The king of Tyre is mentioned in the Bible as an example of pride and arrogance. These verses highlight the consequences of his actions and the judgment brought upon him. As we explore these verses, we are reminded of the dangers of pride and the importance of humility before God.
Let’s delve into these verses that provide insights into the king of Tyre’s story and prompt us to examine our own hearts in light of God’s truth.
What does the Bible say About the King of Tyre?
In the Bible, there is a passage in Ezekiel 28:12-19 that is often interpreted as a metaphorical address to the King of Tyre, a powerful ruler of an ancient Phoenician city-state. This passage is written in a poetic and symbolic style.
The King of Tyre is initially praised for his wisdom, wealth, and beauty, akin to a cherub in the garden of Eden. However, his heart becomes proud due to his splendor, and he begins to see himself as a god. This leads to his downfall, and he is cast down from his exalted position. The imagery of being cast out of Eden is used to emphasize the severity of his fall.
Many biblical scholars interpret this passage as having a dual meaning. While it addresses the historical King of Tyre, it also symbolically represents the pride and arrogance that can lead to the downfall of any individual or nation. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of excessive pride and self-importance.
Bible Verses About King of Tyre
Ezekiel 28:12
“Son of man, take up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.””
In this verse, the prophet Ezekiel is instructed to deliver a lamentation concerning the king of Tyre. The description of the king as “the seal of perfection” indicates his exalted position and remarkable qualities, including wisdom and physical beauty. However, subsequent verses reveal that the king’s pride and arrogance led to his downfall.
Ezekiel 28:13
“You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering: the sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created.”
This verse employs symbolic language to describe the king of Tyre’s glorious state. It draws a parallel between the king and the splendor of Eden, using precious stones and musical instruments as metaphors for his grandeur and influence. This imagery emphasizes the king’s privileged position and magnificence before his fall from grace.
Ezekiel 28:14
“You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; you were on the holy mountain of God; you walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones.”
Here, the king of Tyre is depicted as a cherub—an angelic being associated with guarding and covering. The language emphasizes the king’s elevated status and proximity to God’s presence. It underscores the king’s privileged position within Tyre and his role in its governance.
Ezekiel 28:15
“You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you.”
This verse highlights the king of Tyre’s initial state of perfection, emphasizing that he was created without flaw. However, it also acknowledges the king’s eventual downfall due to the discovery of iniquity within him. This verse underscores the contrast between the king’s original righteousness and his subsequent corruption.
Ezekiel 28:16
“By the abundance of your trading, you became filled with violence within, and you sinned; therefore, I cast you as a profane thing out of the mountain of God; and I destroyed you, O covering cherub, from the midst of the fiery stones.”
This verse explains how the king of Tyre’s accumulation of wealth and power through trade led to his downfall. The king’s heart became filled with violence and sin, resulting in God’s judgment and expulsion from his exalted position. The use of fiery stones symbolizes the divine presence and emphasizes the severity of the king’s punishment.
Ezekiel 28:17
“Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor; I cast you to the ground; I laid you before kings, that they might gaze at you.”
In this verse, the king of Tyre’s downfall is attributed to his pride and vanity. His beauty and splendor led him to corrupt his wisdom, focusing more on his external appearance and prestige rather than righteous conduct. God’s judgment humiliated the king, exposing his vulnerability and making him an object of scorn and fascination.
Ezekiel 28:18
“You defiled your sanctuaries by the multitude of your iniquities, by the iniquity of your trading; therefore, I brought fire from your midst; it devoured you, and I turned you to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all who saw you.”
This verse highlights how the king of Tyre’s multitude of sins and corrupt trade practices defiled the sanctuaries within his domain. As a result, God’s judgment came in the form of fire, completely destroying the king and reducing him to ashes. This display of divine justice was witnessed by all, serving as a warning against pride and wickedness.
Ezekiel 28:19
“All who knew you among the peoples are astonished at you; you have become a horror, and shall be no more forever.”
This verse emphasizes the astonishment and horror experienced by those who were familiar with the king of Tyre. His once-exalted position and grandeur have been completely obliterated, and he will cease to exist as a ruling power. The verse serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly glory and the consequences of unrighteousness.
Ezekiel 28:20
“Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,”
At this point, the prophecy of the king of Tyre shifts as the word of the Lord comes to Ezekiel, indicating a change in focus and audience. The following verses contain a message directly addressed to the king of Tyre, offering further insights and warnings.
Ezekiel 28:21
“Son of man, set your face against Sidon, and prophesy against her,”
In this verse, Ezekiel is instructed to direct his prophetic message toward Sidon, a neighboring city of Tyre. The prophecy against Sidon is intertwined with the prophecy against the king of Tyre, highlighting the interconnectedness of their fates and the judgment that awaits them.
Ezekiel 28:22
“And say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I am against you, O Sidon; I will be glorified in your midst; and they shall know that I am the LORD when I execute judgments in her and am hallowed in her.””
This verse portrays God’s declaration of judgment upon Sidon. He proclaims His opposition to the city, declaring that He will reveal His glory through executing righteous judgments. The purpose is to make His presence known and revered among the people, reaffirming His sovereignty.
Ezekiel 28:23
“For I will send pestilence upon her, and blood in her streets; the wounded shall be judged in her midst by the sword against her on every side; then they shall know that I am the LORD.”
This verse foretells the calamities that will befall Sidon. The city will experience devastating plagues, violence, and bloodshed. God’s judgment will be evident as the wounded fall by the sword, emphasizing His authority and making it undeniable to the people that He is the Lord.
Ezekiel 28:24
“And there shall no longer be a pricking brier or a painful thorn for the house of Israel from among all who are around them, who despise them. Then they shall know that I am the Lord GOD.”
This verse offers hope and assurance to the house of Israel, declaring that the threats and oppressions from neighboring nations, including Sidon, will cease. God promises the removal of the painful influences that have caused suffering and persecution. His actions will testify to His identity as the Lord God and His faithfulness to His people.
Ezekiel 28:25
“Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘When I have gathered the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they are scattered, and am hallowed in them in the sight of the Gentiles, then they will dwell in their own land which I gave to My servant Jacob.'”
This verse reveals God’s ultimate plan for the restoration of the scattered house of Israel. He promises to gather His people from among the nations, sanctifying them and making His presence known to the Gentiles. The fulfillment of this promise includes the return of the Israelites to their land, the land promised to Jacob, thus displaying God’s faithfulness to His covenant.
Ezekiel 28:26
“And they will dwell safely there, build houses, and plant vineyards; yes, they will dwell securely, when I execute judgments on all those around them who despise them. Then they shall know that I am the LORD their God.”‘”
In this verse, God assures His people that once they are restored to their land, they will dwell safely and securely. They will have the opportunity to rebuild their lives, constructing homes and cultivating the land with confidence. Furthermore, God promises to execute judgments on those who have despised and oppressed them, affirming His role as their God and protector.
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Ezekiel 28:27
“Thus, they shall know that I am the LORD their God, who sent them into captivity among the nations, but also brought them back to their land, and left none of them captive any longer.”
This verse reiterates the significance of God’s actions, ensuring that the Israelites will recognize Him as their Lord and God. While God allowed them to be taken into captivity among the nations, He also orchestrated their return to their land, demonstrating His authority and faithfulness. No longer will any of them remain in captivity, as God will deliver them completely.
Ezekiel 28:28
“And I will not hide My face from them anymore; for I shall have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel,’ says the Lord GOD.”
In this concluding verse, God proclaims that He will no longer hide His face from His people. His favor and presence will be evident, as He pours out His Spirit upon the house of Israel. This promise of divine guidance and empowerment assures them of a renewed and intimate relationship with their God.
Final Thoughts
In the Bible, the King of Tyre is referenced in the book of Ezekiel, specifically in chapter 28. The passage addresses a lamentation or an oracle against the King of Tyre, though it is important to note that some scholars believe that it might also have a dual reference to the spiritual power behind the earthly King of Tyre, possibly alluding to Satan or the fallen angelic being.
The chapter begins by addressing the earthly King of Tyre, describing him as a wise and skillful ruler who amassed great wealth and knowledge. However, as the text progresses, it shifts to describe his pride, arrogance, and his belief that he is equal to a god, which becomes his downfall.
As the passage continues, it transitions from addressing the earthly king to speaking about the spiritual power behind him. This entity is portrayed as one who was once in the presence of God and adorned with precious stones, symbolizing great beauty and honor. But this being’s pride and corruption led to his fall from grace and expulsion from God’s presence.
In essence, the passage serves as a cautionary tale against the dangers of pride, vanity, and arrogance. It emphasizes that no mortal ruler or being is above God, and those who exalt themselves in such a manner are destined for a fall.
The language and imagery used in the passage are poetic and metaphorical, making it open to various interpretations. It is important to approach such passages with sensitivity to the historical and cultural context in which they were written and to consider the broader themes and messages conveyed by the text.