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, used over 90 times in the book. In Hebrew, it is "ben adam," which emphasizes the prophet's humanity and his role as a representative of mankind. It serves to remind Ezekiel of his human limitations and his role as a messenger of God. The term underscores the humility and obedience required of those who serve God, contrasting the divine message with the human vessel.

“say to the ruler of Tyre,”
The "ruler of Tyre" refers to the leader of the ancient Phoenician city-state of Tyre, a powerful and wealthy maritime city. Historically, Tyre was known for its commerce and trade, and its rulers were often seen as embodiments of pride and self-sufficiency. This phrase sets the stage for a prophetic message directed at a specific political leader, highlighting the accountability of even the most powerful rulers to God's sovereign authority.

“that this is what the Lord GOD says”
This phrase introduces a divine oracle, affirming that the message comes directly from Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel. The use of "Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh) emphasizes God's supreme authority and the seriousness of the message. It serves as a reminder that the words spoken by the prophet are not his own but are divinely inspired, carrying the weight and authority of God Himself.

“‘In the pride of your heart”
"Pride" in Hebrew is "ga'own," which conveys arrogance and self-exaltation. The phrase "pride of your heart" indicates an internal attitude of self-importance and hubris. Biblically, pride is often the root of sin, leading individuals and nations to rebel against God. This phrase highlights the internal disposition that leads to the downfall of the ruler, serving as a warning against the dangers of pride.

“you say, ‘I am a god;”
This declaration of divinity by the ruler of Tyre reflects extreme arrogance and self-deception. In the ancient Near Eastern context, rulers often claimed divine status or were seen as representatives of the gods. This statement is a direct challenge to the sovereignty of the one true God, illustrating the ruler's delusion and the ultimate folly of equating oneself with the divine.

“I sit in the seat of a god”
The "seat of a god" implies a position of ultimate authority and power, often associated with a throne or a place of judgment. In ancient cultures, such seats were reserved for deities or their earthly representatives. This phrase underscores the ruler's presumption and the blasphemous nature of his claim, as he assumes a position that belongs solely to God.

“in the heart of the sea.’”
Tyre was an island city, and "the heart of the sea" refers to its strategic and seemingly impregnable location. This geographical reference highlights the ruler's sense of security and invulnerability, believing that his position is unassailable. However, it also serves as a metaphor for isolation and separation from God, emphasizing that no physical location can protect one from divine judgment.

“Yet you are a man and not a god,”
This statement is a direct refutation of the ruler's claim to divinity. It serves as a humbling reminder of his mortality and humanity. The contrast between "man" and "god" underscores the vast difference between human limitations and divine omnipotence. It is a call to recognize one's true nature and the futility of self-deification.

“though you have regarded your heart as that of a god.”
The phrase "regarded your heart" indicates a self-perception or belief that is contrary to reality. The ruler's heart, or inner being, is filled with delusions of grandeur, equating himself with a god. This self-deception is a common theme in Scripture, where individuals elevate themselves in their own eyes, leading to their downfall. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of self-exaltation and the importance of humility before God.

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.