Charles Ellicott Commentary Ezekiel 26:16

"Then all the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones, and lay aside their robes, and strip off their broidered garments: they shall clothe themselves with trembling; they shall sit upon the ground, and shall tremble every moment, and be astonished at thee." — Ezekiel 26:16 (ASV)

Princes of the sea. Or, as we would say, merchant princes. (Compare to Isaiah 23:8.) Actual sovereigns are not meant, but rather those individuals raised by commerce to wealth and power. Their astonishment and grief are poetically described using the imagery of Eastern mourning customs. (Compare to Jonah 3:6.) The word “Thrones” should instead be translated seats, as in Judges 3:20; 1 Samuel 1:9; 1 Samuel 4:13; 1 Samuel 4:18.