Ezekiel 28
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1Yahweh’s word came again to me, saying, 2“Son of man, tell the prince of Tyre, ‘Thus says the Lord Yahweh: “Because your heart is lifted up, and you have said, ‘I am a god, I sit in the seat of God, in the middle of the seas;’ yet you are man, and not God, though you set your heart as the heart of God— 3behold, you are wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that is hidden from you; 4by your wisdom and by your understanding you have gotten yourself riches, and have gotten gold and silver into your treasures; 5by your great wisdom and by your trading you have increased your riches, and your heart is lifted up because of your riches—” 6“‘therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: “Because you have set your heart as the heart of God, 7therefore, behold, I will bring strangers on you, the terrible of the nations. They will draw their swords against the beauty of your wisdom. They will defile your brightness. 8They will bring you down to the pit. You will die the death of those who are slain in the heart of the seas. 9Will you yet say before him who kills you, ‘I am God’? But you are man, and not God, in the hand of him who wounds you. 10You will die the death of the uncircumcised by the hand of strangers; for I have spoken it,” says the Lord Yahweh.’” 11Moreover Yahweh’s word came to me, saying, 12“Son of man, take up a lamentation over the king of Tyre, and tell him, ‘Thus says the Lord Yahweh: “You were the seal of full measure, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. 13You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, emerald, chrysolite, onyx, jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and beryl. Gold work of tambourines and of pipes was in you. They were prepared in the day that you were created. 14You were the anointed cherub who covers. Then I set you up on the holy mountain of God. You have walked up and down in the middle of the stones of fire. 15You were perfect in your ways from the day that you were created, until unrighteousness was found in you. 16By the abundance of your commerce, your insides were filled with violence, and you have sinned. Therefore I have cast you as profane out of God’s mountain. I have destroyed you, covering cherub, from the middle of the stones of fire. 17Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty. You have corrupted your wisdom by reason of your splendor. I have cast you to the ground. I have laid you before kings, that they may see you. 18By the multitude of your iniquities, in the unrighteousness of your commerce, you have profaned your sanctuaries. Therefore I have brought out a fire from the middle of you. It has devoured you. I have turned you to ashes on the earth in the sight of all those who see you. 19All those who know you among the peoples will be astonished at you. You have become a terror, and you will exist no more.”’” 20Yahweh’s word came to me, saying, 21“Son of man, set your face toward Sidon, and prophesy against it, 22and say, ‘Thus says the Lord Yahweh: “Behold, I am against you, Sidon. I will be glorified among you. Then they will know that I am Yahweh, when I have executed judgments in her, and am sanctified in her. 23For I will send pestilence into her, and blood into her streets. The wounded will fall within her, with the sword on her on every side. Then they will know that I am Yahweh. 24“‘“There will be no more a pricking brier to the house of Israel, nor a hurting thorn of any that are around them that scorned them. Then they will know that I am the Lord Yahweh.” 25“‘Thus says the Lord Yahweh: “When I have gathered the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they are scattered, and am sanctified in them in the sight of the nations, then they will dwell in their own land which I gave to my servant Jacob. 26They will dwell in it securely. Yes, they will build houses, plant vineyards, and will dwell securely, when I have executed judgments on all those who scorn them all around. Then they will know that I am Yahweh their God.”’”
World English Bible (public domain)
“"Son of man, say to the prince of Tyre, Thus says the Lord God: 'Because your heart is proud, and you have said, 'I am a god, I sit in the seat of the gods, in the heart of the seas,' yet you are but a man, and no god, though you make your heart like the heart of a god.'"”
Ezekiel 28:2
Summary
Ezekiel 28 contains a prophetic message against the ruler of Tyre, who is portrayed as arrogant and self-deceived, equating himself with a god. The oracle speaks to the fall of this prideful king due to his blasphemous claims and actions. Following this, a lament is presented for Tyre's prince, comparing him to a guardian cherub once in Eden, highlighting his downfall due to corruption and pride. This section serves as a metaphor for pride and hubris, showcasing the fall of a once-glorious city and ruler due to sin. Furthermore, the chapter shifts focus to Sidon, warning of God's impending judgment but also promising a future where His holiness will be revealed. The chapter concludes with a message of hope for Israel, indicating a future restoration where they will dwell securely, knowing the Lord as their God.
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Chapter outline
How Ezekiel 28 unfolds
Ezekiel 28:1–2 God's Word to the Prince of Tyre
Yahweh speaks to Ezekiel, instructing him to address the prince of Tyre about his pride and self-identification as a god.
Ezekiel 28:3–5 The Prince's Wisdom and Wealth
The oracle highlights the prince’s wisdom, understanding, and the riches he has acquired through trade, which have led to his arrogance.
Ezekiel 28:6–10 Consequences of Pride
Yahweh declares judgment against the prince, promising destruction by foreign invaders for his blasphemous claims of divinity.
Ezekiel 28:11–19 Lament for the King of Tyre
A lamentation is pronounced over the king, recalling his former glory and beauty, but noting his fall due to corruption and pride.
Ezekiel 28:20–24 Judgment Against Sidon
Yahweh commands Ezekiel to prophesy against Sidon, announcing impending judgment but indicating that His glory will be revealed amidst destruction.
Ezekiel 28:25–26 Promise of Restoration for Israel
The chapter concludes with a promise of future restoration for Israel, where they will dwell securely and recognize Yahweh as their God.
Key verses
Ezekiel 28:2The key verse encapsulates the core issue of pride, illustrating the prince's self-deception and the resulting divine judgment.
Main themes in Ezekiel 28
Pride and Humility
The theme of pride and humility surfaces prominently in Ezekiel 28 when the prince of Tyre claims divinity in verse 2. His arrogance and self-exaltation lead to severe consequences, demonstrating the inherent dangers of human pride. Throughout the chapter, this theme emphasizes the stark contrast between the inflated sense of self-importance in humanity and the ultimate authority of the divine, serving as a cautionary tale against hubris.
Divine Judgment
Divine judgment is a central theme in Ezekiel 28, particularly as God pronounces impending destruction for Tyre and Sidon in verses 7 and 22. These judgments serve to illustrate the serious consequences of pride and disobedience, reminding the nations of God's power and authority. This theme reinforces the sovereignty of God, highlighting His role as the just executor of judgment against those who defy His will and moral order.
Human Hubris
Human hubris is vividly illustrated in Ezekiel 28 through the prince's claims to godhood and the resulting downfall described in verses 2 and 17. His self-elevation not only leads to a dramatic fall from grace but also reveals the inherent dangers associated with self-exaltation and pride. This theme connects the prince’s tragic fate to a broader narrative of divine retribution, underscoring how human arrogance ultimately results in judgment and loss.
Restoration and Hope
The theme of restoration and hope appears in Ezekiel 28, notably in verse 25, where God promises to gather Israel and ensure their future security. Despite the severe judgments pronounced earlier in the chapter, this promise conveys a vision of hope and restoration that reassures God's people. This theme highlights God's unwavering faithfulness and commitment to His people, even in the midst of calamity and judgment.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Ezekiel 28
- Ezekiel 34This passage echoes the theme of divine judgment against corrupt leaders, paralleling the fate of Tyre's prince.
- Isaiah 14Isaiah 14 connects through its portrayal of the fall of a proud ruler, similar to the judgment against Tyre.
- Ezekiel 27This chapter develops the theme of commerce and pride, reflecting the economic significance of Tyre.
- Ezekiel 31The imagery of beauty and downfall in this passage connects to the lament over Tyre's king.
- 2 Thessalonians 2This passage echoes concepts of pride and deception, paralleling the self-identification of the Tyrian prince.
- Ezekiel 32This chapter connects through its focus on the judgment of nations and the fate of the proud.
Study questions
Questions for studying Ezekiel 28
- Who is the primary recipient of the message in this chapter?
- What does the prince of Tyre claim about himself in verse 2?
- How does the lamentation describe the former state of the king of Tyre?
- What actions does God promise to take against Sidon?
- How does the chapter portray the relationship between pride and judgment?
- What hope is offered to Israel at the end of the chapter?
- What imagery is used to describe the beauty of the king of Tyre?
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