BACKGROUND
Ezekiel 27
This is a funeral lament (dirge) over Tyre's fall. It compares the city to a ship (27:1-9), reviews its military, commercial activity, and trading partners (27:10-25), and then describes the sinking of the ship because of its pride (27:26-36)!
Jesus spoke of Tyre being a city deserving of God's judgment (Matthew 11:22).
Here is a list of all of Tyre's trading partners at the height of its power:
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| The Bible Knowledge Commentary: Old Testament, p. 1281 |
This prophecy was specifically directed at Tyre's prince, Ethbaal III, who ruled from about 591-572 B.C. His chief sin was pride - believing himself to be god. Ezekiel is also pointing at the spiritual king behind the earthly king of Tyre, Satan.
The Daniel referred to in this chapter is probably the Daniel of the Bible. He had a reputation for wisdom because he was already an important official in Nebuchadnezzar's court. His wisdom came from God, but the king of Tyre's wisdom came from Satan.
Ezekiel describes the beauty of Satan as God created him (28:12-15a), but he had pride and sinned (28:16; 1 Timothy 3:6). Therefore, he was cast out.
Since Sidon was economically tied to Tyre, it also fell to Nebuchadnezzar.
In the process of all these activities, God would show Himself holy (20:41; 28:22, 25, 36:23; 38:16; 39:27) by rescuing Israel from the nations and restoring her.
REFLECTION
Do you have a problem with pride? If your answer is "no," are you proud of that fact?
Consider for a moment these insights on the subject of pride -- a problem not limited to Ezekiel's day:
Pride is a vice not limited to the emperors of far flung realms. Almost anyone, by comparing himself with those who have less talent, less success, less popularity, can emerge with a feeling of satisfaction that is the very opposite of humility.
What is the remedy for pride? (Read 1 Corinthians 4:7) It's the daily realization that all you are and have is a gift from God. The king of Tyre's "pride problem" was forgetting that fact. And Ezekiel 28:12-19 shows five ways in which pride tripped up the king of Tyre (who is believed by many scholars to represent Satan). Are you in danger of being tripped as well? Then spend a few minutes reviewing these potent proverbs about pride and its pitfalls: Proverbs 8:13; 11:2; 13:10; 16:18; 29:23. (The Daily Walk, August 22, 2008, p. 25)APPLICATION/PRAYER
Review and pray through the verses in Proverbs and pray through the "Pride" chapter in Praying God's Word by Beth Moore. She prays through it regularly! If you are local, I have extra copies to lend out.
1 comment:
This statement: "What is the remedy for pride? (Read 1 Corinthians 4:7) It's the daily realization that all you are and have is a gift from God." That is so true. Ignatius said that the root of all sin is ingratitude. This certainly keeps us from pride. ALL IS GIFT!
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