Ezekiel 29:18 Meaning and Explanation
“Son of man, Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon caused his army to serve a great service against Tyrus: every head was made bald, and every shoulder was peeled: and yet had he no wages, nor his army, for Tyrus, for the service that he had served against it:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Nebuchadnezzar's long, costly siege of Tyre left him and his army unpaid and exhausted.
The Context of Ezekiel 29:18
God recognizes Babylon's costly military investment against Tyre.
What Does Ezekiel 29:18 Mean?
The thirteen-year siege of Tyre left Babylon's army in physical distress: shaved heads and peeled shoulders suggest the wear of prolonged military service, sun exposure, and grinding hardship. Despite tremendous effort, Tyre's wealth remained protected, inaccessible to the besiegers.
God's acknowledgment of Nebuchadnezzar's unpaid labor shows divine awareness of earthly injustices and hardships. The passage sets up God's subsequent promise: He will provide Egypt as compensation for Babylon's losses and sacrifice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 29:18
What does Ezekiel 29:18 mean?
Nebuchadnezzar's long, costly siege of Tyre left him and his army unpaid and exhausted.
What is the context of Ezekiel 29:18?
God recognizes Babylon's costly military investment against Tyre.