Ezekiel 28

2 the prince of Tyrus. This king was Ithobal (or Ethbaal) II. The first king of that name was the father of Jezebel (I Kings xvi. 31).

In the seat of God. In a place divinely beautiful: op. ver. 13.

3 wiser than Daniel. See xiv. 14, and note.

9 thou [shalt be] a man. Better, “thou art man,” as R.V.

10. Thou shalt die the deaths of the uncircumcised. In the lips of a Jew this was a term of contempt (see Exod. vi. 12, and note; I Sam. xvii. 36).

12. Thou sealest up the sum. That is, Thou exhibitest human nature in its complete perfection: and, like a perfect and unfallen man, thou dwellest in Eden (13). The proud monarch of Tyre is ironically represented as a kind of model man—his own idea of himself.

13. Every precious stone was thy covering. Oriental monarchs were accustomed to adorn themselves heavily with jewellery.

14 the anointed cherub that covereth. The king of Tyre is compared to the cherubim which covered the ark, being set there by God’s command (Exod. xxv. 20); “anointed” as kings were, as if he were exalted by God Himself to the highest dignity.

thou wast upon the holy mountain of God. Like the cherubim in the holy place upon the Temple hill.

In the midst of the stones of fire. Perhaps the fire of God’s justice (op. ver. 16 and Exod. xix. 18).

16. I will cast thee as profane. The king is here identified with the city, in which wealth had led to oppression and cruelty.

17. Thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness. Thy prosperity made thee proud and infatuated.

VENS. 20-26. The prophet denounces punishment upon Zidon, the mother-city of Tyre; reverting again to the injuries she had inflicted on Israel, to whom deliverance, restoration, and peace are promised.

22. I will be glorified. By revealing My power and justice.

24 there shall be no more a pricking brier. Alluding to the language of Moses in Numb. xxxiii. 55.