Is the prophecy in Ezekiel 28 about the King of Tyre referring to Satan as well?
The ancient city of Tyre figures prominently in biblical prophecy. In fact, Tyre is the subject of some of the Bible's most intensely negative prophecies as a result of its idolatry and sexual immorality. Because of its ideal location, Tyre was a city of merchants, and had a bad reputation for being both very rich and very immoral. In addition, the prophets mention the inhabitants as prideful and greedy (Isaiah 23:1-18; Jeremiah 25:22; 27:1-11; Ezekiel 26:1—28:19; Joel 3:4-8; Amos 1:9, 10). The passage in Ezekiel 28:11-19 contains a strong prophetic rebuke meant for the king of Tyre at the time.
This prophecy in Ezekiel 28 is thought to refer not only to the king of Tyre, but to Satan. Many biblical prophecies have double meanings—referring to a king and also God, or Christ, or referring to a time in the near future but also a time in the far distant future. This prophecy is likely one of those types, because some of the descriptions of Tyre's king could not refer to a human being. The prophecy says that he was "in Eden" and calls him an "anointed guardian cherub" and says he was "on the holy mountain of God." Because of these details, most Bible scholars accept that the pride of the king of Tyre is being compared to the pride of Satan, and it is therefore a double condemnation.
Like Satan, the king of Tyre was so prideful that he wanted to be above God, and sought to put himself out of the reach of God's sovereign control. Both Satan and Tyre's king put their trust in their own strength and wisdom and beauty and were led astray by pride. The king of Tyre pushed his kingdom further and further, wickedly exploiting other nations in his search for power. His pride led to a fall (Proverbs 16:18), and he was ultimately destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon (Ezekiel 29:17-21) and Alexander the Great. Likewise, Satan's destruction will come as a result of his own hubris; his pride and rebellion against God (Revelation 20:7-10).
Copyright 2011-2024 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved.
