Ezekiel 28

This chapter continues the announcement of judgment on Tyre and is followed by an announcement of judgment on Sidon, the sister city of Tyre.  Jesus mentioned the two cities together in future judgment (Matt. 11:21-22).  At one time Sidon was the greater but by Ezekiel’s time this was reversed.  The message to Sidon is brief, simply saying that God would be glorified in her midst. 

Of most interest is the identity of the “prince” and “king” of Tyre.  Are they the same?  It is not likely given what is said about each.  The terms prince and king are not the same.  Is it possible that the king is in fact Satan, or at least the influence behind the prince as he was to Peter in Mt. 16?

It’s hard to miss the identity.  This “king” was in Eden which seems to connect him with the serpent (Gen. 3:1), who is Satan (Rev. 12:9).  The thought that the prince is Ithobal II and the king is Satan, the power behind the throne, is encouraged by other scriptures.  Daniel 10:10-14, 20-21 lends itself to this, describing an invisible war involving demons and angels that are linked with various nations, including Michael who is Israel’s angel.  See also Isa. 14:4-20 where Satan is linked to Babylon.  These hosts fit the New Testament idea of angels and demons in ranks in the heavenlies (Eph. 1:20-21; 6:12; Col. 2:15).

Specifically in vs. 1-10 God’s problem with the prince of Tyre is his arrogance.  He believes the Serpent’s lie (that you can be God), even comparing himself to Daniel who by now had served over 20 years in Nebuchadnezzar’s court.  All of this is ridiculed by God (cf. Psalm 2:4-6).  His arrogance leads to his judgment.

Remember that the passage that seems to speak of Satan (v11-19) is a lamentation.  A beautiful picture is painted of this highest creation of God, one of those cherubs that declare God’s majesty by their very appearance.  He was all of this “till iniquity was found in you” (v15).  It was Satan’s arrogance in challenging God that led to his eviction from the heaven of heavens, becoming the prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:2).  He will eventually be cast to the earth (Rev.12:9) and then into the abyss (Rev. 20:1-3).

The chapter ends in hope (v24-26).  God who scattered Israel among the nations, making them a thorn in Israel’s side, will hallow Himself by gathering His people from and in the sight of the nations, bringing them back to the land to prosper.  God will be known both in judgment and in faithfulness to Israel.  

The prince of Tyre thought he could be truly rich without God. Satan seemed to trust in his magnificence (cf. Ezek. 16:15).  Where is your trust? Consider:

Do not trust in oppression nor vainly hope in robbery; if riches increase do not set your heart on them.  God has spoken once, twice I have heard this: that power belongs to God.  Also to you, O Lord, belongs mercy; for you render to each one according to his work. (Psalm 62:10-12)