall.
"“For thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I will bring against Tyre from the north Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, king of kings, with horses and chariots, and with horsemen and a host of many soldiers." — What's easily missed is how the verse highlights Nebuchadnezzar's massive empire by calling him "king of kings" even though his capital, Babylon, wasn't directly north of Tyre. This title underscores…
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Last reviewed October 2026