“Persia and Lud and Put were in your army as your men of war. They hung the shield and helmet in you; they gave you splendor.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that Tyre's "splendor" wasn't solely from its own might, but was amplified by mercenaries from far-flung lands like Persia, Lud, and Put. This detail points to a common ancient practice where a city's glory was measured by the diverse, skilled warriors it could hire, not just its native strength.
“Persia and Lud and Put were in your army as your men of war. They hung the shield and helmet in you; they gave you splendor.
English Standard Version (ESV)
In this chapter, Ezekiel is prophesying about the downfall of Tyre, a wealthy and powerful trading city. He uses the imagery of a magnificent ship to describe Tyre's grandeur, detailing its fine materials, skilled sailors, and far-reaching trade routes. This verse shifts focus to the city's military strength, highlighting the diverse and skilled mercenary soldiers from various lands, like Persia, Lud, and Put, who served in Tyre's army and contributed to its impressive appearance.
Tyre, a powerhouse of trade, didn't just import goods from around the world – they imported soldiers too! This verse names distant lands as the source of Tyre's military strength.
A World of Warriors
Ezekiel paints a vivid picture of Tyre's military might by highlighting its reliance on foreign soldiers.
This shows Tyre's extensive reach through its trade networks, extending even to the recruitment of elite military personnel. They weren't just bringing in silks and spices; they were leveraging global talent for security.
Why would an army 'hang' their shields and helmets? This unusual image speaks volumes about Tyre's confidence – and perhaps its downfall.
The Symbolism of Armaments
The phrase 'they hung the shield and helmet in you' is a striking image. Commentators suggest this could mean:
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However, this display of confidence and preparedness, built on mercenary might, ironically foreshadows their vulnerability. When judgment comes, these borrowed defenses will be useless.
Understand the original words
magen / qoba · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the physical instruments used for protection in battle. Metaphorically, they often represent divine protection or, conversely, the misplaced trust humans place in military might and human defenses.
hadar · Hebrew Noun
Refers to outward beauty, dignity, or majesty. When applied to human achievements or cities, it often points to the temporary, earthly glory that stands in contrast to the eternal splendor of God.
The mention of Persia, Lud, and Phut in Ezekiel's prophecy highlights Tyre's reliance on diverse international mercenaries, reflecting the geopolitical landscape of the 6th century BC, a time of rising Persian power and declining older empires.
c. 18th-16th century BC
Egyptian Empire Influence
During this period, Egypt held significant sway over regions including parts of modern-day Libya (Phut) and potentially areas related to Lud, often employing mercenaries from these regions.
c. 8th-7th century BC
Rise of Lydian Power
The Lydians (Lud) in western Anatolia grew in prominence, becoming known for their wealth and military prowess, and interacted with the wider Mediterranean world.
c. 7th century BC
Assyrian Dominance and Persian Emergence
The Assyrian Empire controlled much of the Near East, while the Medes and Persians began to emerge as a significant power in the region.
c. 585 BC
Fall of Assyria
The Neo-Assyrian Empire collapsed, leading to a power vacuum filled by the Medes and Babylonians, and further setting the stage for Persian expansion.
c. 550 BC
Cyrus the Great Founds Persian Empire
Cyrus the Great united the Medes and Persians, establishing the vast Achaemenid Persian Empire and beginning its rapid expansion.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and exiled many Judeans, a period during which Ezekiel prophesied.
c. 590 BC— this verse
Ezekiel's Prophecy Against Tyre
Ezekiel delivered prophecies against the wealthy and powerful Phoenician city-state of Tyre, detailing its pride, commercial might, and impending judgment.
This passage lists the descendants of Ham, including Cush, Egypt (Mizraim), Put, and Canaan, providing context for the African tribes mentioned as mercenaries in Ezekiel's prophecy.
Ezekiel 30:5This verse also mentions Put (Libyans) and Cush (Ethiopians) alongside other nations as allies of Egypt, reinforcing their role as military forces in the region and their connection to Ezekiel's prophetic context.
Isaiah 66:19This prophecy speaks of nations being sent to distant shores, naming Lud and Put among them, which aligns with the idea of these peoples being engaged as far-flung mercenaries.
Daniel 11:2This verse speaks of kings of Persia and a fourth king who will arise, hinting at the geopolitical shifts and the rising prominence of Persia, which aligns with the historical context of Persia as a military power during Ezekiel's time.
Song of Solomon 4:4The imagery of hanging shields and helmets is paralleled here, where the neck is compared to the tower of David adorned with shields, suggesting a visual connection to military splendor and adornment.
barnesEzekiel 27:10: "They of Persia and of Lud and of Phut were in thine army, thy men of war: they hanged the shield and helmet in thee; they set forth thy comeliness."
The prophet here leaves the allegory of the ship to describe the armies of the Tyrians composed of mercenary soldiers. Ezekiel 27:10 Persia - The name of this people does not occur in the more ancient books of the Old Testament; but in the books of the exile and after the exile it is frequent. This exactly corresponds with the recor…
gillEzekiel 27:10: "They of Persia and of Lud and of Phut were in thine army, thy men of war: they hanged the shield and helmet in thee; they set forth thy comeliness."
They of Persia, and of Lud, and of Phut, were in thine army, thy men of war,.... As the Tryrians were a trading people, they hired foreign troops into their service, to fill their garrisons, defend their city, and fight for them in time of war; and these were of various nations, and the most famous for military skill and valour; as…
The verse highlights that Tyre's "splendor" wasn't solely from its own might, but was amplified by mercenaries from far-flung lands like Persia, Lud, and Put. This detail points to a common ancient practice where a city's glory was measured by the diverse, skilled warriors it could hire, not just its native strength.
In this chapter, Ezekiel is prophesying about the downfall of Tyre, a wealthy and powerful trading city. He uses the imagery of a magnificent ship to describe Tyre's grandeur, detailing its fine materials, skilled sailors, and far-reaching trade routes. This verse shifts focus to the city's military strength, highlighting the diverse and skilled mercenary soldiers from various lands, like Persia, Lud, and Put, who served in Tyre's army and contributed to its impressive appearance.
In this chapter, Ezekiel is prophesying about the downfall of Tyre, a wealthy and powerful trading city. He uses the imagery of a magnificent ship to describe Tyre's grandeur, detailing its fine materials, skilled sailors, and far-reaching trade routes. This verse shifts focus to the city's military strength, highlighting the diverse and skilled mercenary soldiers from various lands, like Persia, Lud, and Put, who served in Tyre's army and contributed to its impressive appearance.
"“Persia and Lud and Put were in your army as your men of war. They hung the shield and helmet in you; they gave you splendor." — The verse highlights that Tyre's "splendor" wasn't solely from its own might, but was amplified by mercenaries from far-flung lands like Persia, Lud, and Put. This detail points to a common ancient p…
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Last reviewed October 2026