Ezekiel 26:12
And they shall make a spoil of thy riches, and make a prey of thy merchandise: and they shall break down thy walls, and destroy thy pleasant houses: and they shall lay thy stones and thy timber and thy dust in the midst of the water.
Ezekiel 26:12 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Ezekiel describes the destruction and desolation that will be brought upon a city. The imagery of spoiling riches, making prey of merchandise, breaking down walls, and destroying houses illustrates the complete devastation that will befall the city. The idea of laying stones, timber, and dust in the midst of the water conveys the utter ruin and abandonment of the once prosperous city. This verse serves as a warning of the consequences that can follow if people turn away from God and disobey His commandments. It emphasizes the importance of staying faithful and obedient to God's teachings to avoid facing such destruction. In the context of the website publishing the entire Bible verse by verse, this verse can serve as a reminder of the consequences of straying from God's path and as a call to remain steadfast in one's faith.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Ezekiel, the prophet describes the destruction that will come upon the city of Tyre. The theological interpretation of this passage emphasizes the consequences of pride and arrogance. The city of Tyre had become wealthy and powerful, boasting in its own strength and accomplishments. However, the Lord pronounces judgment on Tyre for its sin and declares that its riches will be plundered, its merchandise taken as prey, its walls broken down, and its houses destroyed. The imagery of laying stones, timber, and dust in the midst of the water signifies the complete devastation and downfall of Tyre. This serves as a warning to all who trust in their own wealth and strength rather than in God. The word study of 'spoil', 'prey', 'destroy', and 'break down' further intensifies the severity of the judgment pronounced on Tyre.
Ezekiel 26:12 in other translations
American Standard Version
And they shall make a spoil of thy riches, and make a prey of thy merchandise; and they shall break down thy walls, and destroy thy pleasant houses; and they shall lay thy stones and thy timber and thy dust in the midst of the waters.
World English Bible
They shall make a plunder of your riches, and make a prey of your merchandise; and they shall break down your walls, and destroy your pleasant houses; and they shall lay your stones and your timber and your dust in the midst of the waters.
Douay-Rheims
They shall waste thy riches, they shall make a spoil of thy merchandise: and they shall destroy thy walls, and pull down thy fine houses: and they shall lay thy stones and thy timber, and thy dust in the midst of the waters.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And they shall robbe thy riches, and spoyle thy marchandise, and they shall breake downe thy walles, and destroy thy pleasant houses, and they shall cast thy stones and thy timber and thy dust into the middes of the water.