Your
heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you have corrupted your wisdom by reason of your brightness: I have cast you to the ground; I have laid you before kings, that they may see you.
Ezekiel 28:17
Ezekiel 28 [10.] You shall die the death of the uncircumcised by the hand of strangers: for I have spoken it, says the Lord Yahweh. Moreover Yahweh’s word came to me, saying, Son of man, take up a lamentation over the king of Tyre, and tell him, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: You seal up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, emerald, chrysolite, onyx, jasper, sapphire,[a] turquoise, and beryl. Gold work of tambourines and of pipes was in you. In the day that you were created they were prepared. You were the anointed cherub who covers: and I set you, so that you were on the holy mountain of God; you have walked up and down in the middle of the stones of fire.
Ezekiel 28 [15.] You were perfect in your ways from the day that you were created, until unrighteousness was found in you. By the abundance of your traffic they filled your insides with violence, and you have sinned: therefore I have cast you as profane out of the mountain of God; and I have destroyed you, covering cherub, from the middle of the stones of fire. Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you have corrupted your wisdom by reason of your brightness: I have cast you to the ground; I have laid you before kings, that they may see you. By the multitude of your iniquities, in the unrighteousness of your traffic, you have profaned your sanctuaries; therefore have I brought out a fire from the middle of you; it has devoured you, and I have turned you to ashes on the earth in the sight of all those who see you. All those who know you among the peoples shall be astonished at you: you have become a terror, and you shall nevermore have any being.
Meaning:
Ezekiel 28:12-17 provides a profound glimpse into the origin and fall of a being often associated with the king of Tyre. This passage, however, transcends the earthly ruler, revealing insights into the pre-fall state, subsequent pride, and the resulting judgment. Let's delve into the meaning and significance encapsulated in these verses.
- The Seal of Full Measure:
"You were the seal of full measure, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty."
The initial description paints a picture of unparalleled beauty, wisdom, and completeness. This being, originally created by God, held a position of utmost distinction.
- Edenic Association:
"You were in Eden, the garden of God."
The reference to Eden establishes a connection with the idyllic garden, suggesting a proximity to the divine presence and a harmonious existence before the fall.
- The Anointed Cherub:
"You were the anointed cherub who covers: and I set you, so that you were on the holy mountain of God."
This being held a significant role as the anointed cherub, positioned on the holy mountain of God. The imagery of covering cherubim underscores a role of protection and proximity to God's glory.
- The Fall and Unrighteousness:
"You were perfect in your ways from the day that you were created, until unrighteousness was found in you."
Despite the initial perfection, unrighteousness entered the heart of this being, leading to a fall from grace. The passage emphasizes the turning point when rebellion and pride disrupted the original state of perfection.
- Cast Out and Destroyed:
"Therefore I have cast you as profane out of the mountain of God, and I have destroyed you, covering cherub, from the middle of the stones of fire."
The consequence of the fallen state is a divine judgment—being cast out and destroyed. The covering cherub is removed from the sacred space, signifying the severity of the rebellion.
- Significance
Pre-Fall Splendor: Ezekiel 28 portrays the initial state of unparalleled beauty, wisdom, and perfection. The being was a reflection of God's creative excellence, enjoying a close relationship with the divine.
The Role of the Cherubim: The mention of being the anointed cherub highlights the significance of angelic beings in God's divine order. Cherubim often served as guardians of God's holiness and instruments of divine will.
The Consequence of Pride: The fall is attributed to pride and unrighteousness. This narrative echoes the broader theme of pride leading to rebellion—a warning against the destructive nature of arrogance and self-exaltation.
Divine Judgment: The divine response to unrighteousness is swift and decisive—being cast out and destroyed. This underscores the holiness of God and the incompatibility of sin with His divine presence.
Cross-References:
Isaiah 14:12-15: This passage is often paralleled with Isaiah 14, where the fall of a once exalted being is described. Both passages provide insights into the pride and rebellion that lead to a celestial being's downfall.
Revelation 12:7-9: "There was war in the sky. Michael and his angels made war on the dragon. The dragon and his angels made war, but they didn’t prevail. There was found no place for them in heaven any more. The great dragon was thrown down, the old serpent, he who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him." Revelation echoes the theme of a celestial war and the casting down of rebellious beings.
In Our Daily Lives:
Guarding Against Pride: Ezekiel 28 prompts reflection on the dangers of pride in our own lives. It serves as a reminder to guard against the subtle seeds of arrogance that can lead to rebellion against God's authority.
Appreciating Divine Order: The role of the cherubim underscores the divine order and hierarchy established by God. In our lives, recognizing and respecting God's order can lead to a harmonious existence.
Seeking Humility: The fall due to pride emphasizes the virtue of humility. As we navigate life, seeking humility before God allows us to align with His will and avoid the pitfalls of self-exaltation.
devil - pride
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible