Tyre was the capital city of Phoenicia (located in modern Lebanon), north of Israel. In part an island city, Tyre was very active in business and trade. But like the nations in yesterday’s reading, they rejoiced in the downfall of Jerusalem and even planned to profit from it (v.2).
Ezekiel’s prophecy here in chapter 26 exposed their pride—they believed they could not be conquered. They made their business plans and threw noisy parties and thought the good times would never end (v.13). But God said otherwise. Destruction was coming. Tyre was besieged and humbled by several invading armies, and eventually destroyed by Alexander in 332 B.C. The world would see and tremble at the spectacle of God’s judgment on this proud city.
Pride is the enemy of God. Pride focuses on self to such an extent that one’s thoughts do not even have room for God (Ps. 10:4). Pride seeks glory for self rather than glory for God. That’s why “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18). Pride has the potential to creep into every area of our lives—some people are even proud of being humble! What’s the cure? Humility through Christ Jesus.
The Truth: “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.’ (Philippians 2:5-11)
Ezekiel’s prophecy here in chapter 26 exposed their pride—they believed they could not be conquered. They made their business plans and threw noisy parties and thought the good times would never end (v.13). But God said otherwise. Destruction was coming. Tyre was besieged and humbled by several invading armies, and eventually destroyed by Alexander in 332 B.C. The world would see and tremble at the spectacle of God’s judgment on this proud city.
Pride is the enemy of God. Pride focuses on self to such an extent that one’s thoughts do not even have room for God (Ps. 10:4). Pride seeks glory for self rather than glory for God. That’s why “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18). Pride has the potential to creep into every area of our lives—some people are even proud of being humble! What’s the cure? Humility through Christ Jesus.
The Truth: “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.’ (Philippians 2:5-11)
