The Heavenly Fall and Earthly Doom: A Study of Ezekiel 28

Ezekiel 28 serves as a profound reminder of the downfall of pride and the necessity of humility before the Lord. Regardless of worldly wisdom or wealth, the fate of the prideful is sealed by God's righteous judgment. Yet, in His justice, there is also mercy and restoration for those who acknowledge His sovereignty.

Prophecy against the Prince of Tyre (Verses 1-10)

Ezekiel prophesies against the prince of Tyre, who is charged with extreme arrogance and self-deification. Despite his wisdom and wealth, God promises to bring foreigners against him, resulting in his violent death.

Lamentation for the King of Tyre (Verses 11-19)

Ezekiel sings a lament for the King of Tyre, comparing him to a cherub in the Garden of Eden, endowed with beauty and wisdom. However, his pride leads to his expulsion from the mountain of God and his eventual destruction.

Judgment on Sidon (Verses 20-23)

God's attention turns to Sidon. He promises to send a plague upon Sidon and execute judgments within it, demonstrating His glory and sanctifying Himself in the sight of many nations.

Restoration of Israel (Verses 24-26)

God promises that Israel will no longer suffer from the scorn of neighboring nations. He will gather the Israelites from their diaspora, provide them a peaceful dwelling in their own land, and reveal Himself as their God.

Ezekiel 28 presents a scathing prophecy against the powerful maritime city of Tyre, specifically its prince and its king. This chapter stands as a stern warning against pride and self-glorification, using the leaders of Tyre as examples of those who, despite their wisdom and splendor, ultimately face divine judgment. The chapter further extends its prophecy to the city of Sidon before concluding with the promise of Israel's restoration.

Divine judgment.
The fall of prideful leaders.
The consequences of arrogance and self-glorification.
The limits of human wisdom and power.
The sovereignty of God.The Prophecy against the Prince of Tyre.
The King of Tyre as a Symbol of Satan.
The Destruction of Sidon.
The Promise of Israel's Restoration.Ezekiel.
The Prince of Tyre.
The King of Tyre.
The inhabitants of Sidon.
The Israelites.Tyre.
Sidon.
Eden, the Garden of God (symbolic).
Israel.

1. What aspects of the Prince of Tyre's behavior led to his downfall?

2. How does Ezekiel's description of the King of Tyre parallel traditional views of Satan's fall?

3. What does the prophecy against Tyre teach about the dangers of pride and arrogance?

4. How might the Prince of Tyre's belief in his own divinity relate to modern forms of self-glorification?

5. Why does God decide to pass judgment against Sidon?

6. In what ways does the promise of restoration for Israel contrast with the judgment of Tyre and Sidon?

7. How can you apply the lessons of humility from this chapter in your daily life?

8. How can Ezekiel 28 serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty in a world that often glorifies self-sufficiency?

9. In what ways does the judgment of Tyre and Sidon illustrate God's fairness?

10. What can you learn from the comparison of the King of Tyre to a cherub in the Garden of Eden?

11. How does this chapter affect your understanding of God's justice?

12. Can you identify any modern parallels to the pride and downfall of the Prince and King of Tyre?

13. How does the promise of Israel's restoration provide hope in the face of judgment?

14. Why is it important to remember God's sovereignty in times of success and prosperity?

15. How can the church today heed the warnings found in Ezekiel 28?

16. How does the symbolism in this chapter deepen your understanding of God's character?

17. How might we guard against pride and self-deception in our own lives?

18. What can you learn about repentance and God's forgiveness from this chapter?

19. How does the concept of God "sanctifying Himself" in the sight of nations affect your understanding of His holiness?

20. What practical steps can we take to remember and honor God's sovereignty in our everyday life?