Tyre was a wealthy city. Strategically located, it controlled the
trade route and was a thriving city of commerce. Since Tyre presided over the
whole network of trading partners it was prosperous. Being well-fortified many
of the city’s partners depended on it for their own security. And when Tyre
fell, many of its trading partners were greatly affected. Ezekiel 27:15-18 reveal
their reaction and lament.
Those partners who were trading with Tyre, when heard of the fall
of the city, went into a mourning and fearful panic. Verse 16 describes how
they reacted. It says, “Then all the princes of the sea will go down from
their thrones, remove their robes and strip off their embroidered garments.
They will clothe themselves with trembling; they will sit on the ground, tremble
every moment and be appalled at you.” They shook and trembled and
were greatly astonished at the news of what had happened to Tyre.
Verses 17-18 describe how they lamented Tyre’s demise. The
words of their lament were set in a poetic dirge like a funeral song. The
words depicted their trepidation. If the great Tyre could be defeated, how
could they
with lesser power be safe? Wouldn’t they be at risk of falling too?
The
fall of Tyre reminds us that earthly structures and riches are only façade and
can easily crumble. Nothing or no one is unassailable, no matter how strong and
wealthy. While we celebrate life don’t ever forget that earthly riches and
security are fleeting. The Lord’s call in Matthew 6:18-21 is, “…store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or
steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart
will be also.” Go for what’s eternal, and overly place our
focus on the transitory.
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