Ezekiel 27:1

CHAPTER XXVII

This chapter may be considered as the second part of the

prophecy concerning Tyre. The prophet pursues his subject in

the manner of those ancient lamentations or funeral songs, in

which the praeficiae or mourning women first recounted whatever

was great or praiseworthy in the deceased, and then mourned his

fall. Here the riches, glory, and extensive commerce of Tyre

are enlarged upon, 1-25.

Her downfall is then described in a beautiful allegory,

executed in a few words, with astonishing brevity, propriety,

and perspicuity, 26;

upon which all the maritime and commercial world are

represented as grieved and astonished at her fate, and greatly

alarmed for their own, 27-36.

Besides the view which this chapter gives of the conduct of

Providence, and the example with which it furnishes the critic

and men of taste of a very elegant and highly finished piece of

composition, it likewise affords the antiquary a very curious

and interesting account of the wealth and commerce of ancient

times. And to the mind that looks for "a city that hath

foundations," what a picture does the whole present of the

mutability and inanity of all earthly things! Many of the

places mentioned in ancient history have, like Tyre, long ago

lost their political consequence; the geographical situation of

others cannot be traced; they have sunk in the deep waters of

oblivion; the east wind hath carried them away.

NOTES ON CHAP. XXVII