יחזקאל, פרק כ״ז, פסוק י׳

The city-state of Tyre was a powerful center of trade and shipping, driven by a population devoted almost entirely to the economy. Because of this deep focus on commerce, the city lacked a native military and had to rely on foreign forces during times of crisis. Its defense depended on mercenaries hired from distant lands such as Persia, Lud, and Put, spanning regions from Asia Minor to Egypt [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Commentators offer two ways to understand the nature of these troops. Some view them simply as the standard army and defense force of Tyre [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Others connect their presence directly to the city's vast wealth, noting that these highly skilled fighters were drawn to defend Tyre purely because of the immense riches paid to them as mercenaries [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, אברבנאל].

Traveling from their home countries, these foreign soldiers brought along high-quality weapons, including shields and protective helmets [מצודת ציון, רד״ק]. The troops displayed this military gear prominently. The primary approach among commentators suggests that the soldiers hung their shields and helmets on the city walls and towers for all to see, following the custom of the time [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, אברבנאל]. Alternatively, some explain that the soldiers stacked their weapons into massive piles [מלבי״ם].

Whether the armor was hung along the walls or gathered in great mounds, this striking military presence gave Tyre its glory. The sight of fine weapons and a battle-ready army provided the wealthy trading hub with an outward display of honor, beauty, and an intimidating posture of power [רד״ק, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].