Ezekiel 28:5

By your great skill in trading you have increased your wealth, but your heart has grown proud because of it.

Study Bible

By your great skill in trading
This phrase highlights the proficiency and expertise in commerce that the subject possesses. The Hebrew word for "skill" here is "sekhel," which implies intelligence, insight, and prudence. Historically, the city of Tyre, to which this passage refers, was renowned for its strategic location and its role as a major trading hub in the ancient world. The Phoenicians, who inhabited Tyre, were masterful traders and navigators, known for their extensive trade networks across the Mediterranean. This phrase underscores the natural talents and acquired skills that contributed to Tyre's wealth and influence.

you have increased your wealth
The accumulation of wealth is a central theme in this passage. The Hebrew word for "wealth" is "chayil," which can also mean strength or power. This suggests that wealth is not merely material but also a source of influence and authority. In the context of Tyre, the city's wealth was not just in gold and silver but also in its ability to exert power and control over trade routes and other nations. This increase in wealth is portrayed as a direct result of the skillful trading practices mentioned earlier, emphasizing the cause-and-effect relationship between human effort and material prosperity.

but your heart has grown proud
Pride is a recurring theme in biblical literature, often depicted as a precursor to downfall. The Hebrew word for "proud" is "gabah," which conveys a sense of being exalted or lifted up. In the context of Ezekiel 28, the pride of Tyre's ruler is seen as a moral and spiritual failing. This pride is not just an internal attitude but manifests in actions and decisions that defy God's authority. The Bible consistently warns against pride, as it leads individuals and nations away from reliance on God and towards self-sufficiency and arrogance.

because of your wealth
The phrase "because of your wealth" indicates the source of the pride mentioned earlier. Wealth, in this context, becomes a stumbling block, leading to a false sense of security and self-importance. The Bible often cautions against the dangers of wealth, reminding believers that material riches can lead to spiritual poverty if not handled with humility and gratitude. In the case of Tyre, the wealth that was a blessing became a curse as it fostered an attitude of pride and self-reliance, ultimately leading to the city's judgment and downfall.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He is known for his vivid visions and symbolic actions.

2. The Prince of Tyre
The primary subject of Ezekiel 28, representing the ruler of the city of Tyre, a wealthy and influential maritime city-state known for its commerce and trade.

3. Tyre
An ancient Phoenician city located on the Mediterranean coast, renowned for its wealth, trade, and skilled artisans.

4. Babylonian Exile
The period during which the Israelites were exiled from their homeland and lived in Babylon, a time of significant prophetic activity.

5. Pride
A central theme in this passage, highlighting the spiritual danger of becoming proud due to material wealth and success.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Pride
Pride can lead to spiritual blindness and separation from God. We must guard our hearts against becoming proud due to our achievements or possessions.

Wealth as a Test
Material wealth is not inherently evil, but it is a test of character. We should use our resources to glorify God and serve others, rather than allowing them to inflate our egos.

Humility Before God
True wisdom and success come from recognizing our dependence on God. We should cultivate humility and gratitude, acknowledging that all we have is from Him.

The Illusion of Self-Sufficiency
The Prince of Tyre believed his wealth made him invincible. We must remember that our security and worth are found in God, not in material possessions.

Repentance and Restoration
When we recognize pride in our hearts, we should repent and seek God's forgiveness, trusting in His grace to restore us.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of the Prince of Tyre serve as a warning against pride in our own lives?

2. In what ways can wealth and success lead to a proud heart, and how can we guard against this?

3. How does the theme of pride in Ezekiel 28:5 connect with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our wealth and skills are used for God's glory rather than personal pride?

5. How can we cultivate a heart of humility and gratitude in a culture that often values material success and self-sufficiency?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 16:18
This verse warns that pride precedes destruction, echoing the theme of Ezekiel 28:5 where the Prince of Tyre's pride leads to his downfall.

1 Timothy 6:9-10
These verses discuss the dangers of desiring wealth, which can lead to ruin and destruction, similar to the prideful heart of the Prince of Tyre.

James 4:6
This verse emphasizes that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, reinforcing the message of humility found in Ezekiel 28:5.