Chapters 22-33 reveal the reality of God’s fury unleashed. Israel herself is punished for her idolatry and adulterous behavior. And the nations who have mistreated God’s beloved Israel are subject to His righteous and holy judgment. If these chapters were a movie, it would be unsuitable for young audiences because of the violence and bloodshed! And over and over through these passages, God’s refrain repeats “…that you will know that I am the Lord.”
Today I am singling out chapter 28 because it is here that the Lord gives us some insight into the person of Satan, who he is, how he began, and how he fell. It is never my intent to give the enemy more “air time” than he deserves - rather I want to focus our hearts on the glory of our great God! But God included this chapter in His Word so it merits our attention and understanding.
Ezekiel 28 implicitly reveals to us that, while countries are ruled by earthly leaders, there is also a spiritual ruler who reigns over them. Note in verse 2, the title “leader of Tyre” and yet in verse 12, the address is “king of Tyre”. God is telling us here that Tyre (most likely located in modern day Lebanon) was a prosperous, successful city once ruled by King Hiram who had an amicable relationship with King David of Israel. But hundreds of years and much pride later, the city exalted itself. Verses 2-6 reveal the root of its downfall - specifically “because your heart is lifted up and you have said ‘I am a god’ “. This pride led to continued sin, unrepentant hearts and ultimately, judgment from God in the form of attacks and conquering by Alexander the Great and finally, Babylon. In spite of their punishment, the city of Tyre remained unwilling to repent and bow before the Lord.
This story of Tyre is repeated throughout the book of Ezekiel. Kingdom after kingdom is subjected to God’s judgment for their rebellion and sin against Israel. And over and over again, we see God’s purpose in it all - that they might know that He is God. But chapter 28 gives us some insight the other chapters don’t. In addition to revealing the cause of Tyre’s downfall, these verses teach us about the one who incites it all - verse 12-18, the “King of Tyre”, Lucifer (Satan). While Tyre had a ruler on the physical throne, he was not really the one in charge - this truth is revealed in other places in Scripture such as 2 Corinthians 4:4 (“in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving”) , Ephesians 2:2 (:according to the prince of the power of the air”) and Ephesians 6:12 (“for our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places”).
Here we see the beginnings of Satan. He was created in beauty and perfection, even wisdom (12-13). His original purpose was as a cherub, the anointed cherub who covers (v. 14). This most likely means that he was guarding the Throne of God, cherishing and protecting God’s honor and holiness. Think about the picture we are given of the Tabernacle, the ark of the covenant in the Holy of Holies. There we see the mercy seat, covered by two cherubim. This verse in Ezekiel makes a case that Lucifer was one of those in Heaven as depicted on earth by the ark of the covenant.
Originally, Satan (Lucifer, king of Tyre) was not only full of beauty, wisdom and perfection, but he was there in the presence of God, covered with the same stones as are found on the High Priest’s breastplate (Exodus 28), signifying his prominence and position before the Lord. But he wanted more. He was not content with this place of beauty - he wanted the position of Christ. He wanted to be not a cherub but instead to be worshipped as GOD. Verses 15-18 reveal his tragic downfall. Pride, jealousy and discontent corrupted his beauty and he was cast out from God’s presence. His corruption led a mutiny (see Isaiah 14 and Revelation 12) and 1/3 of Heaven’s angels followed him in rebellion. I marvel that this was even possible - after witnessing the power and glory and beauty of God, how could they do anything but worship and serve Him forever?
But rebel, they did. And they continue to wage war against God’s elect to this very day.
Ezekiel doesn’t leave us there, though. This tremendous book of prophecy tells us the rest of the story.
“Therefore I have brought fire from the midst of you; it has consumed you and I have turned you to ashes on the earth in the eyes of all who see you. All who know you among the peoples are appalled at you; You have become terrified and you will be no more.”
Hallelujah and amen! Our God reigns over all! Even though Satan does indeed rule as “god of this world” right now (and historically over Tyre and all the ancient places), that is a temporary position. He has usurped the position and one day, one glorious day, God will set it all to right! Hallelujah!!