Ezekiel Chapter 28

Chapter Overview

Ezekiel 28 opens with a plea addressed to the “prince of Tyre,” but quickly broadens to address the king of Tyre and, more profoundly, to a cosmic figure often interpreted as a symbol of hubris and pride that sits behind earthly rulers. The oracle exposes the king’s heart—self-sufficiency, wisdom, wealth, and a desire to ascend to the heavenly throne. The critique escalates from personal arrogance to an epic fall: the king’s heart, “lifted up,” will be brought down, and he will die the deaths of the uncircumcised. The prophetic narrative moves from a human actor to a spiritual, archetypal figure—an “anointed cherub” who covers and dwells on the holy mountain of God—an image many scholars see as a double-taceted reference to Satan. The historical layer addresses Tyre’s king and the city’s earthly reign, while the deeper level warns readers about the dangers of spiritual pride that seeks to rival God. The chapter culminates in a paradox: beauty and blessedness become a liability when they become thresholds for rebellion. The prophetic vision invites humility and repentance, as well as a sober reminder that even the most exalted beings require accountability before the One who writes the final verdict.

Historical & Literary Context

This chapter sits within Ezekiel’s longer polemic against Tyre and, more broadly, against prideful rulers. The first portion addresses the human ruler of Tyre; the second portion shifts to a more cosmic dimension, connecting earthly exaltation with a heavenly fall. The genre blends prophetic courtroom discourse, lament, and what many scholars see as an allusion to Satanic rebellion. The text engages ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology by reinterpreting royal prerogative in light of covenant loyalty to Yahweh. The dualistic frame—earthly ruler and celestial pride—fits Ezekiel’s broader aim of disclosing the true source of power and reminding readers that all authority is under God’s sovereignty.

Key Themes

- Pride and Divine Judgment: The king’s heart lifted up leads to downfall.

- The Dangers of Wealth and Beauty when Misguided: Precious materials become evidence of pride.

- The Cosmic Dimension of Sin: The graph of rebellion extends beyond earthly kingdoms to spiritual powers.

- God’s Sovereignty over Kings and Creation: Even the “anointed cherub” is accountable.

Modern Application

Ezekiel 28 speaks to modern readers about humility before God, especially for leaders who stand at the apex of power and wealth. It warns against strategic self-sufficiency, the temptation to compare oneself with divine status, and the belief that beauty and wisdom justify exploitation or rebellion. For individuals, it’s a call to examine where power and success have become idols. For leaders, it’s a reminder that authority comes with responsibility to uphold justice, mercy, and fidelity to God. The text also invites believers to resist spiritual pride in their own sphere—church, ministry, or influence—and to anchor identity in God rather than in status.

- Isaiah 14 (the fall of the king of Babylon as archetype of pride)

- Luke 4 (temptation of Jesus and the misuse of power)

- Job 1–2 (displays the complexity of pride, suffering, and divine sovereignty)

- 1 Timothy 3 (leaders’ character and humility)

Recommended Personas

- Ezekiel (to interpret the prophet’s own admonitions)

- Jesus (humble kingship; refusal of proud self-exaltation)

- Satan (for exploration of pride’s arc)

- Paul (theology of weakness and divine power)