Topical Bible: Self-Exaltation: Prince of Tyre, Making Himself God

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The concept of self-exaltation is vividly illustrated in the biblical account of the Prince of Tyre, as recorded in the book of Ezekiel. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale against pride and the dangers of elevating oneself to a divine status.

Biblical Context

The city of Tyre was a prominent and wealthy maritime power in the ancient Near East, known for its commerce and trade. The Prince of Tyre, often identified as Ithobaal II, ruled during a period of prosperity and influence. However, his heart became lifted up with pride, leading to his downfall.

Ezekiel's Prophecy

In Ezekiel 28:1-10, the prophet Ezekiel delivers a message from the Lord concerning the Prince of Tyre. The passage begins with a direct address to the prince, highlighting his arrogance and self-deification:

"The word of the LORD came to me, saying, 'Son of man, say to the ruler of Tyre that this is what the Lord GOD says: "Because 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."'" (Ezekiel 28:1-2)

The prince's claim to divinity is a direct affront to the sovereignty of God. Despite his human limitations, he perceives himself as possessing divine attributes, seated among the gods. This self-exaltation is rooted in his wealth and wisdom, which he attributes to his own greatness rather than acknowledging them as gifts from God.

Divine Judgment

Ezekiel's prophecy continues with a pronouncement of judgment upon the Prince of Tyre. The Lord declares that because of his pride and self-deification, he will face destruction at the hands of foreign invaders:

"Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: 'Because you regard your heart as the heart of a god, behold, I will bring strangers against you, the most ruthless of nations, and they will draw their swords against the beauty of your wisdom and defile your splendor. They will bring you down to the Pit, and you will die a violent death in the heart of the seas.'" (Ezekiel 28:6-8)

The judgment serves as a reminder that no human, regardless of their power or wealth, can stand against the will of God. The prince's demise is a testament to the futility of self-exaltation and the inevitable downfall that follows such hubris.

Theological Implications

The account of the Prince of Tyre underscores the biblical theme of humility before God. It serves as a warning against the sin of pride, which is often seen as the root of rebellion against God. The narrative illustrates the danger of attributing to oneself the glory and honor that belong solely to the Creator.

In Christian theology, self-exaltation is contrasted with the humility exemplified by Jesus Christ, who, though being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself (Philippians 2:6-7). This humility is the model for believers, who are called to recognize their dependence on God and to give Him the glory due His name.

Conclusion

The account of the Prince of Tyre is a powerful reminder of the perils of self-exaltation and the importance of humility before God. It calls believers to examine their own hearts, to guard against pride, and to acknowledge the sovereignty of God in all aspects of life.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 28:2,9
Son of man, say to the prince of Tyrus, Thus said the Lord GOD; 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 a man, and not God, though you set your heart as the heart of God:
Nave's Topical Index

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The Last Events in Galilee - the Tribute-Money, the Dispute by the ...
... passed the first Paschal days on the borders of Tyre. ... of jealousy in the others perhaps
of self-exaltation in the ... the King, while I am like a prince before the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the last events.htm