Ezekiel 27:10

They of Persia, and of Lud, and of Phut were in thine army, thy men of warre: they hanged the shield and helmet in thee: they set forth thy comelines. Ezekiel 27:10 (KJV)

This verse belongs to the larger lamentation that the prophet Ezekiel delivers over the downfall of the great city of Tyre. In the passage Ezekiel describes the diverse nations that were part of Tyre’s army, emphasizing both their military contribution and their admiration of the city’s splendor.

Tyre was a prominent Phoenician city renowned for its trade and maritime power. Its wealth and influence attracted alliances and mercenaries from many regions, and the verse highlights three specific groups that served in its forces: Persia, Lud, and Phut.

Persia refers to the region that later became the Persian Empire, a power known for skilled warriors and expansive reach. The identification of Lud is uncertain; scholars have suggested it could denote a region in Asia Minor or perhaps a locale in Africa. Phut is understood to be a people or region in North Africa, likely corresponding to ancient Libya.

Ezekiel states that these nations were “in thine army, thy men of war,” indicating that they defended Tyre and contributed to its military might. The phrase “they hanged the shield and helmet in thee” portrays a symbolic display of their martial equipment within the city, underscoring their role as warriors. The concluding clause, “they set forth thy comeliness,” points to the recognition of Tyre’s beauty, wealth, and architectural grandeur by these foreign allies.

Overall, Ezekiel 27:10 underscores the strength and diversity of Tyre’s military forces, reflecting the vastness of its influence as nations from different regions joined together to defend and honor the city. Understanding this broader context within Ezekiel’s prophetic lament helps readers appreciate the significance of the verse and the admiration that Tyre’s splendor inspired among its allies.