Ezekiel 26:1-6; ; Ezekiel 27:1-11
Ch. 26-28 are devoted to Tyre, the wealthy Phoenician city, mistress of the seas, principal trading centre of the ancient world. Just as a merchant can congratulate himself on the disappearance of a neighbouring competitor, Tyre rejoiced over the distress of Jerusalem. However, this unwholesome joy will become precisely the motive for its own downfall.
Ch. 27 enumerates its customers and its suppliers, and sets out the enormous list of its goods of trade. But Tyre is a picture of the world and of its riches. Men have always thought that an increase of the standard of living of the various races was the way to deliver humanity from its troubles and miseries. They have not ceased to work for this material prosperity, all their efforts directed towards making the world a better place, and making life in it more enjoyable. But, far from leading souls to God, this race for progress has done no better than produce self-satisfaction (27: end of v. 3), the Laodicean claim to be rich and to have need of nothing.
Among the precious merchandise of Tyre, one may search in vain for the "gold tried in the fire" of divine righteousness, the "white raiment" of practical walk, and for the "eyesalve" for the eye of faith, which is the Holy Spirit. These can only be "bought" of the Lord Jesus (Revelation 3:17-18).