EZEKIEL 28

THE PRIDE OF TYRE + SATAN 

Through Ezekiel, God sends a message of warning and prophecy against the leaders of Tyre. Because of the splendor and success of the city of Tyre, the city’s leadership has become prideful and corrupt. God warns that great wealth and wisdom do not give anyone the status of a god, despite what the people of Tyre claim. Because of this, they will be defeated and overthrown.

Ezekiel receives God’s instructions to lament Tyre’s pridefulness and impending downfall. Ezekiel uses vivid imagery and metaphors, including a description of the fall of Satan in Eden, to emphasize the king's downfall. Some interpretations of this passage see Ezekiel’s prophecy as a comparison between Tyre’s leader and Satan, once beautiful and magnificent, but ruined with sin. Others interpret this passage as a prophecy against Satan, saying that he will also be destroyed and brought to ruin. Either way, this chapter shows how God will oppose those who are prideful and elevate themselves.

God plans to gather the Israelites and manifest His holiness in them. They will once again be prosperous and dwell securely. Because of God’s destruction of Israel’s enemies, the Israelites will know that God is their Lord.