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Ezekiel 28

26 verses

TL;DR

Ezekiel delivers a rebuke to the Prince of Tyre, a lamentation for the city’s pride and eventual downfall, and a prophecy against Zion while offering hope for Israel’s restoration.

Summary

The prophet Ezekiel receives the Lord’s command to address the Prince of Tyre, condemning his pride and the wealth he has accumulated. He declares that the prince’s heart is lifted, yet he is only a man and not God, and that his wisdom has led to corruption. Ezekiel prophesies that foreign powers will bring destruction upon Tyre, bringing it to ruin and death. The passage then describes Tyre as once beautiful and wealthy, adorned with precious stones and glorious architecture, but corrupted by sin and trade. Ezekiel depicts the city as an “anointed cherub” who has fallen from the holy mountain, and predicts that fire and ashes will consume it. Afterwards, he is instructed to speak against Zion, warning of pestilence, blood, and judgment, but also promises that Israel will be gathered, sanctified, and given the land for good.

Outline
  1. Rebuke of Tyre’s pride and future judgment
  2. Lamentation and description of Tyre’s downfall
  3. Prophecy against Zion and promise of Israel’s restoration
Themes
Pride and its downfallJudgment and divine justiceHope and restoration
Keywords
heartwisdomprince of TyreEdencherubfireashesZidonIsraelJacob
People
EzekielPrince of TyreZidonJacob
Places
TyreEden (Garden of God)Mountains of GodZidonIsraelSea
Things
heartwisdombeautyrichesgold and silverprecious stones (sardius, topaz, diamond, beryl, onyx, jasper, sapphire, emerald, carbuncle)fireashespestilencebloodhousesvineyards
Key Verses
  • Ezekiel 28:2: Highlights the prince’s self‑declaration as a god
  • Ezekiel 28:10: Forecasts the prince’s ultimate fate as a man defeated by strangers
  • Ezekiel 28:14: Describes Tyre as an anointed cherub, symbolizing its former holiness
  • Ezekiel 28:18: Declares fire as the instrument of judgment
  • Ezekiel 28:24: Promises Israel’s liberation and restoration
  • Ezekiel 28:26: Affirms the LORD’s protection and restoration of Israel's land
Questions
  • Why does the Lord criticize the Prince of Tyre’s pride rather than his actions?
  • What is the significance of describing Tyre as an “anointed cherub” and then condemning it?
  • How does the passage link the judgment of Tyre to the future hope of Israel?
  • In what way does the prophetic language reflect the cultural context of the time?
  • What does the repeated motif of fire and ashes symbolize in the judgment narrative?
Sentiment

mixed
The text contains harsh judgment but also promises restoration, reflecting both condemnation and hope.