<hi type="bold">14. by ... my people Israel--</hi>namely, by Judas Maccabeus. The Idumeans were finally, by compulsory circumcision, incorporated with the Jewish state by John Hyrcanus (see <reference osisRef="Isa.34.5">Is 34:5</reference>; <reference osisRef="Isa.63.1">63:1</reference>, &c.; 1 Maccabees 5:3). So complete was the amalgamation in Christ's time, that the Herods of Idumean origin, as Jews, ruled over the two races as one people. Thus the ancient prophecy was fulfilled (<reference osisRef="Gen.25.23">Ge 25:23</reference>), "The elder shall serve the younger."

14. by... my people Israel-- namely, by Judas Maccabeus. The Idumeans were finally, by compulsory circumcision, incorporated with the Jewish state by John Hyrcanus (see Is 34:5; 63:1, &c.; 1 Maccabees 5:3). So complete was the amalgamation in Christ's time, that the Herods of Idumean origin, as Jews, ruled over the two races as one people. Thus the ancient prophecy was fulfilled (Ge 25:23), "The elder shall serve the younger."


15. (<reference osisRef="1Sam.13.1-1Sam.14.52">1Sa 13:1-14:52</reference>; <reference osisRef="2Chr.28.18">2Ch 28:18</reference>). The "old hatred" refers to their continual enmity to the covenant-people. They lay along Judea on the seacoast at the opposite side from Ammon and Moab. They were overthrown by Uzziah (<reference osisRef="2Chr.26.6">2Ch 26:6</reference>), and by Hezekiah (<reference osisRef="2Kgs.18.8">2Ki 18:8</reference>). Nebuchadnezzar overran the cities on the seacoast on his way to Egypt after besieging Tyre (<reference osisRef="Jer.47.1-Jer.47.7">Jr 47:1-7</reference>). God will take vengeance on those who take the avenging of themselves out of His hands into their own (<reference osisRef="Rom.12.19-Rom.12.21">Ro 12:19-21</reference>; <reference osisRef="Jas.2.13">Jas 2:13</reference>).

15. (1Sa 13:1-14:52; 2Ch 28:18). The "old hatred" refers to their continual enmity to the covenant-people. They lay along Judea on the seacoast at the opposite side from Ammon and Moab. They were overthrown by Uzziah (2Ch 26:6), and by Hezekiah (2Ki 18:8). Nebuchadnezzar overran the cities on the seacoast on his way to Egypt after besieging Tyre (Jr 47:1-7). God will take vengeance on those who take the avenging of themselves out of His hands into their own (Ro 12:19-21; Jas 2:13).


<hi type="bold">16. cut off the Cherethims--</hi>There is a play on similar sounds in the Hebrew, hichratti cherethim, "I will slay the slayers." The name may have been given to a section of the Philistines from their warlike disposition (<reference osisRef="1Sam.30.14">1Sa 30:14</reference>; <reference osisRef="1Sam.31.3">31:3</reference>). They excelled in archery, whence David enrolled a bodyguard from them (<reference osisRef="2Sam.8.18">2Sa 8:18</reference>; <reference osisRef="2Sam.15.18">15:18</reference>; <reference osisRef="2Sam.20.7">20:7</reference>). They sprang from Caphtor, identified by many with Crete, which was famed for archery, and to which the name Cherethim seems akin. Though in emigration, which mostly tended westwards, Crete seems more likely to be colonized from Philistia than Philistia from Crete, a section of Cretans may have settled at Cherethim in South Philistia, while the Philistines, as a nation, may have come originally from the east (compare <reference osisRef="Deut.2.23">De 2:23</reference>; <reference osisRef="Jer.47.4">Jr 47:4</reference>; <reference osisRef="Amos.9.7">Am 9:7</reference>; <reference osisRef="Zeph.2.5">Zep 2:5</reference>). In <reference osisRef="Gen.10.14">Ge 10:14</reference> the Philistines are made distinct from the Caphtorim, and are said to come from the Casluhim; so that the Cherethim were but a part of the Philistines, which <reference osisRef="1Sam.30.14">1Sa 30:14</reference> confirms.

<hi type="bold">remnant of--</hi>that is, "on the seacoast" of the Mediterranean: those left remaining after the former overthrows inflicted by Samuel, David, Hezekiah, and Psammetichus of Egypt, father of Pharaoh-necho (<reference osisRef="Jer.25.20">Jr 25:20</reference>).

16. cut off the Cherethims-- There is a play on similar sounds in the Hebrew, hichratti cherethim, "I will slay the slayers." The name may have been given to a section of the Philistines from their warlike disposition (1Sa 30:14; 31:3). They excelled in archery, whence David enrolled a bodyguard from them (2Sa 8:18; 15:18; 20:7). They sprang from Caphtor, identified by many with Crete, which was famed for archery, and to which the name Cherethim seems akin. Though in emigration, which mostly tended westwards, Crete seems more likely to be colonized from Philistia than Philistia from Crete, a section of Cretans may have settled at Cherethim in South Philistia, while the Philistines, as a nation, may have come originally from the east (compare De 2:23; Jr 47:4; Am 9:7; Zep 2:5). In Ge 10:14 the Philistines are made distinct from the Caphtorim, and are said to come from the Casluhim; so that the Cherethim were but a part of the Philistines, which 1Sa 30:14 confirms. remnant of-- that is, "on the seacoast" of the Mediterranean: those left remaining after the former overthrows inflicted by Samuel, David, Hezekiah, and Psammetichus of Egypt, father of Pharaoh-necho (Jr 25:20).


<hi type="bold">17. know ... vengeance--</hi>They shall know Me, not in mercy, but by My vengeance on them (<reference osisRef="Ps.9.16">Psa 9:16</reference>). <chapter eID="Ezek.25"/>

17. know... vengeance-- They shall know Me, not in mercy, but by My vengeance on them (Psa 9:16).


<title type="x-s2">CHAPTER 26</title> <title type="x-s3"><reference osisRef="Ezek.26.1-Ezek.26.21">Eze 26:1-21</reference>. The Judgment on Tyre through Nebuchadnezzar (TWENTY-SIXTH THROUGH Twenty-eighth Chapters).</title>
<hi type="bold">In the twenty-sixth chapter, Ezekiel sets forth:--</hi>(1) Tyre's sin; (2) its doom; (3) the instruments executing it; (4) the effects produced on other nations by her downfall. In the twenty-seventh chapter, a lamentation over the fall of such earthly splendor. In the twenty-eighth chapter, an elegy addressed to the king, on the humiliation of his sacrilegious pride. Ezekiel, in his prophecies as to the heathen, exhibits the dark side only; because he views them simply in their hostility to the people of God, who shall outlive them all. Isaiah (<reference osisRef="Isa.23.1-Isa.23.18">Is 23:1-18</reference>), on the other hand, at the close of judgments, holds out the prospect of blessing, when Tyre should turn to the Lord.

1. The specification of the date, which had been omitted in the case of the four preceding objects of judgment, marks the greater weight attached to the fall of Tyre.

<hi type="bold">eleventh year--</hi>namely, after the carrying away of Jehoiachin, the year of the fall of Jerusalem. The number of the month is, however, omitted, and the day only given. As the month of the taking of Jerusalem was regarded as one of particular note, namely, the fourth month, also the fifth, on which it was actually destroyed (<reference osisRef="Jer.52.6">Jr 52:6</reference>, <reference osisRef="Jer.12.13">12, 13</reference>), Rabbi David reasonably supposes that Tyre uttered her taunt at the close of the fourth month, as her nearness to Jerusalem enabled her to hear of its fall very soon, and that Ezekiel met it with his threat against herself on "the first day" of the fifth month.

CHAPTER 26 Eze 26:1-21. The Judgment on Tyre through Nebuchadnezzar (TWENTY-SIXTH THROUGH Twenty-eighth Chapters). In the twenty-sixth chapter, Ezekiel sets forth:-- (1) Tyre's sin; (2) its doom; (3) the instruments executing it; (4) the effects produced on other nations by her downfall. In the twenty-seventh chapter, a lamentation over the fall of such earthly splendor. In the twenty-eighth chapter, an elegy addressed to the king, on the humiliation of his sacrilegious pride. Ezekiel, in his prophecies as to the heathen, exhibits the dark side only; because he views them simply in their hostility to the people of God, who shall outlive them all. Isaiah (Is 23:1-18), on the other hand, at the close of judgments, holds out the prospect of blessing, when Tyre should turn to the Lord. 1. The specification of the date, which had been omitted in the case of the four preceding objects of judgment, marks the greater weight attached to the fall of Tyre. eleventh year-- namely, after the carrying away of Jehoiachin, the year of the fall of Jerusalem. The number of the month is, however, omitted, and the day only given. As the month of the taking of Jerusalem was regarded as one of particular note, namely, the fourth month, also the fifth, on which it was actually destroyed (Jr 52:6, 12, 13), Rabbi David reasonably supposes that Tyre uttered her taunt at the close of the fourth month, as her nearness to Jerusalem enabled her to hear of its fall very soon, and that Ezekiel met it with his threat against herself on "the first day" of the fifth month.


<hi type="bold">2. Tyre--</hi>(<reference osisRef="Josh.19.29">Jos 19:29</reference>; <reference osisRef="2Sam.24.7">2Sa 24:7</reference>), literally, meaning "the rock-city," Zor; a name applying to the island Tyre, called New Tyre, rather than Old Tyre on the mainland. They were half a mile apart. "New Tyre," a century and a half before the fall of Jerusalem, had successfully resisted Shalmaneser of Assyria, for five years besieging it (Menander, from the Tyrian archives, quoted by Josephus, Antiquities, 9.14. 2). It was the stronger and more important of the two cities, and is the one chiefly, though not exclusively, here meant. Tyre was originally a colony of Zidon. Nebuchadnezzar's siege of it lasted thirteen years (<reference osisRef="Ezek.29.18">Eze 29:18</reference>; <reference osisRef="Isa.23.1-Isa.23.18">Is 23:1-18</reference>). Though no profane author mentions his having succeeded in the siege, Jerome states he read the fact in Assyrian histories.

<hi type="bold">Aha!--</hi>exultation over a fallen rival (<reference osisRef="Ps.35.21">Psa 35:21</reference>, <reference osisRef="Ps.35.25">25</reference>).

<hi type="bold">she ... that was the gates--</hi>that is, the single gate composed of two folding doors. Hence the verb is singular. "Gates" were the place of resort for traffic and public business: so here it expresses a mart of commerce frequented by merchants. Tyre regards Jerusalem not as an open enemy, for her territory being the narrow, long strip of land north of Philistia, between Mount Lebanon and the sea, her interest was to cultivate friendly relations with the Jews, on whom she was dependent for corn (<reference osisRef="Ezek.27.17">Eze 27:17</reference>; <reference osisRef="1Kgs.5.9">1Ki 5:9</reference>; <reference osisRef="Acts.12.20">Ac 12:20</reference>). But Jerusalem had intercepted some of the inland traffic which she wished to monopolize to herself; so, in her intensely selfish worldly-mindedness, she exulted heartlessly over the fall of Jerusalem as her own gain. Hence she incurred the wrath of God as pre-eminently the world's representative in its ambition, selfishness, and pride, in defiance of the will of God (<reference osisRef="Isa.23.9">Is 23:9</reference>).

<hi type="bold">she is turned unto me--</hi>that is, the mart of corn, wine, oil, balsam, &c., which she once was, is transferred to me. The caravans from Palmyra, Petra, and the East will no longer be intercepted by the market ("the gates") of Jerusalem, but will come to me.

2. Tyre-- (Jos 19:29; 2Sa 24:7), literally, meaning "the rock-city," Zor; a name applying to the island Tyre, called New Tyre, rather than Old Tyre on the mainland. They were half a mile apart. "New Tyre," a century and a half before the fall of Jerusalem, had successfully resisted Shalmaneser of Assyria, for five years besieging it (Menander, from the Tyrian archives, quoted by Josephus, Antiquities, 9.14. 2). It was the stronger and more important of the two cities, and is the one chiefly, though not exclusively, here meant. Tyre was originally a colony of Zidon. Nebuchadnezzar's siege of it lasted thirteen years (Eze 29:18; Is 23:1-18). Though no profane author mentions his having succeeded in the siege, Jerome states he read the fact in Assyrian histories. Aha!-- exultation over a fallen rival (Psa 35:21, 25). she... that was the gates-- that is, the single gate composed of two folding doors. Hence the verb is singular. "Gates" were the place of resort for traffic and public business: so here it expresses a mart of commerce frequented by merchants. Tyre regards Jerusalem not as an open enemy, for her territory being the narrow, long strip of land north of Philistia, between Mount Lebanon and the sea, her interest was to cultivate friendly relations with the Jews, on whom she was dependent for corn (Eze 27:17; 1Ki 5:9; Ac 12:20). But Jerusalem had intercepted some of the inland traffic which she wished to monopolize to herself; so, in her intensely selfish worldly-mindedness, she exulted heartlessly over the fall of Jerusalem as her own gain. Hence she incurred the wrath of God as pre-eminently the world's representative in its ambition, selfishness, and pride, in defiance of the will of God (Is 23:9). she is turned unto me-- that is, the mart of corn, wine, oil, balsam, &c., which she once was, is transferred to me. The caravans from Palmyra, Petra, and the East will no longer be intercepted by the market ("the gates") of Jerusalem, but will come to me.


<hi type="bold">3-4. nations ... as the sea ... waves--</hi>In striking contrast to the boasting of Tyre, God threatens to bring against her Babylon's army levied from "many nations," even as the Mediterranean waves that dashed against her rock-founded city on all sides.

<hi type="bold">scrape her dust ... make her ... top of ... rock--</hi>or, "a bare rock" [Grotius]. The soil which the Tyrians had brought together upon the rock on which they built their city, I will scrape so clean away as to leave no dust, but only the bare rock as it was. An awful contrast to her expectation of filling herself with all the wealth of the East now that Jerusalem has fallen.

3-4. nations... as the sea... waves-- In striking contrast to the boasting of Tyre, God threatens to bring against her Babylon's army levied from "many nations," even as the Mediterranean waves that dashed against her rock-founded city on all sides. scrape her dust... make her... top of... rock-- or, "a bare rock" [Grotius]. The soil which the Tyrians had brought together upon the rock on which they built their city, I will scrape so clean away as to leave no dust, but only the bare rock as it was. An awful contrast to her expectation of filling herself with all the wealth of the East now that Jerusalem has fallen.


<hi type="bold">5. in the midst of the sea--</hi>plainly referring to New Tyre (<reference osisRef="Ezek.27.32">Eze 27:32</reference>).

5. in the midst of the sea-- plainly referring to New Tyre (Eze 27:32).


<hi type="bold">6. her daughters ... in the field--</hi>The surrounding villages, dependent on her in the open country, shall share the fate of the mother city.

6. her daughters... in the field-- The surrounding villages, dependent on her in the open country, shall share the fate of the mother city.


<hi type="bold">7. from the north--</hi>the original locality of the Chaldeans; also, the direction by which they entered Palestine, taking the route of Riblah and Hamath on the Orontes, in preference to that across the desert between Babylon and Judea.

<hi type="bold">king of kings--</hi>so called because of the many kings who owned allegiance to him (<reference osisRef="2Kgs.18.28">2Ki 18:28</reference>). God had delegated to him the universal earth-empire which is His (<reference osisRef="Dan.2.47">Da 2:47</reference>). The Son of God alone has the right and title inherently, and shall assume it when the world kings shall have been fully proved as abusers of the trust (<reference osisRef="1Tim.6.15">1Ti 6:15</reference>; <reference osisRef="Rev.17.12-Rev.14.19">Re 17:12-14; 19</reference>:15, 16). Ezekiel's prophecy was not based on conjecture from the past, for Shalmaneser, with all the might of the Assyrian empire, had failed in his siege of Tyre. Yet Nebuchadnezzar was to succeed. Josephus tells us that Nebuchadnezzar began the siege in the seventh year of Ithobal's reign, king of Tyre.

7. from the north-- the original locality of the Chaldeans; also, the direction by which they entered Palestine, taking the route of Riblah and Hamath on the Orontes, in preference to that across the desert between Babylon and Judea. king of kings-- so called because of the many kings who owned allegiance to him (2Ki 18:28). God had delegated to him the universal earth-empire which is His (Da 2:47). The Son of God alone has the right and title inherently, and shall assume it when the world kings shall have been fully proved as abusers of the trust (1Ti 6:15; Re 17:12-14; 19:15, 16). Ezekiel's prophecy was not based on conjecture from the past, for Shalmaneser, with all the might of the Assyrian empire, had failed in his siege of Tyre. Yet Nebuchadnezzar was to succeed. Josephus tells us that Nebuchadnezzar began the siege in the seventh year of Ithobal's reign, king of Tyre.


<hi type="bold">9. engines of war--</hi>literally, "an apparatus for striking." "He shall apply the stroke of the battering-ram against thy walls." Havernick translates, "His enginery of destruction"; literally, the "destruction (not merely the stroke) of his enginery."

<hi type="bold">axes--</hi>literally, "swords."

9. engines of war-- literally, "an apparatus for striking." "He shall apply the stroke of the battering-ram against thy walls." Havernick translates, "His enginery of destruction"; literally, the "destruction (not merely the stroke) of his enginery." axes-- literally, "swords."


<hi type="bold">10. dust--</hi>So thick shall be the "dust" stirred up by the immense numbers of "horses," that it shall "cover" the whole city as a cloud.

<hi type="bold">horses ... chariots--</hi>As in <reference osisRef="Ezek.26.3-Ezek.26.5">Eze 26:3-5</reference>, New Tyre on the insular rock in the sea (compare <reference osisRef="Isa.23.2">Is 23:2</reference>, <reference osisRef="Isa.4.6">4, 6</reference>) is referred to; so here, in <reference osisRef="Ezek.26.9-Ezek.26.11">Eze 26:9-11</reference>, Old Tyre on the mainland. Both are included in the prophecies under one name.

<hi type="bold">wheels--</hi>Fairbairn thinks that here, and in <reference osisRef="Ezek.23.24">Eze 23:24</reference>, as "the wheels" are distinct from the "chariots," some wheelwork for riding on, or for the operations of the siege, are meant.

10. dust-- So thick shall be the "dust" stirred up by the immense numbers of "horses," that it shall "cover" the whole city as a cloud. horses... chariots-- As in Eze 26:3-5, New Tyre on the insular rock in the sea (compare Is 23:2, 4, 6) is referred to; so here, in Eze 26:9-11, Old Tyre on the mainland. Both are included in the prophecies under one name. wheels-- Fairbairn thinks that here, and in Eze 23:24, as "the wheels" are distinct from the "chariots," some wheelwork for riding on, or for the operations of the siege, are meant.


<hi type="bold">11. thy strong garrisons--</hi>literally, "the statutes of thy strength"; so the forts which are "monuments of thy strength." Maurer understands, in stricter agreement with the literal meaning, "the statues" or "obelisks erected in honor of the idols, the tutelary gods of Tyre," as Melecarte, answering to the Grecian Hercules, whose temple stood in Old Tyre (compare <reference osisRef="Jer.43.13">Jr 43:13</reference>, Margin).

11. thy strong garrisons-- literally, "the statutes of thy strength"; so the forts which are "monuments of thy strength." Maurer understands, in stricter agreement with the literal meaning, "the statues" or "obelisks erected in honor of the idols, the tutelary gods of Tyre," as Melecarte, answering to the Grecian Hercules, whose temple stood in Old Tyre (compare Jr 43:13, Margin).


<hi type="bold">12. lay thy stones ... timber ... in ... midst of ... water--</hi>referring to the insular New Tyre (<reference osisRef="Ezek.26.3">Eze 26:3</reference>, <reference osisRef="Ezek.26.5">5</reference>; <reference osisRef="Ezek.27.4">Eze 27:4</reference>, 25, 26). When its lofty buildings and towers fall, surrounded as it was with the sea which entered its double harbor and washed its ramparts, the "stones ... timbers ... and dust" appropriately are described as thrown down "in the midst of the water." Though Ezekiel attributes the capture of Tyre to Nebuchadnezzar (see on <reference osisRef="Ezek.29.18">Eze 29:18</reference>), yet it does not follow that the final destruction of it described is attributed by him to the same monarch. The overthrow of Tyre by Nebuchadnezzar was the first link in the long chain of evil--the first deadly blow which prepared for, and was the earnest of, the final doom. The change in this verse from the individual conqueror "he," to the general "they," marks that what he did was not the whole, but only paved the way for others to complete the work begun by him. It was to be a progressive work until she was utterly destroyed. Thus the words here answer exactly to what Alexander did. With the "stones, timber," and rubbish of Old Tyre, he built a causeway in seven months to New Tyre on the island and so took it [Curtius, 4, 2], 322 B.C.

12. lay thy stones... timber... in... midst of... water-- referring to the insular New Tyre (Eze 26:3, 5; Eze 27:4, 25, 26). When its lofty buildings and towers fall, surrounded as it was with the sea which entered its double harbor and washed its ramparts, the "stones... timbers... and dust" appropriately are described as thrown down "in the midst of the water." Though Ezekiel attributes the capture of Tyre to Nebuchadnezzar (see on Eze 29:18), yet it does not follow that the final destruction of it described is attributed by him to the same monarch. The overthrow of Tyre by Nebuchadnezzar was the first link in the long chain of evil--the first deadly blow which prepared for, and was the earnest of, the final doom. The change in this verse from the individual conqueror "he," to the general "they," marks that what he did was not the whole, but only paved the way for others to complete the work begun by him. It was to be a progressive work until she was utterly destroyed. Thus the words here answer exactly to what Alexander did. With the "stones, timber," and rubbish of Old Tyre, he built a causeway in seven months to New Tyre on the island and so took it [Curtius, 4, 2], 322 B.C.


13. Instead of the joyousness of thy prosperity, a death-like silence shall reign (<reference osisRef="Isa.24.8">Is 24:8</reference>; <reference osisRef="Jer.7.34">Jr 7:34</reference>).

13. Instead of the joyousness of thy prosperity, a death-like silence shall reign (Is 24:8; Jr 7:34).


14. He concludes in nearly the same words as he began (<reference osisRef="Ezek.26.4">Eze 26:4</reference>, <reference osisRef="Ezek.26.5">5</reference>).

<hi type="bold">built no more--</hi>fulfilled as to the mainland Tyre, under Nebuchadnezzar. The insular Tyre recovered partly, after seventy years (<reference osisRef="Isa.23.17">Is 23:17</reference>, <reference osisRef="Isa.23.18">18</reference>), but again suffered under Alexander, then under Antigonus, then under the Saracens at the beginning of the fourteenth century. Now its harbors are choked with sand, precluding all hope of future restoration, "not one entire house is left, and only a few fishermen take shelter in the vaults" [Maundrell]. So accurately has God's word come to pass.

14. He concludes in nearly the same words as he began (Eze 26:4, 5). built no more-- fulfilled as to the mainland Tyre, under Nebuchadnezzar. The insular Tyre recovered partly, after seventy years (Is 23:17, 18), but again suffered under Alexander, then under Antigonus, then under the Saracens at the beginning of the fourteenth century. Now its harbors are choked with sand, precluding all hope of future restoration, "not one entire house is left, and only a few fishermen take shelter in the vaults" [Maundrell]. So accurately has God's word come to pass.


15-21. The impression which the overthrow of Tyre produced on other maritime nations and upon her own colonies, for example, Utica, Carthage, and Tartessus or Tarshish in Spain.

<hi type="bold">isles--</hi>maritime lands. Even mighty Carthage used to send a yearly offering to the temple of Hercules at Tyre: and the mother city gave high priests to her colonies. Hence the consternation at her fall felt in the widely scattered dependencies with which she was so closely connected by the ties of religion, as well as commercial intercourse.

<hi type="bold">shake--</hi>metaphorically: "be agitated" (<reference osisRef="Jer.49.21">Jr 49:21</reference>).

15-21. The impression which the overthrow of Tyre produced on other maritime nations and upon her own colonies, for example, Utica, Carthage, and Tartessus or Tarshish in Spain. isles-- maritime lands. Even mighty Carthage used to send a yearly offering to the temple of Hercules at Tyre: and the mother city gave high priests to her colonies. Hence the consternation at her fall felt in the widely scattered dependencies with which she was so closely connected by the ties of religion, as well as commercial intercourse. shake-- metaphorically: "be agitated" (Jr 49:21).


<title type="x-s2">CHAPTER 27</title> <title type="x-s3"><reference osisRef="Ezek.27.1-Ezek.27.36">Eze 27:1-36</reference>. Tyre's Former Greatness, Suggesting a Lamentation over Her Sad Downfall.</title>

<hi type="bold">2. lamentation--</hi>a funeral dirge, eulogizing her great attributes, to make the contrast the greater between her former and her latter state.

CHAPTER 27 Eze 27:1-36. Tyre's Former Greatness, Suggesting a Lamentation over Her Sad Downfall. 2. lamentation-- a funeral dirge, eulogizing her great attributes, to make the contrast the greater between her former and her latter state.


<hi type="bold">3. situate at the entry of the sea--</hi>literally, plural, "entrances," that is, ports or havens; referring to the double port of Tyre, at which vessels entered round the north and south ends of the island, so that ships could find a ready entrance from whatever point the wind might blow (compare <reference osisRef="Ezek.28.2">Eze 28:2</reference>).

<hi type="bold">merchant of ... people for many isles--</hi>that is, a mercantile emporium of the peoples of many seacoasts, both from the east and from the west (<reference osisRef="Isa.23.3">Is 23:3</reference>), "a mart of nations."

<hi type="bold">of perfect beauty--</hi>(<reference osisRef="Ezek.28.12">Eze 28:12</reference>).

3. situate at the entry of the sea-- literally, plural, "entrances," that is, ports or havens; referring to the double port of Tyre, at which vessels entered round the north and south ends of the island, so that ships could find a ready entrance from whatever point the wind might blow (compare Eze 28:2). merchant of... people for many isles-- that is, a mercantile emporium of the peoples of many seacoasts, both from the east and from the west (Is 23:3), "a mart of nations." of perfect beauty-- (Eze 28:12).


4. Tyre, in consonance with her seagirt position, separated by a strait of half a mile from the mainland, is described as a ship built of the best material, and manned with the best mariners and skilful pilots, but at last wrecked in tempestuous seas (<reference osisRef="Ezek.27.26">Eze 27:26</reference>).

4. Tyre, in consonance with her seagirt position, separated by a strait of half a mile from the mainland, is described as a ship built of the best material, and manned with the best mariners and skilful pilots, but at last wrecked in tempestuous seas (Eze 27:26).


<hi type="bold">5. Senir--</hi>the Amorite name of Hermon, or the southern height of Anti-libanus (<reference osisRef="Deut.3.9">De 3:9</reference>); the Sidonian name was Sirion. "All thy ... boards"; dual in Hebrew, "double-boards," namely, placed in a double order on the two sides of which the ship consisted [Vatablus]. Or, referring to the two sides or the two ends, the prow and the stern, which every ship has [Munster].

<hi type="bold">cedars--</hi>most suited for "masts," from their height and durability.

5. Senir-- the Amorite name of Hermon, or the southern height of Anti-libanus (De 3:9); the Sidonian name was Sirion. "All thy... boards"; dual in Hebrew, "double-boards," namely, placed in a double order on the two sides of which the ship consisted [Vatablus]. Or, referring to the two sides or the two ends, the prow and the stern, which every ship has [Munster]. cedars-- most suited for "masts," from their height and durability.


<hi type="bold">6. Bashan--</hi>celebrated for its oaks, as Lebanon was for its cedars.

<hi type="bold">the company of ... Ashurites--</hi>the most skilful workmen summoned from Assyria. Rather, as the Hebrew orthography requires, "They have made thy (rowing) benches of ivory inlaid in the daughter of cedars" [Maurer], or, the best boxwood. Fairbairn, with Bochart, reads the Hebrew two words as one: "Thy plankwork (deck: instead of 'benches,' as the Hebrew is singular) they made ivory with boxes." English Version, with Maurer's correction, is simpler.

<hi type="bold">Chittim--</hi>Cyprus and Macedonia, from which, Pliny tells us, the best boxwood came [Grotius].

6. Bashan-- celebrated for its oaks, as Lebanon was for its cedars. the company of... Ashurites-- the most skilful workmen summoned from Assyria. Rather, as the Hebrew orthography requires, "They have made thy (rowing) benches of ivory inlaid in the daughter of cedars" [Maurer], or, the best boxwood. Fairbairn, with Bochart, reads the Hebrew two words as one: "Thy plankwork (deck: instead of 'benches,' as the Hebrew is singular) they made ivory with boxes." English Version, with Maurer's correction, is simpler. Chittim-- Cyprus and Macedonia, from which, Pliny tells us, the best boxwood came [Grotius].


<hi type="bold">7. broidered ... sail--</hi>The ancients embroidered their sails often at great expense, especially the Egyptians, whose linen, still preserved in mummies, is of the finest texture.

<hi type="bold">Elishah--</hi>Greece; so called from Elis, a large and ancient division of Peloponnesus. Pausanias says that the best of linen was produced in it, and in no other part of Greece; called by Homer, Alisium.

<hi type="bold">that which covered thee--</hi>thy awning.

7. broidered... sail-- The ancients embroidered their sails often at great expense, especially the Egyptians, whose linen, still preserved in mummies, is of the finest texture. Elishah-- Greece; so called from Elis, a large and ancient division of Peloponnesus. Pausanias says that the best of linen was produced in it, and in no other part of Greece; called by Homer, Alisium. that which covered thee-- thy awning.


<hi type="bold">8. Arvad--</hi>a small island and city near Phoenicia, now Ruad: its inhabitants are still noted for seafaring habits.

<hi type="bold">thy wise men, O Tyrus ... thy pilots--</hi>While the men of Arvad, once thy equals (<reference osisRef="Gen.10.18">Ge 10:18</reference>), and the Sidonians, once thy superiors, were employed by thee in subordinate positions as "mariners," thou madest thine own skilled men alone to be commanders and pilots. Implying the political and mercantile superiority of Tyre.

8. Arvad-- a small island and city near Phoenicia, now Ruad: its inhabitants are still noted for seafaring habits. thy wise men, O Tyrus... thy pilots-- While the men of Arvad, once thy equals (Ge 10:18), and the Sidonians, once thy superiors, were employed by thee in subordinate positions as "mariners," thou madest thine own skilled men alone to be commanders and pilots. Implying the political and mercantile superiority of Tyre.


<hi type="bold">9. Gebal--</hi>a Phoenician city and region between Beirut and Tripolis, famed for skilled workmen (<reference osisRef="1Kgs.5.18">1Ki 5:18</reference>, Margin; <reference osisRef="Ps.83.7">Psa 83:7</reference>).

<hi type="bold">calkers--</hi>stoppers of chinks in a vessel: carrying on the metaphor as to Tyre.

<hi type="bold">occupy thy merchandise--</hi>that is, to exchange merchandise with thee.

9. Gebal-- a Phoenician city and region between Beirut and Tripolis, famed for skilled workmen (1Ki 5:18, Margin; Psa 83:7). calkers-- stoppers of chinks in a vessel: carrying on the metaphor as to Tyre. occupy thy merchandise-- that is, to exchange merchandise with thee.


<hi type="bold">10. Persia ... Phut--</hi>warriors from the extreme east and west.

<hi type="bold">Lud--</hi>the Lydians of Asia Minor, near the Meander, famed for archery (<reference osisRef="Isa.66.19">Is 66:19</reference>); rather than those of Ethiopia, as the Lydians of Asia Minor form a kind of intermediate step between Persia and Phut (the Libyans about Cyrene, shielded warriors, <reference osisRef="Jer.46.9">Jr 46:9</reference>, descended from Phut, son of Ham).

<hi type="bold">hanged ... shield ... comeliness--</hi>Warriors hanged their accoutrements on the walls for ornament. Divested of the metaphor, it means that it was an honor to thee to have so many nations supplying thee with hired soldiers.

10. Persia... Phut-- warriors from the extreme east and west. Lud-- the Lydians of Asia Minor, near the Meander, famed for archery (Is 66:19); rather than those of Ethiopia, as the Lydians of Asia Minor form a kind of intermediate step between Persia and Phut (the Libyans about Cyrene, shielded warriors, Jr 46:9, descended from Phut, son of Ham). hanged... shield... comeliness-- Warriors hanged their accoutrements on the walls for ornament. Divested of the metaphor, it means that it was an honor to thee to have so many nations supplying thee with hired soldiers.


<hi type="bold">11. Gammadims--</hi>rather, as the Tyrians were Syro-Phoenicians, from a Syriac root, meaning daring, "men of daring" [Ludovicus De Dieu]. It is not likely the keeping of watch "in the towers" would have been entrusted to foreigners. Others take it from a Hebrew root, "a dagger," or short sword (<reference osisRef="Judg.3.16">Jud 3:16</reference>), "short-swordsmen."

11. Gammadims-- rather, as the Tyrians were Syro-Phoenicians, from a Syriac root, meaning daring, "men of daring" [Ludovicus De Dieu]. It is not likely the keeping of watch "in the towers" would have been entrusted to foreigners. Others take it from a Hebrew root, "a dagger," or short sword (Jud 3:16), "short-swordsmen."


<hi type="bold">12. Tarshish--</hi>Tartessus in Spain, a country famed for various metals, which were exported to Tyre. Much of the "tin" probably was conveyed by the Phoenicians from Cornwall to Tarshish.

<hi type="bold">traded in thy fairs--</hi>"did barter with thee" [Fairbairn]; from a root, "to leave," something left in barter for something else.

12. Tarshish-- Tartessus in Spain, a country famed for various metals, which were exported to Tyre. Much of the "tin" probably was conveyed by the Phoenicians from Cornwall to Tarshish. traded in thy fairs-- "did barter with thee" [Fairbairn]; from a root, "to leave," something left in barter for something else.


<hi type="bold">13. Javan--</hi>the Ionians or Greeks: for the Ionians of Asia Minor were the first Greeks with whom the Asiatics came in contact.

<hi type="bold">Tubal ... Meshech--</hi>the Tibareni and Moschi, in the mountain region between the Black and Caspian Seas.

<hi type="bold">persons of men--</hi>that is, as slaves. So the Turkish harems are supplied with female slaves from Circassia and Georgia.

<hi type="bold">vessels--</hi>all kinds of articles. Superior weapons are still manufactured in the Caucasus region.

13. Javan-- the Ionians or Greeks: for the Ionians of Asia Minor were the first Greeks with whom the Asiatics came in contact. Tubal... Meshech-- the Tibareni and Moschi, in the mountain region between the Black and Caspian Seas. persons of men-- that is, as slaves. So the Turkish harems are supplied with female slaves from Circassia and Georgia. vessels-- all kinds of articles. Superior weapons are still manufactured in the Caucasus region.


<hi type="bold">14. Togarmah--</hi>Armenia: descended from Gomer (<reference osisRef="Gen.10.3">Ge 10:3</reference>). Their mountainous region south of the Caucasus was celebrated for horses.

<hi type="bold">horsemen--</hi>rather, "riding-horses," as distinct from "horses" for chariots [Fairbairn].

14. Togarmah-- Armenia: descended from Gomer (Ge 10:3). Their mountainous region south of the Caucasus was celebrated for horses. horsemen-- rather, "riding-horses," as distinct from "horses" for chariots [Fairbairn].


<hi type="bold">15. Dedan--</hi>near the Persian Sea: thus an avenue to the commerce of India. Not the Dedan in Arabia (<reference osisRef="Ezek.27.20">Eze 27:20</reference>), as the names in the context here prove, but the Dedan sprung from Cush [Bochart], (<reference osisRef="Gen.10.7">Ge 10:7</reference>).

<hi type="bold">merchandise of thine hand--</hi>that is, were dependent on thee for trade [Fairbairn]; came to buy the produce of thy hands [Grotius].

<hi type="bold">a present--</hi>literally, "a reward in return"; a price paid for merchandise.

<hi type="bold">horns of ivory--</hi>Ivory is so termed from its resemblance to horns. The Hebrew word for "ivory" means "tooth"; so that they cannot have mistaken ivory as if coming from the horns of certain animals, instead of from the tusks of the elephant.

15. Dedan-- near the Persian Sea: thus an avenue to the commerce of India. Not the Dedan in Arabia (Eze 27:20), as the names in the context here prove, but the Dedan sprung from Cush [Bochart], (Ge 10:7). merchandise of thine hand-- that is, were dependent on thee for trade [Fairbairn]; came to buy the produce of thy hands [Grotius]. a present-- literally, "a reward in return"; a price paid for merchandise. horns of ivory-- Ivory is so termed from its resemblance to horns. The Hebrew word for "ivory" means "tooth"; so that they cannot have mistaken ivory as if coming from the horns of certain animals, instead of from the tusks of the elephant.


16. "Syria was thy mart for the multitude," &c. For "Syria" the Septuagint reads "Edom." But the Syrians were famed as merchants.

<hi type="bold">occupied--</hi>old English for "traded"; so in <reference osisRef="Luke.19.13">Lu 19:13</reference>.

<hi type="bold">agate--</hi>Others translate, "ruby," "chalcedony," or "pearls."

16. "Syria was thy mart for the multitude," &c. For "Syria" the Septuagint reads "Edom." But the Syrians were famed as merchants. occupied-- old English for "traded"; so in Lu 19:13. agate-- Others translate, "ruby," "chalcedony," or "pearls."


<hi type="bold">17. Minnith ... Pannag--</hi>names of places in Israel famed for good wheat, wherewith Tyre was supplied (<reference osisRef="1Kgs.5.9">1Ki 5:9</reference>, <reference osisRef="1Kgs.5.11">11</reference>; <reference osisRef="Ezra.3.7">Ezr 3:7</reference>; <reference osisRef="Acts.12.20">Ac 12:20</reference>); Minnith was formerly an Ammonite city (<reference osisRef="Judg.11.33">Jud 11:33</reference>). "Pannag" is identified by Grotius with "Phenice," the Greek name for "Canaan." "They traded ... wheat," that is, they supplied thy market with wheat.

<hi type="bold">balm--</hi>or, "balsam."

17. Minnith... Pannag-- names of places in Israel famed for good wheat, wherewith Tyre was supplied (1Ki 5:9, 11; Ezr 3:7; Ac 12:20); Minnith was formerly an Ammonite city (Jud 11:33). "Pannag" is identified by Grotius with "Phenice," the Greek name for "Canaan." "They traded... wheat," that is, they supplied thy market with wheat. balm-- or, "balsam."


<hi type="bold">18. Helbon--</hi>or Chalybon, in Syria, now Aleppo; famed for its wines; the Persian monarchs would drink no other.

18. Helbon-- or Chalybon, in Syria, now Aleppo; famed for its wines; the Persian monarchs would drink no other.


<hi type="bold">19. Dan also--</hi>None of the other places enumerated commence with the copula ("also"; Hebrew, ve). Moreover, the products specified, "cassia, calamus," apply rather to places in Arabia. Therefore, Fairbairn translates, "Vedan"; perhaps the modern Aden, near the straits of Bab-el-man-deb. Grotius refers it to Dana, mentioned by Ptolemy.

<hi type="bold">Javan--</hi>not the Greeks of Europe or Asia Minor, but of a Greek settlement in Arabia.

<hi type="bold">going to and fro--</hi>rather, as Hebrew admits, "from Uzal." This is added to "Javan," to mark which Javan is meant (<reference osisRef="Gen.10.27">Ge 10:27</reference>). The metropolis of Arabia Felix, or Yemen; called also Sanaa [Bochart]. English Version gives a good sense, thus: All peoples, whether near as the Israelite "Dan," or far as the Greeks or "Javan," who were wont to "go to and fro" from their love of traffic, frequented thy marts, bringing bright iron, &c., these products not being necessarily represented as those of Dan or Javan.

<hi type="bold">bright iron--</hi>Yemen is still famed for its sword blades.

<hi type="bold">calamus--</hi>aromatic cane.

19. Dan also-- None of the other places enumerated commence with the copula ("also"; Hebrew, ve). Moreover, the products specified, "cassia, calamus," apply rather to places in Arabia. Therefore, Fairbairn translates, "Vedan"; perhaps the modern Aden, near the straits of Bab-el-man-deb. Grotius refers it to Dana, mentioned by Ptolemy. Javan-- not the Greeks of Europe or Asia Minor, but of a Greek settlement in Arabia. going to and fro-- rather, as Hebrew admits, "from Uzal." This is added to "Javan," to mark which Javan is meant (Ge 10:27). The metropolis of Arabia Felix, or Yemen; called also Sanaa [Bochart]. English Version gives a good sense, thus: All peoples, whether near as the Israelite "Dan," or far as the Greeks or "Javan," who were wont to "go to and fro" from their love of traffic, frequented thy marts, bringing bright iron, &c., these products not being necessarily represented as those of Dan or Javan. bright iron-- Yemen is still famed for its sword blades. calamus-- aromatic cane.


<hi type="bold">20. Dedan--</hi>in Arabia; distinct from the Dedan in <reference osisRef="Ezek.27.15">Eze 27:15</reference> (see on <reference osisRef="Ezek.27.15">Eze 27:15</reference>). Descended from Abraham and Keturah (<reference osisRef="Gen.25.3">Ge 25:3</reference>) [Bochart].

<hi type="bold">precious clothes--</hi>splendid coverlets.

20. Dedan-- in Arabia; distinct from the Dedan in Eze 27:15 (see on Eze 27:15). Descended from Abraham and Keturah (Ge 25:3) [Bochart]. precious clothes-- splendid coverlets.


<hi type="bold">21. Arabia--</hi>the nomadic tribes of Arabia, among which Kedar was pre-eminent.

<hi type="bold">occupied with thee--</hi>literally, "of thy hand," that is, they traded with thee for wares, the product of thy hand (see on <reference osisRef="Ezek.27.15">Eze 27:15</reference>, <reference osisRef="Ezek.27.16">16</reference>).

21. Arabia-- the nomadic tribes of Arabia, among which Kedar was pre-eminent. occupied with thee-- literally, "of thy hand," that is, they traded with thee for wares, the product of thy hand (see on Eze 27:15, 16).


<hi type="bold">22. Sheba ... Raamah--</hi>in Arabia.

<hi type="bold">chief of ... spices--</hi>that is, best spices (<reference osisRef="Deut.33.15">De 33:15</reference>). Obtained from India and conveyed in caravans to Tyre.

22. Sheba... Raamah-- in Arabia. chief of... spices-- that is, best spices (De 33:15). Obtained from India and conveyed in caravans to Tyre.


<hi type="bold">23. Haran--</hi>the dwelling-place of Abraham in Mesopotamia, after he moved from Ur (<reference osisRef="Gen.11.31">Ge 11:31</reference>).

<hi type="bold">Canneh--</hi>Calneh, an Assyrian city on the Tigris; the Ctesiphon of the Greeks (<reference osisRef="Gen.10.10">Ge 10:10</reference>).

<hi type="bold">Eden--</hi>probably a region in Babylonia (see <reference osisRef="Gen.2.8">Ge 2:8</reference>).

<hi type="bold">Chilmad--</hi>a compound; the place designated by Ptolemy "Gaala of Media." The Chaldee version interprets it of Media. Henderson refers it to Carmanda, which Xenophon describes as a large city beyond the Euphrates.

23. Haran-- the dwelling-place of Abraham in Mesopotamia, after he moved from Ur (Ge 11:31). Canneh-- Calneh, an Assyrian city on the Tigris; the Ctesiphon of the Greeks (Ge 10:10). Eden-- probably a region in Babylonia (see Ge 2:8). Chilmad-- a compound; the place designated by Ptolemy "Gaala of Media." The Chaldee version interprets it of Media. Henderson refers it to Carmanda, which Xenophon describes as a large city beyond the Euphrates.


<hi type="bold">24. all sorts of things--</hi>Hebrew, "perfections"; exquisite articles of finery [Grotius].

<hi type="bold">clothes--</hi>rather, "mantles" or "cloaks"; literally, "wrappings." For "blue," Henderson translates, "purple."

<hi type="bold">chests of rich apparel, bound with cords--</hi>treasures or repositories of damask stuffs, consisting of variegated threads woven together in figures [Henderson].

<hi type="bold">cedar--</hi>The "chests" were made of cedar, in order to last the longer; and it also keeps off decay and has a sweet odor.

24. all sorts of things-- Hebrew, "perfections"; exquisite articles of finery [Grotius]. clothes-- rather, "mantles" or "cloaks"; literally, "wrappings." For "blue," Henderson translates, "purple." chests of rich apparel, bound with cords-- treasures or repositories of damask stuffs, consisting of variegated threads woven together in figures [Henderson]. cedar-- The "chests" were made of cedar, in order to last the longer; and it also keeps off decay and has a sweet odor.


<hi type="bold">25. sing of thee--</hi>personification; thy great merchant ships were palpable proofs of thy greatness. Others translate from a different Hebrew root, "were thy (mercantile) travellers." Fairbairn translates, "Were thy walls." But the parallelism to "thou wast glorious" favors English Version, "sing of thee."

25. sing of thee-- personification; thy great merchant ships were palpable proofs of thy greatness. Others translate from a different Hebrew root, "were thy (mercantile) travellers." Fairbairn translates, "Were thy walls." But the parallelism to "thou wast glorious" favors English Version, "sing of thee."


26. In contrast to her previous greatness, her downfall is here, by a sudden transition, depicted under the image of a vessel foundering at sea.

<hi type="bold">east wind--</hi>blowing from Lebanon, the most violent wind in the Mediterranean (<reference osisRef="Ps.48.7">Psa 48:7</reference>). A Levanter, as it is called. Nebuchadnezzar is meant. The "sea" is the war with him which the "rowers," or rulers of the state vessel, had "brought" it into, to its ruin.

26. In contrast to her previous greatness, her downfall is here, by a sudden transition, depicted under the image of a vessel foundering at sea. east wind-- blowing from Lebanon, the most violent wind in the Mediterranean (Psa 48:7). A Levanter, as it is called. Nebuchadnezzar is meant. The "sea" is the war with him which the "rowers," or rulers of the state vessel, had "brought" it into, to its ruin.


27. The detailed enumeration implies the utter completeness of the ruin.

<hi type="bold">and in all thy company--</hi>"even with all thy collected multitude" [Henderson].

27. The detailed enumeration implies the utter completeness of the ruin. and in all thy company-- "even with all thy collected multitude" [Henderson].


<hi type="bold">28. The suburbs--</hi>the buildings of Tyre on the adjoining continent.

28. The suburbs-- the buildings of Tyre on the adjoining continent.


29. So on the downfall of spiritual Babylon (<reference osisRef="Rev.18.17">Re 18:17</reference>, &c.).

<hi type="bold">shall stand upon ... land--</hi>being cast out of their ships in which heretofore they prided themselves.

29. So on the downfall of spiritual Babylon (Re 18:17, &c.). shall stand upon... land-- being cast out of their ships in which heretofore they prided themselves.


<hi type="bold">30. against thee--</hi>rather, "concerning thee."

30. against thee-- rather, "concerning thee."


<hi type="bold">31. utterly bald--</hi>literally, "bald with baldness." The Phoenician custom in mourning; which, as being connected with heathenish superstitions, was forbidden to Israel (<reference osisRef="Deut.14.1">De 14:1</reference>).

31. utterly bald-- literally, "bald with baldness." The Phoenician custom in mourning; which, as being connected with heathenish superstitions, was forbidden to Israel (De 14:1).


<hi type="bold">32. take up--</hi>lift up.

<hi type="bold">the destroyed--</hi>a destroyed one. Literally, (as opposed to its previous bustle of thronging merchants and mariners, <reference osisRef="Ezek.27.27">Eze 27:27</reference>), "one brought to death's stillness."

<hi type="bold">in ... midst of ... sea--</hi>insular Tyre.

32. take up-- lift up. the destroyed-- a destroyed one. Literally, (as opposed to its previous bustle of thronging merchants and mariners, Eze 27:27), "one brought to death's stillness." in... midst of... sea-- insular Tyre.


<hi type="bold">33. out of the seas--</hi>brought on shore out of the ships.

<hi type="bold">filledst--</hi>didst supply plentifully with wares.

<hi type="bold">enrich ... kings--</hi>with the custom dues levied on the wares.

33. out of the seas-- brought on shore out of the ships. filledst-- didst supply plentifully with wares. enrich... kings-- with the custom dues levied on the wares.


<hi type="bold">34. In the time when ... shall ... shall--</hi>Now that thou art broken (wrecked) ... thy merchandise ... are fallen [Maurer].

34. In the time when... shall... shall-- Now that thou art broken (wrecked)... thy merchandise... are fallen [Maurer].


35. isles-- seacoasts.


<hi type="bold">36. hiss--</hi>with astonishment; as in <reference osisRef="1Kgs.9.8">1Ki 9:8</reference>. <chapter eID="Ezek.27"/>

36. hiss-- with astonishment; as in 1Ki 9:8.


<title type="x-s2">CHAPTER 28</title> <title type="x-s3"><reference osisRef="Ezek.28.1-Ezek.28.26">Eze 28:1-26</reference>. Prophetical Dirge on the King of Tyre, as the Culmination and Embodiment of the Spirit of Carnal Pride and Self-sufficiency of the Whole State. The Fall of Zidon, the Mother City. The Restoration of Israel in Contrast with Tyre and Zidon.</title>

<hi type="bold">2. Because, &c.--</hi>repeated resumptively in <reference osisRef="Ezek.28.6">Eze 28:6</reference>. The apodosis begins at <reference osisRef="Ezek.28.7">Eze 28:7</reference>. "The prince of Tyrus" at the time was Ithobal, or Ithbaal II; the name implying his close connection with Baal, the Phoenician supreme god, whose representative he was.

<hi type="bold">I am a god, I sit in ... seat of God ... the seas--</hi>As God sits enthroned in His heavenly citadel exempt from all injury, so I sit secure in my impregnable stronghold amidst the stormiest elements, able to control them at will, and make them subserve my interests. The language, though primarily here applied to the king of Tyre, as similar language is to the king of Babylon (<reference osisRef="Isa.14.13">Is 14:13</reference>, <reference osisRef="Isa.14.14">14</reference>), yet has an ulterior and fuller accomplishment in Satan and his embodiment in Antichrist (<reference osisRef="Dan.7.25">Da 7:25</reference>; <reference osisRef="Dan.11.36">11:36</reference>, <reference osisRef="Dan.11.37">37</reference>; <reference osisRef="2Thess.2.4">2Th 2:4</reference>; <reference osisRef="Rev.13.6">Re 13:6</reference>). This feeling of superhuman elevation in the king of Tyre was fostered by the fact that the island on which Tyre stood was called "the holy island" [Sanconiathon], being sacred to Hercules, so much so that the colonies looked up to Tyre as the mother city of their religion, as well as of their political existence. The Hebrew for "God" is El, that is, "the Mighty One."

<hi type="bold">yet, &c.--</hi>keen irony.

<hi type="bold">set thine heart as ... heart of God--</hi>Thou thinkest of thyself as if thou wert God.

CHAPTER 28 Eze 28:1-26. Prophetical Dirge on the King of Tyre, as the Culmination and Embodiment of the Spirit of Carnal Pride and Self-sufficiency of the Whole State. The Fall of Zidon, the Mother City. The Restoration of Israel in Contrast with Tyre and Zidon. 2. Because, &c.-- repeated resumptively in Eze 28:6. The apodosis begins at Eze 28:7. "The prince of Tyrus" at the time was Ithobal, or Ithbaal II; the name implying his close connection with Baal, the Phoenician supreme god, whose representative he was. I am a god, I sit in... seat of God... the seas-- As God sits enthroned in His heavenly citadel exempt from all injury, so I sit secure in my impregnable stronghold amidst the stormiest elements, able to control them at will, and make them subserve my interests. The language, though primarily here applied to the king of Tyre, as similar language is to the king of Babylon (Is 14:13, 14), yet has an ulterior and fuller accomplishment in Satan and his embodiment in Antichrist (Da 7:25; 11:36, 37; 2Th 2:4; Re 13:6). This feeling of superhuman elevation in the king of Tyre was fostered by the fact that the island on which Tyre stood was called "the holy island" [Sanconiathon], being sacred to Hercules, so much so that the colonies looked up to Tyre as the mother city of their religion, as well as of their political existence. The Hebrew for "God" is El, that is, "the Mighty One." yet, &c.-- keen irony. set thine heart as... heart of God-- Thou thinkest of thyself as if thou wert God.


3. Ezekiel ironically alludes to Ithbaal's overweening opinion of the wisdom of himself and the Tyrians, as though superior to that of Daniel, whose fame had reached even Tyre as eclipsing the Chaldean sages. "Thou art wiser," namely, in thine own opinion (<reference osisRef="Zech.9.2">Zec 9:2</reference>).

<hi type="bold">no secret--</hi>namely, forgetting riches (<reference osisRef="Ezek.28.4">Eze 28:4</reference>).

<hi type="bold">that they can hide--</hi>that is, that can be hidden.

3. Ezekiel ironically alludes to Ithbaal's overweening opinion of the wisdom of himself and the Tyrians, as though superior to that of Daniel, whose fame had reached even Tyre as eclipsing the Chaldean sages. "Thou art wiser," namely, in thine own opinion (Zec 9:2). no secret-- namely, forgetting riches (Eze 28:4). that they can hide-- that is, that can be hidden.


5. (<reference osisRef="Ps.62.10">Psa 62:10</reference>).

5. (Psa 62:10).


<hi type="bold">6. Because, &c.--</hi>resumptive of <reference osisRef="Ezek.28.2">Eze 28:2</reference>.

6. Because, &c.-- resumptive of Eze 28:2.


<hi type="bold">7. therefore--</hi>apodosis.

<hi type="bold">strangers ... terrible of the nations--</hi>the Chaldean foreigners noted for their ferocity (<reference osisRef="Ezek.30.11">Eze 30:11</reference>; <reference osisRef="Ezek.31.12">31:12</reference>).

<hi type="bold">against the beauty of thy wisdom--</hi>that is, against thy beautiful possessions acquired by thy wisdom on which thou pridest thyself (<reference osisRef="Ezek.28.3-Ezek.28.5">Eze 28:3-5</reference>).

<hi type="bold">defile thy brightness--</hi>obscure the brightness of thy kingdom.

7. therefore-- apodosis. strangers... terrible of the nations-- the Chaldean foreigners noted for their ferocity (Eze 30:11; 31:12). against the beauty of thy wisdom-- that is, against thy beautiful possessions acquired by thy wisdom on which thou pridest thyself (Eze 28:3-5). defile thy brightness-- obscure the brightness of thy kingdom.


<hi type="bold">8. the pit--</hi>that is, the bottom of the sea; the image being that of one conquered in a sea-fight.

<hi type="bold">the deaths--</hi>plural, as various kinds of deaths are meant (<reference osisRef="Jer.16.4">Jr 16:4</reference>).

<hi type="bold">of them ... slain--</hi>literally, "pierced through." Such deaths as those pierced with many wounds die.

8. the pit-- that is, the bottom of the sea; the image being that of one conquered in a sea-fight. the deaths-- plural, as various kinds of deaths are meant (Jr 16:4). of them... slain-- literally, "pierced through." Such deaths as those pierced with many wounds die.


<hi type="bold">9. yet say--</hi>that is, still say; referring to <reference osisRef="Ezek.28.2">Eze 28:2</reference>.

<hi type="bold">but, &c.--</hi>But thy blasphemous boastings shall be falsified, and thou shalt be shown to be but man, and not God, in the hand (at the mercy) of Him.

9. yet say-- that is, still say; referring to Eze 28:2. but, &c.-- But thy blasphemous boastings shall be falsified, and thou shalt be shown to be but man, and not God, in the hand (at the mercy) of Him.


<hi type="bold">10. deaths of ... uncircumcised--</hi>that is, such a death as the uncircumcised or godless heathen deserve; and perhaps, also, such as the uncircumcised inflict, a great ignominy in the eyes of a Jew (<reference osisRef="1Sam.31.4">1Sa 31:4</reference>); a fit retribution on him who had scoffed at the circumcised Jews.

10. deaths of... uncircumcised-- that is, such a death as the uncircumcised or godless heathen deserve; and perhaps, also, such as the uncircumcised inflict, a great ignominy in the eyes of a Jew (1Sa 31:4); a fit retribution on him who had scoffed at the circumcised Jews.


<hi type="bold">12. sealest up the sum--</hi>literally, "Thou art the one sealing the sum of perfection." A thing is sealed when completed (<reference osisRef="Dan.9.24">Da 9:24</reference>). "The sum" implies the full measure of beauty, from a Hebrew root, "to measure." The normal man--one formed after accurate rule.

12. sealest up the sum-- literally, "Thou art the one sealing the sum of perfection." A thing is sealed when completed (Da 9:24). "The sum" implies the full measure of beauty, from a Hebrew root, "to measure." The normal man--one formed after accurate rule.


<hi type="bold">13. in Eden--</hi>The king of Tyre is represented in his former high state (contrasted with his subsequent downfall), under images drawn from the primeval man in Eden, the type of humanity in its most Godlike form.

<hi type="bold">garden of God--</hi>the model of ideal loveliness (<reference osisRef="Ezek.31.8">Eze 31:8</reference>, <reference osisRef="Ezek.31.9">9</reference>; <reference osisRef="Ezek.36.35">36:35</reference>). In the person of the king of Tyre a new trial was made of humanity with the greatest earthly advantages. But as in the case of Adam, the good gifts of God were only turned into ministers to pride and self.

<hi type="bold">every precious stone--</hi>so in Eden (<reference osisRef="Gen.2.12">Ge 2:12</reference>), "gold, bdellium, and the onyx stone." So the king of Tyre was arrayed in jewel-bespangled robes after the fashion of Oriental monarchs. The nine precious stones here mentioned answer to nine of the twelve (representing the twelve tribes) in the high priest's breastplate (<reference osisRef="Exod.39.10-Exod.39.13">Ex 39:10-13</reference>; <reference osisRef="Rev.21.14">Re 21:14</reference>, <reference osisRef="Rev.21.19-Rev.21.21">19-21</reference>). Of the four rows of three in each, the third is omitted in the Hebrew, but is supplied in the Septuagint. In this, too, there is an ulterior reference to Antichrist, who is blasphemously to arrogate the office of our divine High Priest (<reference osisRef="Zech.6.13">Zec 6:13</reference>).

<hi type="bold">tabrets--</hi>tambourines.

<hi type="bold">pipes--</hi>literally, "holes" in musical pipes or flutes.

<hi type="bold">created--</hi>that is, in the day of thine accession to the throne. Tambourines and all the marks of joy were ready prepared for thee ("in thee," that is, "with and for thee"). Thou hadst not, like others, to work thy way to the throne through arduous struggles. No sooner created than, like Adam, thou wast surrounded with the gratifications of Eden. Fairbairn, for "pipes," translates, "females" (having reference to <reference osisRef="Gen.1.27">Ge 1:27</reference>), that is, musician-women. Maurer explains the Hebrew not as to music, but as to the setting and mounting of the gems previously mentioned.

13. in Eden-- The king of Tyre is represented in his former high state (contrasted with his subsequent downfall), under images drawn from the primeval man in Eden, the type of humanity in its most Godlike form. garden of God-- the model of ideal loveliness (Eze 31:8, 9; 36:35). In the person of the king of Tyre a new trial was made of humanity with the greatest earthly advantages. But as in the case of Adam, the good gifts of God were only turned into ministers to pride and self. every precious stone-- so in Eden (Ge 2:12), "gold, bdellium, and the onyx stone." So the king of Tyre was arrayed in jewel-bespangled robes after the fashion of Oriental monarchs. The nine precious stones here mentioned answer to nine of the twelve (representing the twelve tribes) in the high priest's breastplate (Ex 39:10-13; Re 21:14, 19-21). Of the four rows of three in each, the third is omitted in the Hebrew, but is supplied in the Septuagint. In this, too, there is an ulterior reference to Antichrist, who is blasphemously to arrogate the office of our divine High Priest (Zec 6:13). tabrets-- tambourines. pipes-- literally, "holes" in musical pipes or flutes. created-- that is, in the day of thine accession to the throne. Tambourines and all the marks of joy were ready prepared for thee ("in thee," that is, "with and for thee"). Thou hadst not, like others, to work thy way to the throne through arduous struggles. No sooner created than, like Adam, thou wast surrounded with the gratifications of Eden. Fairbairn, for "pipes," translates, "females" (having reference to Ge 1:27), that is, musician-women. Maurer explains the Hebrew not as to music, but as to the setting and mounting of the gems previously mentioned.


<hi type="bold">14. anointed cherub--</hi>Gesenius translates from an Aramaic root, "extended cherub." English Version, from a Hebrew root, is better. "The cherub consecrated to the Lord by the anointing oil" [Fairbairn].

<hi type="bold">covereth--</hi>The imagery employed by Ezekiel as a priest is from the Jewish temple, wherein the cherubim overshadowed the mercy seat, as the king of Tyre, a demi-god in his own esteem, extended his protection over the interests of Tyre. The cherub--an ideal compound of the highest kinds of animal existence and the type of redeemed man in his ultimate state of perfection--is made the image of the king of Tyre, as if the beau ideal of humanity. The pretensions of Antichrist are the ulterior reference, of whom the king of Tyre is a type. Compare "As God ... in the temple of God" (<reference osisRef="2Thess.2.4">2Th 2:4</reference>).

<hi type="bold">I have set thee--</hi>not thou set thyself (<reference osisRef="Prov.8.16">Pr 8:16</reference>; <reference osisRef="Rom.13.1">Ro 13:1</reference>).

<hi type="bold">upon the holy mountain of God--</hi>Zion, following up the image.

<hi type="bold">in ... midst of ... stones of fire--</hi>In ambitious imagination he stood in the place of God, "under whose feet was, as it were, a pavement of sapphire," while His glory was like "devouring fire" (<reference osisRef="Exod.24.10">Ex 24:10</reference>, <reference osisRef="Exod.24.17">17</reference>).

14. anointed cherub-- Gesenius translates from an Aramaic root, "extended cherub." English Version, from a Hebrew root, is better. "The cherub consecrated to the Lord by the anointing oil" [Fairbairn]. covereth-- The imagery employed by Ezekiel as a priest is from the Jewish temple, wherein the cherubim overshadowed the mercy seat, as the king of Tyre, a demi-god in his own esteem, extended his protection over the interests of Tyre. The cherub--an ideal compound of the highest kinds of animal existence and the type of redeemed man in his ultimate state of perfection--is made the image of the king of Tyre, as if the beau ideal of humanity. The pretensions of Antichrist are the ulterior reference, of whom the king of Tyre is a type. Compare "As God... in the temple of God" (2Th 2:4). I have set thee-- not thou set thyself (Pr 8:16; Ro 13:1). upon the holy mountain of God-- Zion, following up the image. in... midst of... stones of fire-- In ambitious imagination he stood in the place of God, "under whose feet was, as it were, a pavement of sapphire," while His glory was like "devouring fire" (Ex 24:10, 17).


<hi type="bold">15. perfect--</hi>prosperous [Grotius], and having no defect. So Hiram was a sample of the Tyrian monarch in his early days of wisdom and prosperity (<reference osisRef="1Kgs.5.7">1Ki 5:7</reference>, &c.).

<hi type="bold">till iniquity ... in thee--</hi>Like the primeval man thou hast fallen by abusing God's gifts, and so hast provoked God's wrath.

15. perfect-- prosperous [Grotius], and having no defect. So Hiram was a sample of the Tyrian monarch in his early days of wisdom and prosperity (1Ki 5:7, &c.). till iniquity... in thee-- Like the primeval man thou hast fallen by abusing God's gifts, and so hast provoked God's wrath.


<hi type="bold">16. filled the midst of thee--</hi>that is, they have filled the midst of the city; he as the head of the state being involved in the guilt of the state, which he did not check, but fostered.

<hi type="bold">cast thee as profane--</hi>no longer treated as sacred, but driven out of the place of sanctity (see <reference osisRef="Ezek.28.14">Eze 28:14</reference>) which thou hast occupied (compare <reference osisRef="Ps.89.39">Psa 89:39</reference>).

16. filled the midst of thee-- that is, they have filled the midst of the city; he as the head of the state being involved in the guilt of the state, which he did not check, but fostered. cast thee as profane-- no longer treated as sacred, but driven out of the place of sanctity (see Eze 28:14) which thou hast occupied (compare Psa 89:39).


<hi type="bold">17. brightness--</hi>thy splendor.

<hi type="bold">lay thee before kings--</hi>as an example of God's wrath against presumptuous pride.

17. brightness-- thy splendor. lay thee before kings-- as an example of God's wrath against presumptuous pride.


<hi type="bold">18. thy sanctuaries--</hi>that is, the holy places, attributed to the king of Tyre in <reference osisRef="Ezek.28.14">Eze 28:14</reference>, as his ideal position. As he "profaned" it, so God will "profane" him (<reference osisRef="Ezek.28.16">Eze 28:16</reference>).

<hi type="bold">fire ... devour--</hi>As he abused his supposed elevation amidst "the stones of fire" (<reference osisRef="Ezek.28.16">Eze 28:16</reference>), so God will make His "fire" to "devour" him.

18. thy sanctuaries-- that is, the holy places, attributed to the king of Tyre in Eze 28:14, as his ideal position. As he "profaned" it, so God will "profane" him (Eze 28:16). fire... devour-- As he abused his supposed elevation amidst "the stones of fire" (Eze 28:16), so God will make His "fire" to "devour" him.


<hi type="bold">21. Zidon--</hi>famous for its fishery (from a root, Zud, "to fish"); and afterwards for its wide extended commerce; its artistic elegance was proverbial. Founded by Canaan's first-born (<reference osisRef="Gen.10.15">Ge 10:15</reference>). Tyre was an offshoot from it, so that it was involved in the same overthrow by the Chaldeans as Tyre. It is mentioned separately, because its idolatry (Ashtaroth, Tammuz, or Adonis) infected Israel more than that of Tyre did (<reference osisRef="Ezek.8.14">Eze 8:14</reference>; <reference osisRef="Judg.10.6">Jud 10:6</reference>; <reference osisRef="1Kgs.11.33">1Ki 11:33</reference>). The notorious Jezebel was a daughter of the Zidonian king.

21. Zidon-- famous for its fishery (from a root, Zud, "to fish"); and afterwards for its wide extended commerce; its artistic elegance was proverbial. Founded by Canaan's first-born (Ge 10:15). Tyre was an offshoot from it, so that it was involved in the same overthrow by the Chaldeans as Tyre. It is mentioned separately, because its idolatry (Ashtaroth, Tammuz, or Adonis) infected Israel more than that of Tyre did (Eze 8:14; Jud 10:6; 1Ki 11:33). The notorious Jezebel was a daughter of the Zidonian king.


<hi type="bold">22. shall be sanctified in her--</hi>when all nations shall see that I am the Holy Judge in the vengeance that I will inflict on her for sin.

22. shall be sanctified in her-- when all nations shall see that I am the Holy Judge in the vengeance that I will inflict on her for sin.


<hi type="bold">24. no more ... brier ... unto ... Israel--</hi>as the idolatrous nations left in Canaan (among which Zidon is expressly specified in the limits of Asher, <reference osisRef="Judg.1.31">Jud 1:31</reference>) had been (<reference osisRef="Num.33.55">Nu 33:55</reference>; <reference osisRef="Josh.23.13">Jos 23:13</reference>). "A brier," first ensnaring the Israelites in sin, and then being made the instrument of punishing them.

<hi type="bold">pricking--</hi>literally, "causing bitterness." The same Hebrew is translated "fretting" (<reference osisRef="Lev.13.51">Le 13:51</reference>, <reference osisRef="Lev.13.52">52</reference>). The wicked are often called "thorns" (<reference osisRef="2Sam.23.6">2Sa 23:6</reference>).

24. no more... brier... unto... Israel-- as the idolatrous nations left in Canaan (among which Zidon is expressly specified in the limits of Asher, Jud 1:31) had been (Nu 33:55; Jos 23:13). "A brier," first ensnaring the Israelites in sin, and then being made the instrument of punishing them. pricking-- literally, "causing bitterness." The same Hebrew is translated "fretting" (Le 13:51, 52). The wicked are often called "thorns" (2Sa 23:6).


25-26. Fulfilled in part at the restoration from Babylon, when Judaism, so far from being merged in heathenism, made inroads by conversions on the idolatry of surrounding nations. The full accomplishment is yet future, when Israel, under Christ, shall be the center of Christendom; of which an earnest was given in the woman from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon who sought the Saviour (<reference osisRef="Matt.15.21">Mt 15:21</reference>, <reference osisRef="Matt.24.26-Matt.24.28">24, 26-28</reference>; compare <reference osisRef="Isa.11.12">Is 11:12</reference>).

<hi type="bold">dwell safely--</hi>(<reference osisRef="Jer.23.6">Jr 23:6</reference>). <chapter eID="Ezek.28"/>

25-26. Fulfilled in part at the restoration from Babylon, when Judaism, so far from being merged in heathenism, made inroads by conversions on the idolatry of surrounding nations. The full accomplishment is yet future, when Israel, under Christ, shall be the center of Christendom; of which an earnest was given in the woman from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon who sought the Saviour (Mt 15:21, 24, 26-28; compare Is 11:12). dwell safely-- (Jr 23:6).


<title type="x-s2">CHAPTER 29</title> <title type="x-s3"><reference osisRef="Ezek.29.1-Ezek.29.21">Eze 29:1-21</reference>. The Judgment on Egypt by Nebuchadnezzar; though about to Be Restored after Forty Years, It Was Still to Be in a State of Degradation.</title>
 This is the last of the world kingdoms against which Ezekiel's prophecies are directed, and occupies the largest space in them, namely, the next four chapters. Though farther off than Tyre, it exercised a more powerful influence on Israel.

<hi type="bold">2. Pharaoh--</hi>a common name of all the kings of Egypt, meaning "the sun"; or, as others say, a "crocodile," which was worshipped in parts of Egypt (compare <reference osisRef="Ezek.29.3">Eze 29:3</reference>). Hophra or Apries was on the throne at this time. His reign began prosperously. He took Gaza (<reference osisRef="Jer.47.1">Jr 47:1</reference>) and Zidon and made himself master of Phoenicia and Palestine, recovering much that was lost to Egypt by the victory of Nebuchadnezzar at Carchemish (<reference osisRef="2Kgs.24.7">2Ki 24:7</reference>; <reference osisRef="Jer.46.2">Jr 46:2</reference>), in the fourth year of Jehoiakim [Wilkinson, Ancient Egypt, 1.169]. So proudly secure because of his successes for twenty-five years did he feel, that he said not even a god could deprive him of his kingdom [Herodotus, 2.169]. Hence the appropriateness of the description of him in <reference osisRef="Ezek.29.3">Eze 29:3</reference>. No mere human sagacity could have enabled Ezekiel to foresee Egypt's downfall in the height of its prosperity. There are four divisions of these prophecies; the first in the tenth year of Ezekiel's captivity; the last in the twelfth. Between the first and second comes one of much later date, not having been given till the twenty-seventh year (<reference osisRef="Ezek.29.17">Eze 29:17</reference>; <reference osisRef="Ezek.30.19">30:19</reference>), but placed there as appropriate to the subject matter. Pharaoh-hophra, or Apries, was dethroned and strangled, and Amasis substituted as king, by Nebuchadnezzar (compare <reference osisRef="Jer.44.30">Jr 44:30</reference>). The Egyptian priests, from national vanity, made no mention to Herodotus of the Egyptian loss of territory in Syria through Nebuchadnezzar, of which Josephus tells us, but attributed the change in the succession from Apries to Amasis solely to the Egyptian soldiery. The civil war between the two rivals no doubt lasted several years, affording an opportunity to Nebuchadnezzar of interfering and of elevating the usurper Amasis, on condition of his becoming tributary to Babylon [Wilkinson]. Compare <reference osisRef="Jer.43.10-Jer.43.12">Jr 43:10-12</reference>, and see on <reference osisRef="Jer.43.13">Jr 43:13</reference>, for another view of the grounds of interference of Nebuchadnezzar.

CHAPTER 29 Eze 29:1-21. The Judgment on Egypt by Nebuchadnezzar; though about to Be Restored after Forty Years, It Was Still to Be in a State of Degradation. This is the last of the world kingdoms against which Ezekiel's prophecies are directed, and occupies the largest space in them, namely, the next four chapters. Though farther off than Tyre, it exercised a more powerful influence on Israel. 2. Pharaoh-- a common name of all the kings of Egypt, meaning "the sun"; or, as others say, a "crocodile," which was worshipped in parts of Egypt (compare Eze 29:3). Hophra or Apries was on the throne at this time. His reign began prosperously. He took Gaza (Jr 47:1) and Zidon and made himself master of Phoenicia and Palestine, recovering much that was lost to Egypt by the victory of Nebuchadnezzar at Carchemish (2Ki 24:7; Jr 46:2), in the fourth year of Jehoiakim [Wilkinson, Ancient Egypt, 1.169]. So proudly secure because of his successes for twenty-five years did he feel, that he said not even a god could deprive him of his kingdom [Herodotus, 2.169]. Hence the appropriateness of the description of him in Eze 29:3. No mere human sagacity could have enabled Ezekiel to foresee Egypt's downfall in the height of its prosperity. There are four divisions of these prophecies; the first in the tenth year of Ezekiel's captivity; the last in the twelfth. Between the first and second comes one of much later date, not having been given till the twenty-seventh year (Eze 29:17; 30:19), but placed there as appropriate to the subject matter. Pharaoh-hophra, or Apries, was dethroned and strangled, and Amasis substituted as king, by Nebuchadnezzar (compare Jr 44:30). The Egyptian priests, from national vanity, made no mention to Herodotus of the Egyptian loss of territory in Syria through Nebuchadnezzar, of which Josephus tells us, but attributed the change in the succession from Apries to Amasis solely to the Egyptian soldiery. The civil war between the two rivals no doubt lasted several years, affording an opportunity to Nebuchadnezzar of interfering and of elevating the usurper Amasis, on condition of his becoming tributary to Babylon [Wilkinson]. Compare Jr 43:10-12, and see on Jr 43:13, for another view of the grounds of interference of Nebuchadnezzar.


<hi type="bold">3. dragon--</hi>Hebrew, tanim, any large aquatic animal, here the crocodile, which on Roman coins is the emblem of Egypt.

<hi type="bold">lieth--</hi>restest proudly secure.

<hi type="bold">his rivers--</hi>the mouths, branches, and canals of the Nile, to which Egypt owed its fertility.

3. dragon-- Hebrew, tanim, any large aquatic animal, here the crocodile, which on Roman coins is the emblem of Egypt. lieth-- restest proudly secure. his rivers-- the mouths, branches, and canals of the Nile, to which Egypt owed its fertility.


<hi type="bold">4. hooks in thy jaws--</hi>(<reference osisRef="Isa.37.29">Is 37:29</reference>; compare <reference osisRef="Job.41.1">Job 41:1</reference>, 2). Amasis was the "hook." In the Assyrian sculptures prisoners are represented with a hook in the underlip, and a cord from it held by the king.

<hi type="bold">cause ... fish ... stick unto ... scales--</hi>Pharaoh, presuming on his power as if he were God (<reference osisRef="Ezek.29.3">Eze 29:3</reference>, "I have made it"), wished to stand in the stead of God as defender of the covenant-people, his motive being, not love to them, but rivalry with Babylon. He raised the siege of Jerusalem, but it was only for a time (compare <reference osisRef="Ezek.29.6">Eze 29:6</reference>; <reference osisRef="Jer.37.5">Jr 37:5</reference>, <reference osisRef="Jer.37.7-Jer.37.10">7-10</reference>); ruin overtook not only them, but himself. As the fish that clung to the horny scales of the crocodile, the lord of the Nile, when he was caught, shared his fate, so the adherents of Pharaoh, lord of Egypt, when he was overthrown by Amasis, should share his fate.

4. hooks in thy jaws-- (Is 37:29; compare Job 41:1, 2). Amasis was the "hook." In the Assyrian sculptures prisoners are represented with a hook in the underlip, and a cord from it held by the king. cause... fish... stick unto... scales-- Pharaoh, presuming on his power as if he were God (Eze 29:3, "I have made it"), wished to stand in the stead of God as defender of the covenant-people, his motive being, not love to them, but rivalry with Babylon. He raised the siege of Jerusalem, but it was only for a time (compare Eze 29:6; Jr 37:5, 7-10); ruin overtook not only them, but himself. As the fish that clung to the horny scales of the crocodile, the lord of the Nile, when he was caught, shared his fate, so the adherents of Pharaoh, lord of Egypt, when he was overthrown by Amasis, should share his fate.


<hi type="bold">5. wilderness--</hi>captivity beyond thy kingdom. The expression is used perhaps to imply retribution in kind. As Egypt pursued after Israel, saying, "The wilderness hath shut them in" (<reference osisRef="Exod.14.3">Ex 14:3</reference>), so she herself shall be brought into a wilderness state.

<hi type="bold">open fields--</hi>literally, "face of the field."

<hi type="bold">not be brought together--</hi>As the crocodile is not, when caught, restored to the river, so no remnant of thy routed army shall be brought together, and rallied, after its defeat in the wilderness. Pharaoh led an army against Cyrene in Africa, in support of Aricranes, who had been stripped of his kingdom by the Cyrenians. The army perished and Egypt rebelled against him [Junius]. But the reference is mainly to the defeat by Nebuchadnezzar.

<hi type="bold">beasts ... fowls--</hi>hostile and savage men.

5. wilderness-- captivity beyond thy kingdom. The expression is used perhaps to imply retribution in kind. As Egypt pursued after Israel, saying, "The wilderness hath shut them in" (Ex 14:3), so she herself shall be brought into a wilderness state. open fields-- literally, "face of the field." not be brought together-- As the crocodile is not, when caught, restored to the river, so no remnant of thy routed army shall be brought together, and rallied, after its defeat in the wilderness. Pharaoh led an army against Cyrene in Africa, in support of Aricranes, who had been stripped of his kingdom by the Cyrenians. The army perished and Egypt rebelled against him [Junius]. But the reference is mainly to the defeat by Nebuchadnezzar. beasts... fowls-- hostile and savage men.


<hi type="bold">6. staff of reed to ... Israel--</hi>alluding to the reeds on the banks of the Nile, which broke if one leaned upon them (see on <reference osisRef="Ezek.29.4">Eze 29:4</reference>; <reference osisRef="Isa.36.6">Is 36:6</reference>). All Israel's dependence on Egypt proved hurtful instead of beneficial (<reference osisRef="Isa.30.1-Isa.30.5">Is 30:1-5</reference>).

6. staff of reed to... Israel-- alluding to the reeds on the banks of the Nile, which broke if one leaned upon them (see on Eze 29:4; Is 36:6). All Israel's dependence on Egypt proved hurtful instead of beneficial (Is 30:1-5).


<hi type="bold">7. hand--</hi>or handle of the reed.

<hi type="bold">rend ... shoulder--</hi>by the splinters on which the shoulder or arm would fall, on the support failing the hand.

<hi type="bold">madest ... loins ... at a stand--</hi>that is, made them to be disabled. Maurer somewhat similarly (referring to a kindred Arabic form), "Thou hast stricken both their loins." Fairbairn, not so well, "Thou lettest all their loins stand," that is, by themselves, bereft of the support which they looked for from thee.

7. hand-- or handle of the reed. rend... shoulder-- by the splinters on which the shoulder or arm would fall, on the support failing the hand. madest... loins... at a stand-- that is, made them to be disabled. Maurer somewhat similarly (referring to a kindred Arabic form), "Thou hast stricken both their loins." Fairbairn, not so well, "Thou lettest all their loins stand," that is, by themselves, bereft of the support which they looked for from thee.


<hi type="bold">8. a sword--</hi>Nebuchadnezzar's army (<reference osisRef="Ezek.29.19">Eze 29:19</reference>). Also Amasis and the Egyptian revolters who after Pharaoh-hophra's discomfiture in Cyrene dethroned and strangled him, having defeated him in a battle fought at Memphis [Junius].

8. a sword-- Nebuchadnezzar's army (Eze 29:19). Also Amasis and the Egyptian revolters who after Pharaoh-hophra's discomfiture in Cyrene dethroned and strangled him, having defeated him in a battle fought at Memphis [Junius].


<hi type="bold">9. I am the Lord--</hi>in antithesis to the blasphemous boast repeated here from <reference osisRef="Ezek.29.3">Eze 29:3</reference>, "The river is mine, and I have made it."

9. I am the Lord-- in antithesis to the blasphemous boast repeated here from Eze 29:3, "The river is mine, and I have made it."


<hi type="bold">10. from the tower of Syene--</hi>Grotius translates, "from Migdol (a fortress near Pelusium on the north of Suez) to Syene (in the farthest south)"; that is, from one end of Egypt to the other. So "from Migdol to Syene," <reference osisRef="Ezek.30.6">Eze 30:6</reference>, Margin. However, English Version rightly refers Syene to Seveneh, that is, Sebennytus, in the eastern delta of the Nile, the capital of the Lower Egyptian kings. The Sebennyte Pharaohs, with the help of the Canaanites, who, as shepherds or merchants, ranged the desert of Suez, extended their borders beyond the narrow province east of the delta, to which they had been confined by the Pharaohs of Upper Egypt. The defeated party, in derision, named the Sebennyte or Lower Egyptians foreigners and shepherd-kings (a shepherd being an abomination in Egypt, <reference osisRef="Gen.46.34">Ge 46:34</reference>). They were really a native dynasty. Thus, in English Version, "Ethiopia" in the extreme south is rightly contrasted with Sebennytus or Syene in the north.

10. from the tower of Syene-- Grotius translates, "from Migdol (a fortress near Pelusium on the north of Suez) to Syene (in the farthest south)"; that is, from one end of Egypt to the other. So "from Migdol to Syene," Eze 30:6, Margin. However, English Version rightly refers Syene to Seveneh, that is, Sebennytus, in the eastern delta of the Nile, the capital of the Lower Egyptian kings. The Sebennyte Pharaohs, with the help of the Canaanites, who, as shepherds or merchants, ranged the desert of Suez, extended their borders beyond the narrow province east of the delta, to which they had been confined by the Pharaohs of Upper Egypt. The defeated party, in derision, named the Sebennyte or Lower Egyptians foreigners and shepherd-kings (a shepherd being an abomination in Egypt, Ge 46:34). They were really a native dynasty. Thus, in English Version, "Ethiopia" in the extreme south is rightly contrasted with Sebennytus or Syene in the north.


<hi type="bold">11. forty years--</hi>answering to the forty years in which the Israelites, their former bondsmen, wandered in "the wilderness" (compare Note, see on <reference osisRef="Ezek.29.5">Eze 29:5</reference>). Jerome remarks the number forty is one often connected with affliction and judgment. The rains of the flood in forty days brought destruction on the world. Moses, Elias, and the Saviour fasted forty days. The interval between Egypt's overthrow by Nebuchadnezzar and the deliverance by Cyrus, was about forty years. The ideal forty years' wilderness state of social and political degradation, rather than a literal non-passing of man or beast for that term, is mainly intended (so <reference osisRef="Ezek.4.6">Eze 4:6</reference>; <reference osisRef="Isa.19.2">Is 19:2</reference>, <reference osisRef="Isa.19.11">11</reference>).

11. forty years-- answering to the forty years in which the Israelites, their former bondsmen, wandered in "the wilderness" (compare Note, see on Eze 29:5). Jerome remarks the number forty is one often connected with affliction and judgment. The rains of the flood in forty days brought destruction on the world. Moses, Elias, and the Saviour fasted forty days. The interval between Egypt's overthrow by Nebuchadnezzar and the deliverance by Cyrus, was about forty years. The ideal forty years' wilderness state of social and political degradation, rather than a literal non-passing of man or beast for that term, is mainly intended (so Eze 4:6; Is 19:2, 11).


12. As Israel passed through a term of wilderness discipline (compare <reference osisRef="Ezek.20.35">Eze 20:35</reference>, &c.), which was in its essential features to be repeated again, so it was to be with Egypt [Fairbairn]. Some Egyptians were to be carried to Babylon, also many "scattered" in Arabia and Ethiopia through fear; but mainly the "scattering" was to be the dissipation of their power, even though the people still remained in their own land.

12. As Israel passed through a term of wilderness discipline (compare Eze 20:35, &c.), which was in its essential features to be repeated again, so it was to be with Egypt [Fairbairn]. Some Egyptians were to be carried to Babylon, also many "scattered" in Arabia and Ethiopia through fear; but mainly the "scattering" was to be the dissipation of their power, even though the people still remained in their own land.


13. (<reference osisRef="Jer.46.26">Jr 46:26</reference>).

13. (Jr 46:26).


<hi type="bold">14. Pathros--</hi>the Thebaid, or Upper Egypt, which had been especially harassed by Nebuchadnezzar (<reference osisRef="Nah.3.8">Na 3:8</reference>, <reference osisRef="Nah.3.10">10</reference>). The oldest part of Egypt as to civilization and art. The Thebaid was anciently called "Egypt" [Aristotle]. Therefore it is called the "land of the Egyptians' birth" (Margin, for "habitation").

<hi type="bold">base kingdom--</hi>Under Amasis it was made dependent on Babylon; humbled still more under Cambyses; and though somewhat raised under the Ptolemies, never has it regained its ancient pre-eminence.

14. Pathros-- the Thebaid, or Upper Egypt, which had been especially harassed by Nebuchadnezzar (Na 3:8, 10). The oldest part of Egypt as to civilization and art. The Thebaid was anciently called "Egypt" [Aristotle]. Therefore it is called the "land of the Egyptians' birth" (Margin, for "habitation"). base kingdom-- Under Amasis it was made dependent on Babylon; humbled still more under Cambyses; and though somewhat raised under the Ptolemies, never has it regained its ancient pre-eminence.


16. Egypt, when restored, shall be so circumscribed in power that it shall be no longer an object of confidence to Israel, as formerly; for example, as when, relying on it, Israel broke faith with Nebuchadnezzar (<reference osisRef="Ezek.17.13">Eze 17:13</reference>, 15, 16).

<hi type="bold">which bringeth their iniquity to remembrance, when they shall look after them--</hi>rather, "while they (the Israelites) look to (or, turn after) them" [Henderson]. Israel's looking to Egypt, rather than to God, causes their iniquity (unfaithfulness to the covenant) to be remembered by God.

16. Egypt, when restored, shall be so circumscribed in power that it shall be no longer an object of confidence to Israel, as formerly; for example, as when, relying on it, Israel broke faith with Nebuchadnezzar (Eze 17:13, 15, 16). which bringeth their iniquity to remembrance, when they shall look after them-- rather, "while they (the Israelites) look to (or, turn after) them" [Henderson]. Israel's looking to Egypt, rather than to God, causes their iniquity (unfaithfulness to the covenant) to be remembered by God.


17. The departure from the chronological order occurs here only, among the prophecies as to foreign nations, in order to secure greater unity of subject.


<hi type="bold">18. every head ... bald, ... shoulder ... peeled--</hi>with carrying baskets of earth and stones for the siege works.

<hi type="bold">no wages ... for the service--</hi>that is, in proportion to it and the time and labor which he expended on the siege of Tyre. Not that he actually failed in the siege (Jerome expressly states, from Assyrian histories, that Nebuchadnezzar succeeded); but, so much of the Tyrian resources had been exhausted, or transported to her colonies in ships, that little was left to compensate Nebuchadnezzar for his thirteen year's siege.

18. every head... bald,... shoulder... peeled-- with carrying baskets of earth and stones for the siege works. no wages... for the service-- that is, in proportion to it and the time and labor which he expended on the siege of Tyre. Not that he actually failed in the siege (Jerome expressly states, from Assyrian histories, that Nebuchadnezzar succeeded); but, so much of the Tyrian resources had been exhausted, or transported to her colonies in ships, that little was left to compensate Nebuchadnezzar for his thirteen year's siege.


<hi type="bold">19. multitude--</hi>not as Fairbairn, "store"; but, he shall take away a multitude of captives out of Egypt. The success of Nebuchadnezzar is implied in Tyre's receiving a king from Babylon, probably one of her captives there, Merbal.

<hi type="bold">take her spoil ... prey--</hi>literally, "spoil her spoil, prey her prey," that is, as she spoiled other nations, so shall she herself be a spoil to Babylon.

19. multitude-- not as Fairbairn, "store"; but, he shall take away a multitude of captives out of Egypt. The success of Nebuchadnezzar is implied in Tyre's receiving a king from Babylon, probably one of her captives there, Merbal. take her spoil... prey-- literally, "spoil her spoil, prey her prey," that is, as she spoiled other nations, so shall she herself be a spoil to Babylon.


<hi type="bold">20. because they wrought for me--</hi>the Chaldeans, fulfilling My will as to Tyre (compare <reference osisRef="Jer.25.9">Jr 25:9</reference>).

20. because they wrought for me-- the Chaldeans, fulfilling My will as to Tyre (compare Jr 25:9).


21. In the evil only, not in the good, was Egypt to be parallel to Israel. The very downfall of Egypt will be the signal for the rise of Israel, because of God's covenant with the latter.

<hi type="bold">I cause the horn of ... Israel to bud--</hi>(<reference osisRef="Ps.132.17">Psa 132:17</reference>). I will cause its ancient glory to revive: an earnest of Israel's full glory under Messiah, the son of David (<reference osisRef="Luke.1.69">Lu 1:69</reference>). Even in Babylon an earnest was given of this in Daniel (<reference osisRef="Dan.6.2">Da 6:2</reference>) and Jeconiah (<reference osisRef="Jer.52.31">Jr 52:31</reference>).

<hi type="bold">I will give thee ... opening of ... mouth--</hi>When thy predictions shall have come to pass, thy words henceforth shall be more heeded (compare <reference osisRef="Ezek.24.27">Eze 24:27</reference>). <chapter eID="Ezek.29"/>

21. In the evil only, not in the good, was Egypt to be parallel to Israel. The very downfall of Egypt will be the signal for the rise of Israel, because of God's covenant with the latter. I cause the horn of... Israel to bud-- (Psa 132:17). I will cause its ancient glory to revive: an earnest of Israel's full glory under Messiah, the son of David (Lu 1:69). Even in Babylon an earnest was given of this in Daniel (Da 6:2) and Jeconiah (Jr 52:31). I will give thee... opening of... mouth-- When thy predictions shall have come to pass, thy words henceforth shall be more heeded (compare Eze 24:27).


<title type="x-s2">CHAPTER 30</title> <title type="x-s3"><reference osisRef="Ezek.30.1-Ezek.30.26">Eze 30:1-26</reference>. Continuation of the Prophecies against Egypt.</title>
 Two distinct messages: (1) At <reference osisRef="Ezek.30.1-Ezek.30.19">Eze 30:1-19</reference>, a repetition of <reference osisRef="Ezek.29.1-Ezek.29.16">Eze 29:1-16</reference>, with fuller details of lifelike distinctness. The date is probably not long after that mentioned in <reference osisRef="Ezek.29.17">Eze 29:17</reference>, on the eve of Nebuchadnezzar's march against Egypt after subjugating Tyre. (2) A vision relating directly to Pharaoh and the overthrow of his kingdom; communicated at an earlier date, the seventh of the first month of the eleventh year. Not a year after the date in <reference osisRef="Ezek.29.1">Eze 29:1</reference>, and three months before the taking of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar.

<hi type="bold">2. Woe worth the day!--</hi>that is, Alas for the day!

CHAPTER 30 Eze 30:1-26. Continuation of the Prophecies against Egypt. Two distinct messages: (1) At Eze 30:1-19, a repetition of Eze 29:1-16, with fuller details of lifelike distinctness. The date is probably not long after that mentioned in Eze 29:17, on the eve of Nebuchadnezzar's march against Egypt after subjugating Tyre. (2) A vision relating directly to Pharaoh and the overthrow of his kingdom; communicated at an earlier date, the seventh of the first month of the eleventh year. Not a year after the date in Eze 29:1, and three months before the taking of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. 2. Woe worth the day!-- that is, Alas for the day!


<hi type="bold">3. the time of the heathen--</hi>namely, for taking vengeance on them. The judgment on Egypt is the beginning of a world-wide judgment on all the heathen enemies of God (<reference osisRef="Joel.1.15">Joe 1:15</reference>; <reference osisRef="2Cor.1.2">2:1, 2</reference>; <reference osisRef="1Cor.3.1-1Cor.3.21">3:1-21</reference>; Ob 15).

3. the time of the heathen-- namely, for taking vengeance on them. The judgment on Egypt is the beginning of a world-wide judgment on all the heathen enemies of God (Joe 1:15; 2:1, 2; 3:1-21; Ob 15).


<hi type="bold">4. pain--</hi>literally, "pangs with trembling as of a woman in childbirth."

4. pain-- literally, "pangs with trembling as of a woman in childbirth."


<hi type="bold">5. the mingled people--</hi>the mercenary troops of Egypt from various lands, mostly from the interior of Africa (compare <reference osisRef="Ezek.27.10">Eze 27:10</reference>; <reference osisRef="Jer.25.20">Jr 25:20</reference>, <reference osisRef="Jer.25.24">24</reference>; <reference osisRef="Jer.46.9">46:9</reference>, <reference osisRef="Jer.46.21">21</reference>).

<hi type="bold">Chub--</hi>the people named Kufa on the monuments [Havernick], a people considerably north of Palestine [Wilkinson]; Coba or Chobat, a city of Mauritania [Maurer].

<hi type="bold">men of the land that is in league--</hi>too definite an expression to mean merely, "men in league" with Egypt; rather, "sons of the land of the covenant," that is, the Jews who migrated to Egypt and carried Jeremiah with them (Jr 42:1-44:30). Even they shall not escape (<reference osisRef="Jer.42.22">Jr 42:22</reference>; <reference osisRef="Jer.44.14">44:14</reference>).

5. the mingled people-- the mercenary troops of Egypt from various lands, mostly from the interior of Africa (compare Eze 27:10; Jr 25:20, 24; 46:9, 21). Chub-- the people named Kufa on the monuments [Havernick], a people considerably north of Palestine [Wilkinson]; Coba or Chobat, a city of Mauritania [Maurer]. men of the land that is in league-- too definite an expression to mean merely, "men in league" with Egypt; rather, "sons of the land of the covenant," that is, the Jews who migrated to Egypt and carried Jeremiah with them (Jr 42:1-44:30). Even they shall not escape (Jr 42:22; 44:14).


<hi type="bold">6. from the tower of Syene--</hi>(see on <reference osisRef="Ezek.29.10">Eze 29:10</reference>).

6. from the tower of Syene-- (see on Eze 29:10).


<hi type="bold">7. in the midst of ... countries ... desolate--</hi>Egypt shall fare no better than they (<reference osisRef="Ezek.29.10">Eze 29:10</reference>).

7. in the midst of... countries... desolate-- Egypt shall fare no better than they (Eze 29:10).


<hi type="bold">9. messengers ... in ships to ... Ethiopians--</hi>(<reference osisRef="Isa.18.1">Is 18:1</reference>, 2). The cataracts interposing between them and Egypt should not save them. Egyptians "fleeing from before Me" in My execution of judgment, as "messengers" in "skiffs" ("vessels of bulrushes," <reference osisRef="Isa.18.2">Is 18:2</reference>) shall go up the Nile as far as navigable, to announce the advance of the Chaldeans.

<hi type="bold">as in the day of Egypt--</hi>The day of Ethiopia's "pain" shall come shortly, as Egypt's day came.

9. messengers... in ships to... Ethiopians-- (Is 18:1, 2). The cataracts interposing between them and Egypt should not save them. Egyptians "fleeing from before Me" in My execution of judgment, as "messengers" in "skiffs" ("vessels of bulrushes," Is 18:2) shall go up the Nile as far as navigable, to announce the advance of the Chaldeans. as in the day of Egypt-- The day of Ethiopia's "pain" shall come shortly, as Egypt's day came.


<hi type="bold">10. the multitude--</hi>the large population.

10. the multitude-- the large population.


<hi type="bold">12. rivers--</hi>the artificial canals made from the Nile for irrigation. The drying up of these would cause scarcity of grain, and so prepare the way for the invaders (<reference osisRef="Isa.19.5-Isa.19.10">Is 19:5-10</reference>).

12. rivers-- the artificial canals made from the Nile for irrigation. The drying up of these would cause scarcity of grain, and so prepare the way for the invaders (Is 19:5-10).