[1] And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first day of the month, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, [2] 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: [3] Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Tyrus, and will cause many nations to come up against thee, as the sea causeth his waves to come up. [4] And they shall destroy the walls of Tyrus, and break down her towers: I will also scrape her dust from her, and make her like the top of a rock. [5] It shall be a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD: and it shall become a spoil to the nations. [6] And her daughters which are in the field shall be slain by the sword; and they shall know that I am the LORD.

Verses 1-2  Expanded Bible Comments

Verse 3  Expanded Bible Comments

Verse 4  Expanded Bible Comments

Verse 5  Expanded Bible Comments

Verse 6  Expanded Bible Comments

[7] For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring upon Tyrus Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, a king of kings, from the north, with horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and companies, and much people. [8] He shall slay with the sword thy daughters in the field: and he shall make a fort against thee, and cast a mount against thee, and lift up the buckler against thee. [9] And he shall set engines of war against thy walls, and with his axes he shall break down thy towers. [10] By reason of the abundance of his horses their dust shall cover thee: thy walls shall shake at the noise of the horsemen, and of the wheels, and of the chariots, when he shall enter into thy gates, as men enter into a city wherein is made a breach. [11] With the hoofs of his horses shall he tread down all thy streets: he shall slay thy people by the sword, and thy strong garrisons shall go down to the ground. [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. [13] And I will cause the noise of thy songs to cease; and the sound of thy harps shall be no more heard. [14] And I will make thee like the top of a rock: thou shalt be a place to spread nets upon; thou shalt be built no more: for I the LORD have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD.

Verse 7  Expanded Bible Comments

While these verses do mention King Nebuchadrezzar by name and do describe his assault upon the city of Tyre, yet, it will become clear as we progress, the symbolic nature of this portion of the prophecy is clearly indicated as being primarily intended for the Lord's Saints.

For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring upon Tyrus Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, a king of kings, from the north, with horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and companies, and much people.
Question	Suggested Answer
"I will bring upon Tyrus Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon." Who is here speaking?	"Thus saith the Lord GOD."
Who does He bring against Tyrus?	"Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon." A quick note here. When searching for histo ical references, Nebuchadnezzar is usually referred to as "Nebuchadnezzar II." – We should also note that the bible spelling of this king differs. Sometimes it is "NebuchadNezzar" and other times it is "NebuchadRezzar." Strong's H5019 נְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּר נְבוּכַדְרֶא ַצּוֹר נְבוּכַדְרֶאצַּר nebûkadne'tstsar nebûkadre'tstsar nebûkadre'tsôr neb-oo-kad-nets-tsar', neb-oo-kad-rets-tsar', neb-oo-kad-tsore Of foreign derivation; Nebukadnetstsar (or retstsar, or retstsor), king of Babylon: - Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar. Total KJV occurrences: 60 Strong's H5020 נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּר nebûkkadnetstsar neb-oo-kad-nets-tsar' (Chaldee); corresponding to H5019: - Nebuchadnezzar. Total KJV occurrences: 31 Needless to say, this can become a bit confusing. Both are referring to the same individual. "The prosperity of Tyre attracted the attention of King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon.. who lay siege to the city for 13 years in the 6th century BCE without breaking their defenses. During this siege, most of the inhabitants of the mainland city abandoned it for the relative safety of the island city. Ushu became a suburb of Tyre on the mainland and remained so until the coming of Alexander the Great." – worldhistory.org/Tyre We should note: King Nebuchadnezzar did not completely conquer all of Tyre, in spite of laying siege to it for 13 years.
When He says "I will bring upon Tyrus Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon," was He speaking only of the historical man, King Nebuchadnezzar?	No. We believe there is a deeper spiritual application of this prophecy which describes the destruction of Satan's (usurped) kingdom.
O.K. - So what gives? We learned from our high-level examination of chapter 28 that Satan is the King of Tyrus and the Pope is the Prince. If Tyrus is Satan's Empire of Mystic Babylon, Christendom, How is it that the LORD is bringing Nebuchadnezzar, King of BABYLON against Tyrus (Christendom?)
Is this king a normal king?	No. He is "a king of kings." We also take note of the fact that God refers to King Nebuchadnezzar as "my servant" in Jer. 25:9.
How many in the bible are referred to by this title?	1) Artaxerxes (Ezra 7:12) 2) Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 2:37) 3) Our Lord (1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 17:14; Rev. 19:16)
From where does he come and what does this suggest to us?	"From the north." North is the direction of the Divine seat. Psa. 48:2; Isa. 14:13
What does he bring with him and what does this indicate?	Horses (doctrines), chariots (organizations), horsemen (riders of doctrines), companies and much people (perhaps a reference to the Lord's Great Army - Joel 2:1-14 [esp. vss 3-6, 10-11; D543:2-4.)

Verse 8  Expanded Bible Comments

He shall slay with the sword thy daughters in the field: and he shall make a fort against thee, and cast a mount against thee, and lift up the buckler against thee.
Question	Suggested Answer
What is pictured by "He shall slay with the sword?"	Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12
Who are "thy daughters?"	Primary application appears to be the daughter systems Rev. 17:5. Secondary would be any child brought up in those false systems.
What is pictured by them being "in the field?"	See the Parable of the Wheat and Tares Matt. 13:24-30,37-43, esp. Matt. 13:38
This verse says "He shall (1) make a fort against thee (2) and cast a mount against thee (3) and lift up the buckler against thee." What do each of these picture?	Fort Strong's H1785 דָּיֵק dâyêq daw-yake' From a root corresponding to H1751; a battering tower: - fort. Build battering rams to break the walls (protections) of the city. Mount Strong's H5550 סוֹלְלָה סֹלְלָה sôlelâh sôlelâh so-lel-aw', so-lel-aw' Active participle feminine of H5549, but used passively; a military mound, that is, rampart of besiegers: - bank, mount. This, even though military in nature, is "used passively" seems to suggest that this is not so much for the attack, but rather to catch those who escape. Buckler Strong's H6793 צִנָּה tsinnâh tsin-naw' Feminine of H6791; a hook (as pointed); also a (large) shield (as if guarding by prickliness); also cold (as piercing): - buckler, cold, hook, shield, target. Although translated here as "buckler" this word is most often translated as "shield." This seems to indicate a defensive weapon more involved in personal combat. This verse seems to indicate a three-fold attack from the more aggresive (Battering ram) to the rampart (to stop those attempting to flee the battle) and finally the shield, used more in hand-to-hand combat.

Verse 9  Expanded Bible Comments

And he shall set engines of war against thy walls, and with his axes he shall break down thy towers.
Question	Suggested Answer
What are the "engines of war?"	This actually turns out to be somewhat of a trick question. This is the only place in the Old Testament where "engines" (H4236) occurs. Strong's H4239 מְחִי mechı̂y mekh-ee' From H4229; a stroke, that is, battering ram: - engines. Total KJV occurrences: 1 However, Professor Strong does let us know that this comes from a root word (H4229) which is normally translated as "destroyed" or "blotted out." This is also the only place where "war" (H6904) occurs. Strong's H6904 קֹבֶל qôbel ko'-bel From H6901 in the sense of confronting (as standing opposite in order to receive); a battering ram: - war. Total KJV occurrences: 1 The various translations do indicate some manner of "receiving."
These "engines of war" are set "against thy walls." Whose walls? What does this mean?	The Lord is still speaking against Tyrus (Christendom.) Their "walls" were their false teachings (especially the "three unclean spirits") and the civil powers with which they were united. Remember Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Dan. 2, with the iron (civil power of the Roman Empire) was mingled with the miry clay (the worldly-minded churches.)
Please explain the meaning of "with his axes he shall break down thy towers."	Strong's H2719 חֶרֶב chereb kheh'-reb From H2717; drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement: - axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. Christendom's watch towers come under direct attack here, and are "brought down." To see how this all applies, please see, under Bible Topics, "Ezekiel Chapter 9" especially verses 5 and 6. Please note: this is rather lengthy, but if one examines it, please pay attention to Jer. 51:17-23 and how the LORD uses these to "break in pieces" the various elements of Christendom.

Verse 10  Expanded Bible Comments

By reason of the abundance of his horses their dust shall cover thee: thy walls shall shake at the noise of the horsemen, and of the wheels, and of the chariots, when he shall enter into thy gates, as men enter into a city wherein is made a breach.
Question	Suggested Answer
"The abundance of his horses.." Whose horses (doctrines) are here being spoken of?	"Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, a king of kings" (verse 7) picturing our Lord the true "King of kings." – 1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 17:14; Rev. 19:16
"By reason of the abundance of his horses their dust shall cover thee." What does that mean?	Powerful is the Word of the Lord! His doctrines (horses) are described in Job 39:19-25. Compare with Nahum 1:3.
"Thy walls shall shake at the noise of the horsemen."	Horsemen are the riders of the doctrines (horses). When we remember the description of horses (doctrines) given in Job 39:19-25, it is easy to imagine the noise made by the riders of those doctrines. They are not completely separated from the horses (doctrines) and together their sound is great. "Hast thou clothed his neck with thunder.. He swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage."
".. and of the wheels, and of the chariots"
Who "shall enter into thy gates?"	The one pictured by "Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon," i.e., our Returned Lord.
After what fashion does he "enter into thy gates?"	"As men enter into a city wherein is made a breach." In other words he uses human agencies to accomplish this. The result being that the world does not understand that this is the work of the new King at the time it is being done.

Verse 11  Expanded Bible Comments

With the hoofs of his horses shall he tread down all thy streets: he shall slay thy people by the sword, and thy strong garrisons shall go down to the ground.
Question	Suggested Answer
-- This is a "reminder" question -- In this verse, who is "he" and who is "thy?"	"He" is King Nebuchadnezzar, "a king of kings," picturing our Lord, the True "King of Kings."
What are "the hoofs of his horses?"	This is what the horse uses to attack. Consider God's description of the horse in Job 39:21. "He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men." An internet reference as to why does a horse paw the ground revealed the following: "He might be feeling restless and is pawing to tell you he wants to get a move on – pronto. Pawing the ground can also signify anticipation."
What is pictured by "thy streets?"	From previous study in chapter 11:6: "Access to the city, avenues of money or, outside the houses but not outside the city. Traveling the streets is how one gets around in a city." – This clearly refers to the streets of Tyrus (Christendom.) See Luke 14:21
"He shall slay thy people by the sword." Is this literal or symbolic? Please explain.	Yes. Literal: During "the Great War" (WWI), while it was a mechanized war, there was still the use of bayonets and, on some occasions, traditional swords. Symbolic: "The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Eph. 6:17; Isa. 66:16
What happens to the "strong garrisons" of Christendom?	They "shall go down to the ground." This happened in a literal sense (as we shall see when examining verse 12), and also in the way the "Strong garrisons" (entrenched doctrines) of Christendom were unable to stop its own collapse, especially when people were forced to the realization that these were not the Kingdoms of Christ.

Verse 12  Expanded Bible Comments

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.
Same as above except pronouns are defined: And they [the forces sent by the Lord to destroy Tyrus (Christendom)] shall make a spoil of thy [Tyrus', Christendom's] riches, and make a prey of thy [Tyrus', Christendom's] merchandise: and they [the forces sent by the Lord to destroy Tyrus (Christendom)] shall break down thy [Tyrus', Christendom's] walls, and destroy thy [Tyrus', Christendom's] pleasant houses: and they [the forces sent by the Lord to destroy Tyrus (Christendom)] shall lay thy [Tyrus', Christendom's] stones and thy [Tyrus', Christendom's] timber and thy [Tyrus', Christendom's] dust in the midst of the water.
Question	Suggested Answer
What does it mean to "make a spoil?"	Webster: "plunder taken from an enemy in war or from a victim in robbery." We are all familiar with the common phrase: "To the victor go the spoils."
"And make a prey of thy merchandise." What does that mean?	According to Webster a "prey" is: a : an animal taken by a predator as food b : one that is helpless or unable to resist attack : victim – Christendom's merchandise is to be preyed upon. See Rev. 18:3,11-12,15
Whose "walls" are to be broken down?	Christendom's (Tyrus') walls (protections).
What were Tyrus' "pleasant houses?"	This would be where they are comfortable. This expression appears to be the same as those who "dwell on the earth" in Revelation. See Earth Dwellers in Bible Topics.
Please explain "they shall lay thy stones and thy timber and thy dust in the midst of the water."	Stones were used as the foundation of the temple, and both stones and timber in the walls of the temple. 1 Kings 5:18; Ezra 6:3-5. The true church is represented by the stones of the temple. R3596 Since this is speaking of the FALSE temple (christendom) this pictures those who claim to be of the true church. Their dust (humanity) also are to be destroyed in the water (the sea class, the wrestless, irreligeous masses of mankind.)
Remarkable literal fulfillment of Verse 12

Verse 13  Expanded Bible Comments

And I will cause the noise of thy songs to cease; and the sound of thy harps shall be no more heard.
Question	Suggested Answer
In verse 13, who is about to take action?	"I will cause.." The LORD God.
"I will cause the noise of thy songs to cease." What constitutes "the noise of thy songs?"	The true saints desire to sing the songs of Zion. However the songs of mystic Babylon are pathetic in comparison. It is the songs of christendom which are to cease. R395; Psa 137:1-4
What constitutes "The sound of thy harps?"	Contrast the harps of Christendom, likely with some of its strings broken and many of the remaining strings out of tune (and the sound that would make,) with the "harps of God," the Word of God, rightly tuned to produce the beautiful "Song of Moses and the Lamb." Rev. 15:1-4.

Verse 14  Expanded Bible Comments

And I will make thee like the top of a rock: thou shalt be a place to spread nets upon; thou shalt be built no more: for I the LORD have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD.
Question	Suggested Answer
What is the meaning of "I will make thee like the top of a rock."	Please see suggested answer for verse 4.
Why is Tyrus described as becoming "a place to spread nets upon?"	There are at least two reasons for spreading fishing nets. Perhaps the most obvious is when a fisherman casts his net into the sea for the purpose of catching fish. The other reason is for the cleaning of the net. If fishing nets are not cleaned regularly, they become very foul smelling due to rotting fish parts. For various reasons the best place to do this is on land (for example, on the top of a large rock.)
Is this part of the prophecy describing literal Tyre or Symbolic Tyre (Tyrus)? Please explain your answer.	It cannot refer to the literal city of Tyrus (Tyre) because of the phrase "thou shalt be built no more." The literal city of Tyre has indeed been built and is in existence today.
How certain are we that this really is to take place?	"I the LORD have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD."

[15] Thus saith the Lord GOD to Tyrus; Shall not the isles shake at the sound of thy fall, when the wounded cry, when the slaughter is made in the midst of thee? [16] Then all the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones, and lay away their robes, and put off their broidered garments: they shall clothe themselves with trembling; they shall sit upon the ground, and shall tremble at every moment, and be astonished at thee. [17] And they shall take up a lamentation for thee, and say to thee, How art thou destroyed, that wast inhabited of seafaring men, the renowned city, which wast strong in the sea, she and her inhabitants, which cause their terror to be on all that dwell therein! [18] Now shall the isles tremble in the day of thy fall; yea, the isles that are in the sea shall be troubled at thy departure.

Verse 15  Expanded Bible Comments

Thus saith the Lord GOD to Tyrus; Shall not the isles shake at the sound of thy fall, when the wounded cry, when the slaughter is made in the midst of thee?
Question	Suggested Answer
To whom is "the Lord GOD" speaking?	"To Tyrus" – Christendom.
What is pictured by "isles?"	Isles (islands) picture lesser governments than mountains (kingdoms) and picture republics. R511
What is pictured by having "the isles shake?"	When the ground shakes, that's an earthquake (revolution.)
What is the cause of this shaking?	"The sound of thy (Tyrus', Christendom's) fall."
It says "the sound of thy fall." Why not simply say "thy fall?" Why the "sound" of thy fall?	We suggest that the isles (republics) were not directly part of Christendom, not a part of the 10 toes of the image (Dan. 2:33-35,41.) That might seem to suggest that most of the Great War was not fought on their soil, but they certainly heard of it and it caused them to tremble. Luke 21:26
Who are "the wounded?"	Those members of Christendom that would actually have to go to battle – both in the literal battle of WWI and in the symbolic battle where they had to attempt to defend the creeds of Christendom.
Where is "the slaughter made?"	"In the midst of thee" – the midst of Christendom. This would apply both literally and symbolically.

Verse 16  Expanded Bible Comments

Then all the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones, and lay away their robes, and put off their broidered garments: they shall clothe themselves with trembling; they shall sit upon the ground, and shall tremble at every moment, and be astonished at thee.
Question	Suggested Answer
Who are "the princes of the sea?"	This refers to the leaders ("princes") of the "sea" class (irreligious masses.)
Where do they "come down" from, and what does that mean?	They "come down from their thrones." At a minimum this lets us know that they were a part of the ruling class within the wrestless masses, this is indicated by being on thrones.
What are pictured by "their robes" and "their broidered garments?"	These are garments associated with the priesthood and service in the Tabernacle and Temple. This would seem to indicate that the faith of some of the priesthood within Christendom was not strong at all (which is why they are of the "sea" class.) This also may have reference to those lesser Kings. Kings also often wore "broidered garments."
What do they exchange their clothing for?	"They shall clothe themselves with trembling."
Since these leaders of the sea class no longer sit upon "their thrones," where do they sit?	"They shall sit upon the ground" (the symbolic earth.)
How secure are they then?	They "shall tremble at every moment, and be astonished at thee." – Astonished at the falling of Christendom.

Verse 17  Expanded Bible Comments

And they shall take up a lamentation for thee, and say to thee, How art thou destroyed, that wast inhabited of seafaring men, the renowned city, which wast strong in the sea, she and her inhabitants, which cause their terror to be on all that dwell therin!
Question	Suggested Answer
"They shall take up a lamentation.." Who constitutes "they" and "thee?"	"They" refers to the princes of verse 16. "Thee" refers to Tyrus – Christendom. Jer. 25:22-30
Why have "they" taken "up a lamentation for thee?"	Because "thou art destroyed." Tyrus (Christendom, union of church and state) is destroyed by having been smitten on its feet (iron [civil power] and clay [churchianity],) and the wind (war) has carried them away.
"That wast inhabited of seafaring men." Please explain.	In the literal sense there were many sailors in the service of Christendom. It used to be said of Great Britain (one of the ten toes of the image, part of Christendom,) that "the sun never sets on the British Empire." "From the mid-18th century until the Second World War, it (Britain's Royal Navy) was the world's most powerful navy." Wikipedia – Royal Navy. In the symbolic sense, the sea pictures the irreligious wrestless masses of mankind. This seems to have reference to those who profited by trade with Christendom, as indicated in Rev. 18 referenced to below in "Who Laments for Babylon." mt 29:18
What is "the renowned city?"	"That great city Babylon" Rev. 18:10
Please explain what is said here about Tyrus (Christendom) "which wast strong in the sea, she and her inhabitants, which cause their terror to be on all that dwell therin!"	The translators had difficulty with this verse. "How strong on the sea! She and her inhabitants inflicted terror to everyone who lived within her." – ISV "the renowned city, that wast strong in the sea, thou and thy inhabitants, that caused your terror to be on all that inhabit the earth!" – JPS "The praised city, that was strong in the sea, She and her inhabitants, Who put their terror on all her inhabitants!" – LSV "You were strong on the sea, and so were the people who lived in you. You made all who live on the mainland afraid of you." – ERV The main problem is in the last lines. It seems unclear if Christendom and her inhabitants caused terror on the sea-dwellers or on her own inhabitants. Christendom had such far-reaching influence that she impacted even the sea class who, while not believing in her or her teachings, still had to respect her power. It is also true that she caused great terror to her own citizens. – Both are true.
In Rev. 18, who are those who lament for Tyrus (Babylon, Christendom?)	Who Laments for Babylon? Rev. 18 9) "The kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her.. 11) "The merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her.." 15) "The merchants of these things.." (see verse 14) 17) "Every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea.." 17-19) "..stood afar off, And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate."

Verse 18  Expanded Bible Comments

Now shall the isles tremble in the day of thy fall; yea, the isles that are in the sea shall be troubled at thy departure.
Question	Suggested Answer
"Now shall the isles tremble.." When is "Now?"	During the time of Pastor Russell's ministry. Remember what it said in the end of verse 1 and beginning of verse 2: "The word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man.." This identifies for us the time period.
What happens to the islands, and when?	"Now shall the isles tremble – in the day of thy fall."
Why, after telling us that the isles were to tremble, did the LORD then make reference to "the isles that are in the sea?" Is there a difference?	In the literal sense all islands are in the sea. We think the LORD made reference to "the isles that are in the sea" because this is a different group. The sea here is symbolic. This suggests that those islands (republican or constitutional monarchy forms of government) which were not directly a part of Christendom are, nevertheless, "troubled at thy departure," troubled that Christendom was destroyed, or "departed."

[19] For thus saith the Lord GOD; When I shall make thee a desolate city, like the cities that are not inhabited; when I shall bring up the deep upon thee, and great waters shall cover thee; [20] When I shall bring thee down with them that descend into the pit, with the people of old time, and shall set thee in the low parts of the earth, in places desolate of old, with them that go down to the pit, that thou be not inhabited; and I shall set glory in the land of the living; [21] I will make thee a terror, and thou shalt be no more: though thou be sought for, yet shalt thou never be found again, saith the Lord GOD.

Verse 19  Expanded Bible Comments

For thus saith the Lord GOD; When I shall make thee a desolate city, like the cities that are not inhabited; when I shall bring up the deep upon thee, and great waters shall cover thee;
Question	Suggested Answer
What assurance do we have that this evil city (Tyrus) is to become desolate?	"Thus saith the Lord GOD."
What kind of city is she to become?	"A desolate city, like the cities that are not inhabited."
Can we think of any "cities that are not inhabited?"	How about Sodom and Gomorrah? Archeologists believe they have discovered these ancient sites at what is today (2023) called "Bab edh-Dhra" (Sodom) and "Numeira" (Gomorrah.) Here is an interesting tid-bit from an internet site. "Jericho has been called the lowest city in the world, being at an elevation of 220 m (720 ft) below sea level. Bab edh-Dhra is at about the same elevation. The title of the world's lowest city, however, must now go to Numeira since it is situated at 280–290 m (920–950 ft) below sea level." Click here for link to the article.
What does the LORD bring upon the city of Tyrus (Christendom,) and what does that mean?	"I shall bring up the deep upon thee." Isa. 28:17; Jer. 47:2
What is to cover Tyrus (Christendom?)	"Great waters shall cover thee."
What (if any) difference is there between "I shall bring up the deep upon thee" and "great waters shall cover thee?" If so, please explain the difference. If not, why are both mentioned?

Verse 20  Expanded Bible Comments

When I shall bring thee down with them that descend into the pit, with the people of old time, and shall set thee in the low parts of the earth, in places desolate of old, with them that go down to the pit, that thou be not inhabited; and I shall set glory in the land of the living;
Question	Suggested Answer
Who brings Tyrus (Christendom) "down with them that descend into the pit?"	"For thus saith the Lord GOD.." This is a continuation of the sentence begun in verse 19.
What does "I shall bring thee down with them that descend into the pit" mean?	Strong's H953 בּוֹר bôr bore From H952 (in the sense of H877); a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or prison): - cistern, dungeon, fountain, pit, well. We of course think of "the bottomless pit" or abyss of Revelation 20:3. It is interesting that the first usage of this word is the pit into which Joseph was cast in Gen. 37:19-29. The next usage is when Joseph was speaking to Pharaoh's chief butler and asking him to remember him when he was restored to Pharoah's favor. He describes himself as being in "the dungeon. This the same word as "pit" in Gen. 37.
Other than the Devil, who else will "descend into the pit?"	"the low parts H8482 of the earth, H776" The following are all the verses that use this two-word (in Hebrew) phrase: Those who oppose the Lord: Psa. 63:9; 32:18,24; Eze. 31:14,16 – See E372 – Br. Russell here ties these verses to the fall of Babylon. In these verses the references are to those who are (or will be in the future) the Lord's people. These will eventually rejoice at the completion of the Church. Psa. 139:15; Isa. 44:23; 1 Cor. 1:26,27
Who might be included in "the people of old time" "that go down into the pit?"	Again, Sodom and Gomorrah (vs. 19) come to mind. Can you think of any others?
What is meant by God declaring that He "shall set thee in the low parts of the earth, in places desolate of old, with them that go down to the pit?"	The LORD has actually answered this one for us by the next phrase: "That thou be not inhabited." We remember that "thou" refers to Tyrus (Christendom) and that at some point Christendom will indeed be "desolate" and "without an inhabitant." Isa. 6:11; Jer. 4:5-9; Jer. 9:11; Speaking of literal Jerusalem, but symbolic of "That great city" (Christendom) – Jer. 34:17,22; Jer. 51:29,37
When God declared "that thou be not inhabited," does this apply to lilteral Tyrus or symbolic Tyrus (Christendom?) – How would you support your answer?	Symbolic Tyrus, Christendom. We can see satelite images of literal Tyrus (Tyre) today (Nov. 2023) which show the city is clearly inhabited. That leaves symbolic Tyrus (Christendom) as the only possibility. Christendom (union of church and state covering the old "Holy Roman Empire") no longer exists, it is clear that the reference is to the symbolic.
Please explain "I shall set glory in the land of the living."	This not only refers to the Mediatorial phase of the Kingdom, but it additionally makes clear that mystic Babylon (Tyrus, Christendom) has no life. God's glory will not be in the dead ruins of Christendom, but with the living who will then begin to walk up the highway of holiness. Isa. 35:8.

Verse 21  Expanded Bible Comments

I will make thee a terror, and thou shalt be no more: though thou be sought for, yet shalt thou never be found again, saith the Lord GOD.
Question	Suggested Answer
The next 2 questions should be considered together.
If Tyrus (Christendom) is destroyed, what is meant by "I will make thee a terror?"	A couple of other translations may help here: "Other people will be afraid about what happened to you. You will be finished. People will look for you, but they will never find you again. That is what the Lord GOD says." – ERV "I'm going to send terrifying calamity in your direction, and you won't exist any longer. You might be sought after, but you'll never be found again,' declares the Lord GOD." – ISV
If Tyrus (Christendom) is told "thou shalt be no more," how is it that God "will make thee a terror?"
If Tyrus (Christendom) is such a "terror" how is it that anyone would want seek for them, yet this verse states "though thou be sought for.." How can this be?	The thought here is that other nations look at what God has done to Tyrus (Christendom), and that is what gives them terror. However, they still wish they had the settled, relatively calm atmosphere in which to do business and gain wealth by trade with her. This is well expressed in Rev. 18:15-17.
Will those seeking for Tyrus (Christendom) have any success?	"Yet shalt thou never be found again."
How sure are we that Christendom will never again be found?	"Saith the Lord GOD."

Chapter 25   Chapter 27