Eze.27:1-36, Lamentation for Tyre

Eze.27:1-36, Lamentation for Tyre

 Ch.27 describes the glory(4) and fall of the maritime kingdom of Tyre, which was said to be rich and beautiful. God teaches us what humans should be proud of and what they should rely on.

1. The glory of Tyre(1-11)
 It was located in a place favorable for maritime trade(3-4), built magnificent ships (5-7), and was sailed by old sailors(8-9). It was guarded by powerful mercenaries(10-11), and gained wealth and fame by trading with many countries in North Africa, Western Europe, and the Mediterranean.
Vs.3-4, “3.Say to Tyre, situated at the gateway to the sea, merchant of peoples on many coasts, `This is what the Sovereign LORD says: "`You say, O Tyre, "I am perfect in beauty. 4.Your domain was on the high seas; your builders brought your beauty to perfection."

*Question: Are we not building our own kingdoms today by relying on our assets, skills, fame, and abilities? Even if we have everything like Tyre, if we do not place God at the center, we will inevitably collapse like the Tower of Babel. What do we boast about?(See James 4:13-16) “13.Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14.Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15.Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." 16.As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. 17.Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.”

2. Tyre’s Trade and Fall (12-36)

12-25: Tyre traded with many nations and reached the peak of its wealth and splendor.
V.25, "The ships of Tarshish serve as carriers for your wares. You are filled with heavy cargo in the heart of the sea.“
26-36: However, this wealth and glory collapsed in the middle of the sea in an instant. The surrounding nations sighed and sang a lament(26-32). God’s judgment was complete, and Tyre’s glory could never be restored.
Vs. 32,34,36, “32.As they wail and mourn over you, they will take up a lament concerning you: "Who was ever silenced like Tyre, surrounded by the sea?" 34.Now you are shattered by the sea in the depths of the waters; your wares and all your company have gone down with you. 36.The merchants among the nations hiss at you; you have come to a horrible end and will be no more.'"

*Question: The wealth, human relationships, abilities, and reputation that we depend on can also collapse in an instant. “If we rely on anything other than God, it will collapse, and human glory is fleeting and powerless.”(Eccle.1:2).

3. Change the direction of our life to center on God’s glory

 What do I rely on in my life? Just as Tyre’s glory collapsed, everything that we rely on other than God can collapse. What is the true glory that God gives, and am I pursuing it? The glory of the world is like a magnificent ship, but if the captain of that ship is not God, it will eventually sink. Today, we too are tempted to live ‘like Tyre’: more success, fame, security, self-confidence, etc. But true glory lies in fearing God, living in His will, and building His kingdom. Where are we anchoring our lives? On the sea like Tyre? In the world that seems so glamorous? Do we put God first? Let’s set the direction of our lives on God, the true rock and the eternal inheritance.

*Application question: Reflect on what I rely on most during the week, and if it’s not God, let it go.  Let’s pray a short prayer several times a day to entrust my life to God again. Let’s practice one decision to reestablish God-centered values ​​in my life(restoring worship, meditating on the Word, living a life that resembles Jesus, etc.)

*Prayer: God, like Tyre, I am often drawn to the power and splendor that I see. However, I realize again that they can collapse like a lamp in the wind. Please let my heart look not to the glory of the world, but to Your eternal kingdom. Please anchor my life in God and let me believe in the resurrected Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.