Ezekiel 28:13

You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every kind of precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold, prepared on the day of your creation.

Study Bible

You were in Eden, the garden of God.
This phrase refers to the original Eden, a place of perfection and divine presence. It suggests a state of innocence and beauty, often associated with the pre-fall condition of humanity. The mention of Eden here is symbolic, possibly referring to the high status and privileged position of the figure being addressed, often interpreted as a reference to the King of Tyre or a representation of Satan before his fall. The garden of God signifies a place of divine fellowship and abundance, echoing Genesis 2:8-15.

Every kind of precious stone adorned you:
The imagery of precious stones signifies beauty, wealth, and honor. In ancient cultures, such stones were associated with royalty and divinity. This adornment suggests a position of high esteem and splendor. The use of precious stones also connects to the high priest's breastplate in Exodus 28:17-20, indicating a role of mediation or representation before God.

ruby, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald.
These stones are listed to emphasize the richness and diversity of the adornment. Each stone has its own significance and value, often used in ancient times for decoration and trade. The specific stones mentioned here are also found in the description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:19-21, symbolizing the ultimate beauty and perfection of God's kingdom.

Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold,
Gold is a symbol of purity, value, and royalty. The craftsmanship in gold suggests a creation of exquisite quality and divine workmanship. Gold's association with the divine is seen throughout scripture, such as in the construction of the tabernacle and Solomon's temple (Exodus 25:11, 1 Kings 6:20-22).

prepared on the day of your creation.
This phrase indicates intentionality and purpose in the creation of the being addressed. It suggests a specific role or destiny assigned from the beginning. The idea of being prepared from creation echoes the biblical theme of God's sovereign plan and purpose for individuals and nations, as seen in Jeremiah 1:5 and Ephesians 2:10.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Eden
The garden of God, representing a place of perfection and divine presence. It is symbolic of the original state of creation and the dwelling place of God with man.

2. The King of Tyre
While the passage is addressed to the King of Tyre, it is often interpreted as a dual reference to both the earthly king and a symbolic representation of Satan, due to the description of being in Eden and the fall from grace.

3. Precious Stones
The adornment with precious stones signifies beauty, wealth, and the high status of the being described. Each stone has its own significance and is often associated with the priestly garments in Exodus.

4. Creation
The mention of being created highlights the origin and the divine craftsmanship involved, pointing to the intentionality and purpose in God's creation.

5. Gold
Symbolizes purity, value, and divine glory. The use of gold in the mountings and settings indicates a high level of craftsmanship and worth.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Pride
The passage serves as a warning against pride and self-exaltation, which can lead to a fall from grace, as seen in both the King of Tyre and the symbolic reference to Satan.

The Beauty of God's Creation
Recognize the intentionality and beauty in God's creation, both in the natural world and in humanity, created in His image.

The Value of Humility
Embrace humility as a key virtue, understanding that all gifts and beauty come from God and should be used for His glory.

Spiritual Adornment
Just as the being in Eden was adorned with precious stones, believers are called to adorn themselves with spiritual virtues such as love, kindness, and humility.

Eternal Perspective
The imagery of Eden and precious stones points to the eternal beauty and glory that awaits believers in the presence of God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the description of Eden in Ezekiel 28:13 compare to the account of Eden in Genesis? What does this tell us about God's original design for creation?

2. In what ways can pride lead to a downfall in our own lives, and how can we guard against it?

3. How do the precious stones mentioned in Ezekiel 28:13 relate to the high priest's breastplate in Exodus 28, and what does this signify about our role as believers?

4. What are some practical ways we can "adorn" ourselves with spiritual virtues in our daily lives?

5. How does the imagery of Eden and precious stones in Ezekiel 28:13 inspire us to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on the beauty and glory of God's kingdom?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 2-3
The description of Eden connects back to the original creation account, where Eden is the setting for the relationship between God and humanity.

Isaiah 14
Similar language is used to describe the fall of Lucifer, drawing a parallel between the pride and fall of the King of Tyre and Satan.

Revelation 21
The New Jerusalem is adorned with precious stones, echoing the imagery of beauty and divine presence found in Ezekiel 28:13.

Exodus 28
The high priest's breastplate is adorned with similar stones, indicating a connection to priestly roles and divine service.