Ezekiel 28

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with a message against the prince of Tyre, condemning his pride and announcing his downfall (Ezekiel 28:1-10). It then shifts to a lamentation over Tyre, describing its former glory and its impending destruction (Ezekiel 28:11-19). The second part of the chapter addresses the king of Tyre, likening him to a guardian cherub who has been cast out of the garden of God due to his corruption and pride (Ezekiel 28:12-19). The chapter concludes with a prophecy against Sidon and a promise of restoration for Israel (Ezekiel 28:20-26). Throughout the chapter, Ezekiel emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the consequences of human pride and rebellion against Him.

Context for the Chapter

Ezekiel 28 is part of a series of prophetic messages against the nations surrounding Israel, specifically addressing Tyre and its king. This context is crucial for understanding the chapter's themes of judgment, pride, and redemption. Historically, Tyre was a major commercial power known for its wealth and beauty, making its downfall a significant event in the ancient Near East. Theologically, the chapter fits into the broader narrative of God's dealings with nations, emphasizing His justice, sovereignty, and plan for human redemption.

Heart Application

This chapter calls believers to humility, recognizing the dangers of pride and the importance of submitting to God's sovereignty. It also encourages trust in God's justice and redemption, even in the face of worldly powers and corruptions. By reflecting on the king of Tyre's fall, believers can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the grace of God and the redemption offered through Christ.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Ezekiel 28 talks about God's judgment on a city called Tyre and its king because of their pride. The king thought he was a god, but God said he would be punished for his arrogance. This chapter teaches us about the dangers of pride and the importance of humility. It reminds us that God is in control and judges those who oppose Him, as seen in Ezekiel 28:2-5.

Voices from the Church

“The pride of man is a rebellion against God; it is a setting up of the creature in opposition to the Creator.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“For the Scripture does not merely condemn the outward acts of sin, but especially the inward and hidden motions of the heart, such as pride and ambition.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Judgment on the Prince of Tyre (Ezekiel 28:1-10) — The chapter begins with a prophecy against the prince of Tyre, condemning his pride and announcing his downfall.
2. Lamentation Over Tyre (Ezekiel 28:11-19) — Ezekiel then laments over Tyre, describing its former glory and its impending destruction, symbolizing the transience of earthly beauty and power.
3. The King of Tyre as a Guardian Cherub (Ezekiel 28:12-19) — The king of Tyre is likened to a guardian cherub who was in Eden, the garden of God, highlighting his original perfection and subsequent corruption.
4. Prophecy Against Sidon (Ezekiel 28:20-24) — The prophecy then turns to Sidon, another city that will face God's judgment, emphasizing the widespread nature of God's sovereignty and justice.
5. Promise of Restoration for Israel (Ezekiel 28:25-26) — The chapter concludes with a promise of restoration for Israel, offering hope and comfort to God's people in the midst of judgment on the nations.

Core Doctrines

Sovereignty of God

Ezekiel 28 demonstrates God's control over all nations and leaders, highlighting His justice and righteousness in judgment.

Total Depravity

The corruption of the king of Tyre illustrates the depth of human sin and the need for redemption, pointing to the total depravity of humanity without God.

Redemption

The chapter's conclusion with a promise of restoration for Israel hints at the broader theme of redemption, which is fully realized in Christ.

Humility

The fall of the king of Tyre due to pride serves as a warning against arrogance, emphasizing the importance of humility before God.

Lessons from Ezekiel 28

1. The Dangers of Pride — The chapter teaches us about the destructive power of pride and the importance of humility before God, as seen in the king of Tyre's downfall.
2. God's Sovereignty Over Nations — Ezekiel 28 demonstrates God's control over all nations, emphasizing His justice and righteousness in judgment.
3. The Need for Redemption — The corruption of the king of Tyre and the city of Tyre highlights the need for redemption, which is fully realized in Christ.
4. The Importance of Trusting in God — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's justice and sovereignty, even in the face of worldly powers and corruptions.
5. The Promise of Restoration — The promise of restoration for Israel offers hope to believers, reminding them of God's faithfulness and love.

Themes from Ezekiel 28

1. Judgment and Restoration — The chapter balances the themes of God's judgment on sin and His promise of restoration for His people, emphasizing His justice and mercy.
2. Pride and Humility — The contrast between the king of Tyre's pride and the call to humility serves as a reminder of the importance of humility before God.
3. Sovereignty and Justice — Ezekiel 28 highlights God's sovereignty over all nations and His justice in judgment, emphasizing the righteousness of God.
4. Corruption and Redemption — The chapter illustrates the corrupting influence of sin and the need for redemption, pointing to the ultimate redemption brought about through Christ.
5. Beauty and Transience — The description of Tyre's beauty and its impending destruction serves as a reminder of the transience of earthly glory and the importance of eternal perspectives.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways in which pride can manifest in our lives, and how can we guard against it?
2. How does the description of the king of Tyre as a guardian cherub who was in Eden relate to the broader biblical narrative of creation and fall?
3. In what ways does Ezekiel 28 encourage trust in God's justice and sovereignty, especially in the face of worldly powers and corruptions?
4. How does the promise of restoration for Israel at the end of the chapter offer hope to believers today?
5. What lessons can be learned from the contrast between the king of Tyre's pride and Christ's humility?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Ezekiel 28

	Sermon	Description
	Where We Begin by Norman Grubb	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of slavery and how it has been the eternal purpose of God. He explains that as humans, we have been enslaved to our flesh and hav
	(Demonology) Lucifer the Leader by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of angels and their rebellion against God. He mentions that some angels were cast down to hell and reserved for judgment because
	The Horizon of Divine Purpose - Part 8 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a clear understanding of God's purpose in our lives. He warns that if we lose sight of this purpose, our Christian l
	Setting Fire to Satan's Harvest - Part 1 by Carter Conlon	This sermon emphasizes the danger of allowing complaints and seeds of discontent to take root in our hearts, leading to a spirit of overwhelming negativity and rebellion against Go
	The Fall of Lucifer by Steve Gallagher	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the fall of Lucifer and the contrasting path taken by Jesus. He highlights how Lucifer's ambition and pride led to his downfall, as described
	Rock Seminar by John Musser	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power of music, particularly rock music, as a tool of indoctrination. He argues that Satan has devised a beat that is appealing to young
	Pride Is a Family Characteristic by Bob Utley	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the dangers of pride and arrogance in both individuals and nations. He emphasizes that the root problem of evil is the desire to focus everyt
	Perfect in Beauty by Chuck Smith	This sermon delves into the story of Job, highlighting how Satan seeks to strip away God's blessings and bring pain and suffering. It emphasizes the contrast between the fallen ang
	The Life of Christ in Eternity Past by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes God's plan for humanity and how it unfolded throughout history. Despite man's sin, God did not give up on his plan. He progressively sent bet
	The Root of All Sin by Zac Poonen	This sermon delves into the origin of sin, emphasizing the importance of understanding the root cause of sin, which is pride and rebellion against authority. It highlights the need

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ezekiel 28

Matthew Henry's commentary on Ezekiel 28 emphasizes the dangers of pride and the certainty of God's judgment on those who exalt themselves against Him. He notes that the king of Tyre's claim to divinity and his subsequent fall serve as a warning to all who would elevate themselves above God or their fellow men. Henry also highlights the beauty and perfection of the king of Tyre, likened to a guardian cherub who was in Eden, as a reminder of the original glory of humanity before the fall. The commentary concludes by reflecting on the promise of restoration for Israel, seeing it as a testament to God's faithfulness and love, and a reminder of the ultimate redemption that comes through Christ. As Henry notes, the chapter teaches us to humble ourselves before God, recognizing His sovereignty and justice, and to trust in His mercy and grace, as exemplified in Ezekiel 28:12 and Ezekiel 28:25-26. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?