Spiritual Gems for the Week of February 22–28, 2027

Ezek. 26:4, 5, 12. How was this prophecy about the city of Tyre fulfilled in detail? (w08 1/1 p. 23 par. 1)

Answer 1: The prophecy was fulfilled in 332 B.C.E., when Alexander the Great and his army used the rubble of mainland Tyre to build a causeway into the sea. In this way they were able to reach the island portion and conquer it. What is significant is that the remains of the city did not simply lie among the ruins; they were used in a construction project in the water, just as Jehovah had announced.

Answer 2: One very specific detail concerned what would happen to the city’s materials. Ezekiel did not speak only of the destruction of its buildings but also of the fate of its stones, its woodwork, and even its soil. Alexander the Great’s army used the rubble of the mainland city to build the causeway. Thus, materials that had formed part of Tyre ended up in the sea, in harmony with what had been foretold.

Answer 3: To understand the fulfillment, it is important to distinguish between the city located on the mainland and the island portion of Tyre. The former had been conquered some time earlier. Then Alexander the Great specifically used its rubble to reach the island. Therefore, the destruction of the mainland city and the conquest of the island portion were linked by the causeway. That connection explains how the remains of one city ended up being used to conquer the other part.

Answer 4: The causeway explains very specifically why the rubble ended up in the water. Alexander the Great and his army used it to build an access route through the sea to the island portion of Tyre. It was not simply that some remains fell into the water during the destruction. The materials from the conquered city were used in that construction project, which made it possible to reach the island and conquer it in 332 B.C.E.

Answer 5: The fulfillment included both the fate of the rubble and the conquest of the island portion. The mainland city had already been conquered, but its ruins were later used during Alexander the Great’s campaign. With them, the causeway was built that made it possible to reach the island, and that too was conquered. Thus, the historical explanation shows that the prophecy was not limited to a general announcement of destruction; it contained details that were fulfilled.

What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading have you found?

Spiritual Gems for EZEKIEL 25

Ezekiel 25:1 — The word of Jehovah again came to me, saying:

Comment 1: Ezekiel 25:1 highlights that the message came from Jehovah, not from the prophet himself. This reminds me that when commenting at meetings or teaching in the ministry, what matters is not presenting my opinions. I want to listen first to what God’s Word says and convey it faithfully.

Ezekiel 25:3 — You must say concerning the Ammonites, ‘Hear the word of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah. This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “Because you said ‘Aha!’ against my sanctuary when it was profaned, and against the land of Israel when it was laid desolate, and against the house of Judah when they went into exile,

Comment 2: Ezekiel 25:3 shows that Jehovah took note of the Ammonites’ mocking when Judah suffered desolation and exile. To him, the reaction to someone else’s suffering mattered. This teaches me not to turn anyone’s misfortunes into a reason for jokes or satisfaction. If someone is going through a painful situation, even if that person has made mistakes, I want to treat him or her with respect and compassion, not add humiliation to the pain.

Ezekiel 25:4 — therefore I am giving you to the people of the East as a possession. They will set up their encampments within you and pitch their tents among you. They will eat your fruitage, and they will drink your milk.

Comment 3: At Ezekiel 25:4, Jehovah announced that other people would enjoy the Ammonites’ fruitage and milk. What they considered theirs would pass into the hands of others. This detail reminds me how fragile security based on possessions can be. It is reasonable to work and care for what we have, but we should not allow those things to occupy the center of our life. Our relationship with Jehovah deserves more attention than the accumulation of possessions.

Ezekiel 25:5 — I will make Rabbah a pasture ground for camels, and the land of the Ammonites a resting-place for the flock; and you will have to know that I am Jehovah.”’”

Comment 4: Ezekiel 25:5 shows that Rabbah’s becoming a place for animals would lead the Ammonites to recognize who Jehovah is. They could no longer continue ignoring his authority. This makes me think that knowing Jehovah involves much more than knowing his name. I want to recognize his authority now, of my own accord, and demonstrate it when making decisions. Each time I accept his guidance, I show that to me he is not merely a name.

Ezekiel 25:6 — “For this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: ‘Because you clapped your hands and stamped your feet and you rejoiced over the land of Israel with such utter scorn,

Comment 5: Ezekiel 25:6 describes gestures of joy that revealed deep contempt for Israel. Jehovah saw not only some clapping; he also pointed out the attitude behind it. This moves me to examine my feelings, not just my words. Perhaps I avoid open mockery, but do I secretly rejoice when someone with whom I have had differences experiences trouble? I want to correct that feeling before it becomes a habitual attitude.

Ezekiel 25:8 — “This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: ‘Because Moab and Seir have said, “Look! The house of Judah is like all the other nations,”

Comment 6: At Ezekiel 25:8, Moab and Seir spoke of Judah as though it had no difference from the other nations. Their words ignored its relationship with Jehovah. This reminds me that I should not evaluate spiritual things merely by appearances or by what others say about them. If someone belittles our worship, I need to turn to God’s Word to guide my judgment rather than automatically adopt that person’s viewpoint.

Ezekiel 25:9 — I am exposing Moab’s flank at his frontier cities, the beauty of his land, Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and clear to Kiriathaim.

Comment 7: Ezekiel 25:9 mentions cities that were the beauty of Moab but that would be exposed. Their attractiveness would not prevent Jehovah’s judgment from being carried out. This helps me keep in proper perspective things that impress at first sight. A beautiful house, a good position, or an appearance of success does not by itself indicate divine approval. When evaluating my goals, I want to ask myself how they affect my relationship with Jehovah.

Ezekiel 25:11 — And I will execute judgment in Moab, and they will have to know that I am Jehovah.’

Comment 8: Ezekiel 25:11 presents Jehovah as the one who would execute judgment against Moab. The judgment did not depend on how Ezekiel felt toward that nation; it was Jehovah’s decision. This helps me remember my role when I speak about Bible judgments. It is not my place to personally condemn those who do not share my faith. My task is to explain respectfully what the Bible says and leave judicial decisions in Jehovah’s hands.

Ezekiel 25:12 — “This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: ‘Edom has acted vengefully against the house of Judah and has incurred great guilt in taking revenge on them;

Comment 9: Ezekiel 25:12 says that Edom became seriously guilty by taking revenge on Judah. Revenge was not presented as a solution but as conduct that increased its guilt. This reminds me that having been offended does not justify returning the harm. Before responding with a hurtful word or a calculated action, I want to stop and think. I do not want someone else’s mistake to become an excuse for me to make another mistake.

Ezekiel 25:14 — ‘I will take vengeance on Edom by the hand of my people Israel. They will bring my anger and my wrath on Edom, so that they experience my own vengeance,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.”’

Comment 10: At Ezekiel 25:14, Jehovah indicated how he would execute his judgment against Edom. It was his specific decision, not authorization for anyone to act out of resentment. That distinction is important when reading accounts of divine judgments. I must not use them to justify my anger or to give spiritual appearances to retaliation. What the text highlights is Jehovah’s authority to administer justice, not my right to punish others.

Ezekiel 25:15 — “This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: ‘Because of their unrelenting hostility, the Philistines have maliciously sought to bring vengeance and destruction.

Comment 11: Ezekiel 25:15 links the Philistines’ constant hostility with their desires for revenge and destruction. I am struck by the danger of feeding hostility for a long time: it can influence what we desire and how we act. In the congregation, I do not want to keep a mental list of grievances. If a difference arises, it is better to seek peace as soon as possible than to review again and again what upset me.

Ezekiel 25:17 — I will execute on them great acts of vengeance with furious punishments, and they will have to know that I am Jehovah when I bring my vengeance on them.”’”

Comment 12: Ezekiel 25:17 shows that Jehovah was not indifferent to the Philistines’ destructive conduct. He had seen what happened and announced that he would act. This can help us when an injustice makes us feel powerless. It does not mean that we can determine when or how Jehovah will intervene in a particular situation. But we can remember that he does not overlook wickedness. That confidence helps us remain calm and not respond with the same hostility.

Spiritual Gems for EZEKIEL 26

Ezekiel 26:2 — “Son of man, because Tyre has said against Jerusalem, ‘Aha! The gateway of the peoples has been broken! Everything will come my way, and I will become rich now that she is devastated’;

Comment 1: Ezekiel 26:2 shows that Tyre viewed Jerusalem’s calamity as an opportunity to become wealthy. This invites me to examine my motives in economic matters. Not everything that can give me an advantage is right. Before taking advantage of an opportunity, I should consider whether I am benefiting from someone else’s suffering.

Ezekiel 26:3 — therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: ‘Here I am against you, O Tyre, and I will bring up many nations against you, just as the sea brings up its waves.

Comment 2: At Ezekiel 26:3, Jehovah compared the many nations that would come against Tyre to the waves of the sea. That comparison helps us grasp the magnitude of what was announced: it was not an insignificant enemy that Tyre could dismiss. It also teaches me something about communicating an idea. In the ministry, a simple, well-chosen comparison can help someone understand a Bible point without using complicated words or lengthy explanations.

Ezekiel 26:4 — They will destroy the walls of Tyre and tear down her towers, and I will scrape away soil and make her a shining, bare rock.

Comment 3: Ezekiel 26:4 announces that Tyre’s walls and towers would be destroyed. Those defenses could not protect the city from Jehovah’s judgment. This makes me think about what I consider my greatest security. Material resources and personal plans have limits; they cannot replace God’s approval. Therefore, in addition to caring for my daily responsibilities, I want to devote time and effort to strengthening my trust in Jehovah.

Ezekiel 26:5 — She will become a drying yard for dragnets in the midst of the sea.’ “‘For I myself have spoken,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah, ‘and she will become plunder for the nations.

Comment 4: At Ezekiel 26:5, the certainty of the announcement is based on the fact that Jehovah had spoken. Tyre might have seemed strong, but its appearance did not invalidate the divine word. This helps me when what I see around me seems more convincing than what I read in the Bible. My confidence should not depend only on the circumstances of the moment. I want to give greater weight to what Jehovah has said, without adding expectations or dates that he has not given.

Ezekiel 26:7 — “For this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: ‘Here I am bringing King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon against Tyre from the north; he is a king of kings, with horses, war chariots, cavalrymen, and an army of many soldiers.

Comment 5: Ezekiel 26:7 identifies Nebuchadnezzar, his kingdom, and the direction from which he would come. The prophecy contains specific information, not merely a vague description of future problems. This encourages me to read carefully the names and details that appear in the Bible instead of skipping over them. When studying, I can ask myself what each detail contributes to the message. Such careful reading helps me understand the passage better and explain it more accurately.

Ezekiel 26:8 — He will destroy your settlements in the countryside with the sword, and he will build a siege wall and throw up a siege rampart against you and raise up a great shield against you.

Comment 6: Ezekiel 26:8 describes specific actions in a siege, such as building a siege wall and throwing up a siege rampart. Jehovah’s announcement included military means, not merely a statement of the final result. This reminds me not to impose my own ideas about how a word from God must be fulfilled. When studying a prophecy, I need to respect the details the text provides and avoid filling in with imagination what has not been explained.

Ezekiel 26:12 — They will loot your resources, plunder your merchandise, tear down your walls, and pull down your fine houses; then they will throw your stones and your woodwork and your soil into the water.’

Comment 7: Ezekiel 26:12 foretold that Tyre’s materials would end up in the water. The use of its rubble to build Alexander the Great’s causeway enables us to see a specific fulfillment. This is a useful gem for the ministry: rather than merely saying that the Bible is reliable, we can show a prophecy and explain the event related to its fulfillment. A clear example can help a person understand why we trust it.

Ezekiel 26:13 — “‘I will put an end to the noise of your songs, and the sound of your harps will be heard no more.

Comment 8: Ezekiel 26:13 announces that Tyre’s songs and harps would no longer be heard. Activity and entertainment would not prevent the announced judgment from coming. This reminds me that a life filled with amusements does not guarantee that everything is going well spiritually. Enjoying pleasant moments has its place, but I do not want entertainment to prevent me from reflecting. I need to reserve quiet moments to examine my conduct and listen to Jehovah’s guidance.

Ezekiel 26:15 — “This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says to Tyre: ‘At the sound of your downfall, when the dying ones are groaning, when a slaughter takes place in your midst, will the islands not shudder?

Comment 9: Ezekiel 26:15 mentions the groans of the dying and the trembling of the islands at Tyre’s fall. These details remind me that accounts of destruction involve real human suffering. When reading or explaining them, I do not want to treat them as mere impressive scenes or speak harshly. I can recognize Jehovah’s justice while maintaining a respectful and serious tone toward the painful consequences of wickedness.

Ezekiel 26:16 — All the princes of the sea will come down from their thrones and remove their robes and strip off their embroidered garments, and they will be seized with trembling. They will sit on the ground and tremble constantly and stare at you in amazement.

Comment 10: Ezekiel 26:16 presents a striking contrast: the princes of the sea would leave their thrones and fine garments to sit trembling on the ground. Their position would not spare them from fear at Tyre’s fall. This helps me not to be dazzled by titles, influence, or appearance. In my dealings with others, I want to value their qualities, not their social status, and remember that we all need Jehovah’s guidance.

Ezekiel 26:17 — And they will sing a dirge over you and say to you: “How you have perished, you who were inhabited from the seas, the praised city; You and your inhabitants were mighty on the sea, Spreading terror to all the inhabitants of the earth!

Comment 11: Ezekiel 26:17 describes Tyre as a praised and powerful city that also spread terror. This shows that receiving admiration does not necessarily mean acting well. It makes me think about the difference between earning respect and making others afraid of us. In the family or in the congregation, I do not want to impose myself by means of harsh words. If I have some responsibility, I want the way I treat others to convey respect, not intimidation.

Ezekiel 26:21 — “‘I will bring sudden terror upon you, and you will no longer be. They will search for you, but you will never again be found,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.”

Comment 12: Ezekiel 26:21 ends with a firm sentence from the Sovereign Lord Jehovah. Tyre had confidently spoken about its future prosperity, but Jehovah announced a completely different outcome. The contrast teaches me to be humble when making plans. It is not enough for something to seem convenient or likely to me. I need to ask myself whether my goals harmonize with what Jehovah approves and be willing to correct them. My personal confidence should never weigh more than his Word.

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