Ezekiel 28:2

"Son of man, tell the ruler of Tyre that this is what the Lord GOD says: Your heart is proud, and you have said, 'I am a god; I sit in the seat of gods in the heart of the sea.' Yet you are a man and not a god, though you have regarded your heart as that of a god.

Study Bible

Son of man,
This phrase is a common designation for Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and role as a prophet. It underscores the distinction between the divine message and the human messenger. The term "son of man" is also used extensively in the Book of Daniel and by Jesus in the New Testament, highlighting both humility and authority.

tell the ruler of Tyre
Tyre was a prominent Phoenician city known for its wealth and maritime prowess. The ruler, likely King Ithobaal II during Ezekiel's time, is addressed directly. Tyre's economic success led to pride and a sense of invincibility. The city's strategic location and trade dominance are well-documented in ancient records.

that this is what the Lord GOD says:
This introduction affirms the divine origin of the message, emphasizing its authority. The use of "Lord GOD" (YHWH Elohim) highlights God's sovereignty and covenant relationship with Israel, contrasting with the pagan deities of Tyre.

Your heart is proud,
Pride is a recurring theme in biblical texts, often leading to downfall. The ruler's pride is linked to his wealth and power, reminiscent of other biblical figures like Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar. Proverbs 16:18 warns that pride precedes destruction.

and you have said, ‘I am a god;
This claim of divinity reflects extreme arrogance and self-deception. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, rulers often associated themselves with gods, but this was a direct challenge to the monotheistic belief in the one true God. Isaiah 14:13-14 similarly describes the pride of Babylon's king.

I sit in the seat of gods in the heart of the sea.’
Tyre's location on an island contributed to its perceived impregnability and divine status. The "seat of gods" implies a throne or place of authority, suggesting the ruler's belief in his own supremacy. The sea often symbolizes chaos and power in biblical literature, as seen in Psalm 89:9.

Yet you are a man and not a god,
This statement serves as a humbling reminder of the ruler's mortality and limitations. It echoes the biblical theme that no human can attain divine status, as seen in Genesis 3:5's temptation and the Tower of Babel narrative in Genesis 11.

though you have regarded your heart as that of a god.
The ruler's self-perception is contrasted with reality. This delusion is a common human failing, as seen in the fall of Lucifer in Isaiah 14:12-15. The heart, in biblical terms, represents the center of will and emotion, highlighting the depth of the ruler's pride.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God, called to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile.

2. Ruler of Tyre
The leader of the city-state of Tyre, known for its wealth and strategic location. The ruler is rebuked for his pride and self-deification.

3. Tyre
An ancient Phoenician city known for its commerce and wealth, located on the Mediterranean coast. It was a significant maritime power during Ezekiel's time.

4. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and holy God of Israel, who speaks through Ezekiel to pronounce judgment on the ruler of Tyre.

5. Heart of the Sea
A metaphorical expression indicating the ruler's perceived position of power and invincibility, as well as Tyre's geographical location.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Pride
Pride can lead individuals to elevate themselves to a god-like status, forgetting their humanity and dependence on God.

God's Sovereignty
No matter how powerful or self-sufficient one may feel, God remains the ultimate authority and judge.

The Illusion of Security
Earthly power and wealth can create a false sense of security, but true security is found only in God.

Humility Before God
Recognizing our limitations and submitting to God's authority is essential for a right relationship with Him.

The Consequences of Arrogance
Arrogance can lead to downfall and destruction, as seen in the ruler of Tyre's fate.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the pride of the ruler of Tyre reflect attitudes we might encounter in today's world?

2. In what ways can we guard against the temptation to elevate ourselves above others or even God?

3. How does the account of the ruler of Tyre challenge us to examine our own hearts for pride?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to cultivate humility in our daily lives?

5. How can the lessons from Ezekiel 28:2 be applied to leadership roles within the church and community?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 14
Similar themes of pride and downfall are seen in the prophecy against the king of Babylon, drawing a parallel to the ruler of Tyre's arrogance.

Daniel 4
The account of Nebuchadnezzar's pride and subsequent humbling by God serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of self-exaltation.

Proverbs 16:18
This verse warns that pride precedes destruction, reinforcing the message of Ezekiel 28:2.

James 4:6
The New Testament reiterates that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, aligning with the judgment against the ruler of Tyre.