Son of man, because that Tyrus hath said against Jerusalem, Aha, she is broken that was the gates of the people: she is turned unto me: I shall be replenished, now she is laid waste:

EZEKIEL 26:2KJV
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Ezekiel 26:2 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 26:2 mean?

Ezekiel 26:2 describes how the city of Tyre (Tyrus) rejoiced over the downfall of Jerusalem, seeing Jerusalem’s destruction as an opportunity for its own gain. Tyre boasts that now Jerusalem, once a powerful gateway for the nations, is ruined, Tyre itself will benefit and become more prosperous.

In this verse, God is speaking to Ezekiel, calling him “son of man” and telling him what Tyre has said about Jerusalem’s fall. Tyre and Jerusalem were rival trading cities, and Tyre’s reaction shows not just relief but a sense of triumph and greed. The verse sets the stage for God’s response to Tyre’s attitude in the following verses.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 26:2

  • “Aha” (הֶאָח, he’ach): This is an exclamation of gloating or satisfaction, not just surprise. Tyre is expressing pleasure at Jerusalem’s misfortune.
  • “Broken” (שָׁבַר, shavar): This word often means shattered or destroyed, emphasizing how completely Jerusalem has fallen.
  • “Gates” (דֶּלֶת, delet): Gates here symbolize Jerusalem’s role as a major entry point for trade and people, highlighting the city’s former importance.
  • “Replenished” (מָלֵא, male’): This word means to be filled or enriched, showing Tyre’s expectation that it will profit now that Jerusalem is out of the way.

Why Ezekiel 26:2 matters

  • The verse clears up that Tyre’s attitude was not just neutral or indifferent, but actively rejoicing and greedy over Jerusalem’s downfall.
  • It highlights the rivalry and competition between ancient cities, especially in trade and influence.
  • This verse introduces the reason for God’s coming judgment on Tyre, showing that God notices and responds to prideful attitudes toward others’ suffering.

Where else these words appear

“Aha” Hebrew H1889 · used in 9 verses

  • Job 39:25 He saith among the trumpets, Ha, ha; and he smelleth the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting.
  • Psalms 35:25 Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up.
  • Isaiah 44:16 He burneth part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warmeth himself, and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire:

“waste” Hebrew H2717 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 8:13 And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry.
  • Isaiah 34:10 It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.
  • Jeremiah 50:27 Slay all her bullocks; let them go down to the slaughter: woe unto them! for their day is come, the time of their visitation.

“Tyrus” Hebrew H6865 · used in 39 verses

  • Joshua 19:29 And then the coast turneth to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre; and the coast turneth to Hosah; and the outgoings thereof are at the sea from the coast to Achzib:
  • Psalms 87:4 I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there.
  • Ezekiel 27:2 Now, thou son of man, take up a lamentation for Tyrus;

“gates” Hebrew H1817 · used in 78 verses

  • Genesis 19:6 And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him,
  • 2 Kings 4:4 And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.
  • Nehemiah 7:3 And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house.