(REFLECTIONS ON EZEKIEL 28:1-26)

Previously, we saw the Lord’s judgment against Tyre as a nation. In today’s Scripture, we see the Lord’s judgment against the king of Tyre.

1 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, say to the ruler of Tyre, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says:

“‘In the pride of your heart
you say, “I am a god;
I sit on the throne of a god
in the heart of the seas.”‘”

The success of his rule in Tyre, has gone to the head of the king, and pride has filled his heart. Rather than acknowledging the God of all creation, he has determined because of his worldly success that he is a god himself. It is now the true God, that will bring the false god, the king of Tyre, down from the throne into humility.

Perhaps this reminds us of the Book of Jonah when the king of Nineveh believed God’s warning through the prophet Jonah and “rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust.” (Jonah 3:6) This is the an example of a repentant heart, a heart that has gone from pride to humility because of the Lord’s warnings.

However, a prideful heart, that refuses to change, that considers oneself a god sitting on the throne of a god in the heart of the seas, is one that will be forced off his throne.

In Proverbs, we are reminded that “when pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2).

Disgrace often follows pride, because when there is pride in our hearts, we often let down our guard, think that nothing can stop us, and it is in that moment that we slip up, make mistakes, and let the enemy into our lives. This disgrace perhaps could have been avoided if we were self aware, but self awareness usually is the first thing to go when pride blinds us.

Humility, however, keeps us aware, and with awareness comes wisdom, comes the ability to discern and make wise decisions. That is why when the words, “I once was blind, but now I see” are sung, it isn’t referring simply to physical sight, but rather spiritual sight. Physical sight is not dependent on pride or humility to function, but spiritual sight is not possible with a prideful heart.

The king of Nineveh had spiritual sight, and stepped down from his throne, but to the king of Tyre, the pride of his heart has overtaken him, and must be taken care of by the Lord. May we check our hearts this morning, for pride is a silent killer that creeps into our hearts like a debilitating disease blinding our hearts to the truth. May we also never be too proud to acknowledge that we too may have a prideful heart, and take the Lord’s warning through today’s Scripture, and step down from our throne, and come before the Lord in humility.

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Ezekiel 28