But behold, the Lord will strip her of her possessions and strike down her power on the sea, and she shall be devoured by fire.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse dramatically shifts focus to God’s direct action, revealing that the ultimate conquest isn't just by human enemies, but by the Lord Himself who will “dispossess” the city. It’s a powerful reminder that even seemingly impregnable strongholds are vulnerable when God decides to bring them down, using the very sea that symbolized their pride as the instrument of their destruction.
But behold, the Lord will strip her of her possessions and strike down her power on the sea, and she shall be devoured by fire.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This prophecy shifts focus from God's protection of His people to a severe judgment against the wealthy and powerful coastal city of Tyre. After describing Tyre's arrogance and confidence in its defenses, Zechariah declares God's impending wrath, which will strip the city of its possessions and ultimately destroy it by fire, fulfilling earlier warnings from prophets like Ezekiel.
Tyre was a powerhouse, famed for its wealth and strategic island location. How could such a city possibly fall?
The Lord declares He will "cast her out" – literally, dispossess her. This wasn't just about losing property; it was about losing her very identity and standing. Her "power" was multifaceted: her mighty fortifications, her vast trading empire, and especially her formidable navy that gave her dominion over the sea. God directly targets these sources of pride and security, vowing to smash them on the very sea that was her boast and her defense.
Tyre's fall wasn't just a military defeat; it was absolute destruction. What does this ultimate end signify?
The final phrase, "and she shall be devoured by fire," signifies total annihilation. This wasn't a mere conquest where the victor simply took over. Fire consumes, leaving nothing but ashes. Historically, Alexander the Great's conquest of Tyre involved immense destruction, including the burning of the city after a brutal siege. This judgment by fire points to the complete and utter removal of Tyre's power and influence, serving as a stark warning against the pride and self-sufficiency that led to her downfall.
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Zechariah's prophecy against Tyre speaks directly to the city's eventual downfall by Alexander the Great, highlighting how God uses even pagan conquerors to execute judgment on proud nations. This fulfilled prophecy would have offered comfort and assurance to the returned Jewish exiles.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian conquests
The Neo-Assyrian Empire exerts dominance over the Levant, impacting regional trade and political stability, though Tyre often maintained a degree of autonomy through its wealth.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon begins deporting Jewish elites to Babylon, marking the start of the Babylonian exile and a shift in regional power.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Second Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and the Temple, exiling more of the population. This event significantly shapes the identity and theology of the Jewish people.
332 BC— this verse
Alexander the Great besieges Tyre
Alexander the Great undertakes a determined seven-month siege of the island city of Tyre, overcoming its formidable defenses by building a causeway. The city is eventually conquered, sacked, and many inhabitants are killed or enslaved.
c. 323 BC
Death of Alexander the Great
Alexander's empire fractures into successor kingdoms (the Diadochi), leading to further regional conflict and instability in the Hellenistic period.
This passage directly parallels Zechariah's prophecy, describing Tyre's destruction and its eventual fate of being a place 'for the spreading of nets.'
Ezekiel 27:32This lament over Tyre echoes the imagery of its downfall, emphasizing its destruction 'in the midst of the sea,' a key element in Zechariah's prophecy.
Amos 1:10Amos also prophesies judgment against Tyre, specifically mentioning the 'fire' that will devour its strongholds, aligning with Zechariah's vivid description.
Luke 21:24While Zechariah focuses on a specific historical event, Jesus' words here speak to the broader theme of nations being 'trodden down by the Gentiles' until a future fulfillment, resonating with the downfall of proud cities.
pulpitZechariah 9:4: "Behold, the Lord will cast her out, and he will smite her power in the sea; and she shall be devoured with fire."
Verse 4. - Will cast her out; will take possession of her; i.e. will conquer her by the hands of her enemies, as Joshua 8:7; Joshua 17:12. Septuagint, κληρονομήσει, "will inherit;" Vulgate, possidebit; Ewald and Hitzig render, "will impoverish her." Will smite her power in the sea. "Power" here includes all that made Tyre proud and confident - her riches, her fleets,…
clarkeZechariah 9:4: "Behold, the Lord will cast her out, and he will smite her power in the sea; and she shall be devoured with fire."
Will smite her power in the sea - See Ezekiel 26:17 . Though Alexander did take Tyre, Sidon, Gaza, etc.; yet it seems that the prediction relative to their destruction was fulfilled by Nebuchadnezzar. See Amos 1:6-8 ; Zephaniah 2:4 , Zephaniah 2:7 .
The verse dramatically shifts focus to God’s direct action, revealing that the ultimate conquest isn't just by human enemies, but by the Lord Himself who will “dispossess” the city. It’s a powerful reminder that even seemingly impregnable strongholds are vulnerable when God decides to bring them down, using the very sea that symbolized their pride as the instrument of their destruction.
This prophecy shifts focus from God's protection of His people to a severe judgment against the wealthy and powerful coastal city of Tyre. After describing Tyre's arrogance and confidence in its defenses, Zechariah declares God's impending wrath, which will strip the city of its possessions and ultimately destroy it by fire, fulfilling earlier warnings from prophets like Ezekiel.
This prophecy shifts focus from God's protection of His people to a severe judgment against the wealthy and powerful coastal city of Tyre. After describing Tyre's arrogance and confidence in its defenses, Zechariah declares God's impending wrath, which will strip the city of its possessions and ultimately destroy it by fire, fulfilling earlier warnings from prophets like Ezekiel.
"But behold, the Lord will strip her of her possessions and strike down her power on the sea, and she shall be devoured by fire." — The verse dramatically shifts focus to God’s direct action, revealing that the ultimate conquest isn't just by human enemies, but by the Lord Himself who will “dispossess” the city. It’s a powerful r…
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Last reviewed October 2026