Who is described in Ezekiel 28:12-19?

Ezekiel 28:12-19 is a passage that has intrigued scholars, theologians, and lay readers for centuries. This section of Scripture is part of a larger prophecy against the city of Tyre, and more specifically, it addresses the "king of Tyre." However, the vivid and almost otherworldly descriptions given in these verses have led many to believe that this passage may be speaking about more than just a human ruler. Let's delve into the text to explore its possible meanings and implications.

The passage begins with God instructing the prophet Ezekiel to raise a lamentation over the king of Tyre. The language used is rich and evocative:

“Son of man, raise a lamentation over the king of Tyre, and say to him, Thus says the Lord God: ‘You were the signet of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, emerald, and carbuncle; and crafted in gold were your settings and your engravings. On the day that you were created they were prepared. You were an anointed guardian cherub. I placed you; you were on the holy mountain of God; in the midst of the stones of fire you walked. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created, till unrighteousness was found in you. In the abundance of your trade you were filled with violence in your midst, and you sinned; so I cast you as a profane thing from the mountain of God, and I destroyed you, O guardian cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground; I exposed you before kings, to feast their eyes on you. By the multitude of your iniquities, in the unrighteousness of your trade you profaned your sanctuaries; so I brought fire out from your midst; it consumed you, and I turned you to ashes on the earth in the sight of all who saw you. All who know you among the peoples are appalled at you; you have come to a dreadful end and shall be no more forever.’” (Ezekiel 28:12-19, ESV)

At first glance, this passage appears to be addressing a human king, specifically the ruler of Tyre, a wealthy and influential city-state known for its maritime trade. The king of Tyre is described in terms that exalt his wisdom, beauty, and splendor. However, the reference to Eden, the garden of God, and the description of the figure as an "anointed guardian cherub" suggest that the passage might be speaking about more than just a human ruler.

Many theologians and scholars have proposed that this passage is a dual prophecy, addressing both the earthly king of Tyre and a more significant, spiritual being—often identified as Satan. The description of being "in Eden, the garden of God" and the term "guardian cherub" are not characteristics typically attributed to human beings. Instead, these descriptions align more closely with the biblical portrayal of angelic beings.

In the broader context of Scripture, Satan is often depicted as a fallen angel who was once in a position of great beauty and authority but was cast down due to pride and rebellion against God. Isaiah 14:12-15 offers a similar account of a being who sought to exalt himself above God and was subsequently cast down:

"How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit." (Isaiah 14:12-15, ESV)

The similarities between the descriptions in Ezekiel and Isaiah have led many to conclude that both passages are referring to the same being—Satan. This interpretation is further supported by the New Testament, where Jesus says, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven" (Luke 10:18, ESV), and Revelation 12:7-9, which describes a war in heaven resulting in Satan and his angels being cast out.

In Ezekiel 28:12-19, the king of Tyre can be seen as a type or symbol of Satan. The human king's pride, corruption, and eventual downfall mirror the spiritual rebellion and fall of Satan. This duality serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of pride and the consequences of turning away from God. The earthly king of Tyre, with his immense wealth and influence, allowed his heart to become proud because of his beauty and wisdom, leading to his downfall. Similarly, Satan, who was created in perfection and beauty, allowed pride to corrupt his wisdom, resulting in his expulsion from the presence of God.

The passage also serves as a broader warning to all who might be tempted by pride and self-exaltation. The king of Tyre's downfall is a vivid illustration of the biblical principle that "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18, ESV). It underscores the importance of humility and the recognition that all wisdom, beauty, and authority come from God.

Moreover, this passage highlights the ultimate sovereignty and justice of God. Despite the king of Tyre's exalted position and the splendor of his kingdom, he could not escape God's judgment. In the same way, Satan, despite his initial position as an anointed cherub, could not escape the consequences of his rebellion. God's justice is impartial and inescapable, whether it is applied to earthly rulers or spiritual beings.

In Christian literature, this passage has been referenced by various theologians to discuss the nature of pride, the fall of Satan, and the importance of humility. For instance, John Milton's epic poem "Paradise Lost" explores the themes of pride and rebellion, depicting Satan's fall from heaven and his subsequent role in the fall of humanity. Milton's portrayal of Satan as a once-glorious being who falls due to pride and ambition echoes the descriptions found in Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14.

In summary, Ezekiel 28:12-19 is a rich and complex passage that speaks to both the historical context of the king of Tyre and the broader spiritual realities of pride, rebellion, and divine judgment. While it addresses a specific earthly ruler, the language and imagery used suggest a deeper, dual meaning that also points to the fall of Satan. This dual prophecy serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of pride and the ultimate sovereignty of God, calling all who read it to humility and reverence before the Creator.