Is the prophecy in Ezekiel 28 about the king of Tyre referring to Satan as well?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Yes, the prophecy in Ezekiel 28 about the king of Tyre is believed to also refer to Satan. The passage contains descriptions and characteristics that extend beyond a human king, suggesting a deeper meaning. Some details, such as being "in Eden," being called an "anointed guardian cherub," and being "on the holy mountain of God," are attributes that align more with a supernatural being like Satan, rather than a mortal ruler. Many biblical scholars accept that the pride of the king of Tyre is being compared to the pride of Satan, indicating a double condemnation. This double condemnation brings a spiritual dimension to the prophecy, warning against the dangers of pride and rebellion both in earthly rulers and in spiritual beings like Satan.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The ancient city of Tyre is significant in biblical prophecy. Tyre is the subject of some of the Bible's most intensely negative prophecies as a result of its idolatry and sexual immorality. The passage in Ezekiel 28:11–19 contains a strong prophetic rebuke meant for the king of Tyre at the time.
• 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 are 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 prophecy in Ezekiel 28 is thought to refer not only to the king of Tyre, but also 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, 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).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The king of Tyre is not directly mentioned in the New Testament. However, the city of Tyre itself is referenced in several passages. In Matthew 15:21-28, Jesus traveled to the region of Tyre and Sidon, where he encountered a Canaanite woman who begged him to heal her daughter. This event is significant for the interaction between Jesus and the woman, where Jesus commended her faith. A similar account is found in Mark 7:24-30, where Jesus healed the daughter of a Syrophoenician woman in the region of Tyre.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

This account of the king of Tyre and its parallel with Satan warns us of the destructive nature of pride. Both figures exemplify how pride leads to rebellion against God's authority. Pride gives us a false sense of self and security that often leads to the exploitation of others. The downfall of the King of Tyre, as well as Satan, illustrates that pride precedes destruction, as Proverbs warns. It is foolish to trust in one's own strength and wisdom above God’s authority, and it ultimately leads to ruin. Pride blinds us to our own weaknesses and makes us miss the strength and authority that ultimately only belong to God. The prophecy of Ezekiel 28 calls us to live in humility, instead, and to recognize the perils of arrogance and rebellion.

UNDERSTAND

• Tyre was a wealthy city known for its immorality, pride, and greed.
• The king of Tyre is a focal point in biblical prophecy, due to his city's idolatry and immorality.
• The prophecy in Ezekiel 28, directed at the king of Tyre, also refers to Satan and warns us of the dangers of pride through their eventual downfalls.

REFLECT

• How does the story of the king of Tyre and its parallel with Satan challenge your understanding of pride and its consequences?
• What elements of pride and rebellion do you see in your own life, and how can you guard against them?
• Reflecting on the downfall of the king of Tyre and Satan, what lessons can you draw between human pride versus God’s authority?

ENGAGE

• What parallels are there between the king of Tyre and Satan in the prophecy of Ezekiel 28, and why are these parallels significant?
• What lessons does the story of Tyre's pride and downfall provide for us today?
• Why is pride inherently destructive, as depicted in this narrative? How can we discern healthy confidence from destructive pride in our lives?