I love reading a book or watching a movie that presents a compelling backstory. Remember the television show Lost? Or the new movie of Little Women with it’s flashback storytelling? Ezekiel 28 tells us the backstory of Satan in poetic flashback form (with a little bit of a flash forward, too) through God’s message of lament for the King of Tyre.
The Background of Ezekiel’s Message
Ezekiel is forced into exile from Jerusalem to the land of Babylon just when he was getting ready to become a priest. Instead, one day while he was sitting by the canal, God appoints him as prophet, a watchman over the house of Israel. The first section of the book Ezekiel gives messages of judgment to God’s people. Then there is a section of judgment for the nations that geographically surround the land of Israel. Several chapters are spent judging and lamenting over the nation of Tyre including a portion of chapter 28 which has a section of lament for the King of Tyre.
I have always heard that the King of Tyre is actually referring to Satan. Whenever I would study about Satan or see a cross-reference to Ezekiel 28 and would read these verses, they never really made sense to me. But I recently Bible journaled my way through the entire book of Ezekiel and now it finally makes sense that the King of Tyre is Satan!
Here is what I found that shows the King of Tyre is Satan:
The Use of Prince and King in Ezekiel
In Ezekiel 19, Ezekiel refers to the last four kings of Israel as “princes” of Israel. Why? Because God wants to emphasize that He is the true King of Israel. (Some translations may use the word ruler instead of prince, but the idea is the same.) Ezekiel uses this literary construct (referring to kings as princes) several times in the book. In Ezekiel 28, Ezekiel first mentions the prince of Tyre (who is actually the King) and then mentions the King of Tyre who is the power behind the prince of Tyre. This analogy of prince/king relationships is what really made it click for me that the King of Tyre is referring to Satan. This is something you don’t notice if you read Ezekiel 28 without reading the rest of Ezekiel.
The Garden of Eden
The King of Tyre is said to have been in the Garden of Eden (Ezekiel 28:13). The actual reigning king of Tyre could not have been in the Garden of Eden. Yes, this section is poetic, but there are so many details in the description and the story that paint the picture for us the actual Garden of Eden.
The King of Tyre was Created Perfect
All humans since Adam and Eve have been born into sin and are sinners (Romans 3:23). Therefore, God would not have said that the human ruler of Tyre in Ezekiel’s day was created perfect (Ezekiel 28:15). Plus, God rested from creation after the sixth day so I do not think He would use the word “create” to describe how each human on the earth has been brought into being. So the King of Tyre in Ezekiel 28 cannot be a human who born after Adam and Eve.
The King of Tyre was a Guardian Cherub
In fact, the King of Tyre is not described as human at all. He is described as a guardian cherub, an angelic being (Ezekiel 28:14). Because of his pride he was thrown down from the mountain of God to the earth. But unlike how Satan and God are portrayed in movies, books, and cartoons, Satan and God are not equally powerful enemies warring with one another. On the contrary, Ezekiel 28 tells us the end of the story has already been decided. God in His Sovereignty has already appointed for Satan, the King of Tyre, to come to a horrible end and to be no more (Ezekiel 28:19). That has not happened yet. We read more about the final end of Satan in Revelation 20.
Why Do We Need Satan’s Backstory?
Once I saw that the King of Tyre is Satan’s backstory, then I wondered why God bothered to give us this information about Satan. What purpose in there in knowing His backstory? I think there are a couple reasons why:
- We need to know Satan is a created being and not an evil godlike equivalent. In the backstory we are clearly told that he was created. He is not eternal like God is. He is not omnipotent or omniscience. He doesn’t have any qualities that are reserved for God only.
- We need to know that God is in control. In Ezekiel, God makes it clear that He is the LORD. In fact, that is what God says over and over again in the book of Ezekiel about why He is doing something: “so that they will know that I am the LORD.” Sharing Satan’s backstory fits with this theme of Ezekiel. When we know where Satan came from and where he is going, we know that God is the LORD. God is in control of Satan from start to finish.
- So we know what Satan is all about. He was motivated by pride because of his beauty before he was thrown from the mount of God. He is still motivated by pride in wanting for himself what is rightfully God’s. Knowing about Satan’s pride helps us stay away from pride in our own lives through the power of the Holy Spirit.
- We are curious! When you read Genesis for the first time, did you wonder “where did that serpent come from?” Well, once you read Ezekiel 28, now you know!
Have you ever heard that the King of Tyre refers to Satan? What do you think? What other passages in Scripture tell us about Satan? Comment below!
Read a comprehensive yet accessible understanding of what Scripture says about Satan in Our Ancient Foe: Satan’s History, Activity, and Ultimate Demise, edited by Ron Kohl
I had never noted that this passage is called a “lament.” That’s amazing: God’s lamenting the King of Tyre, the most rebellious of all his creatures. Is he lamenting the rebellion of the King of Tyre? Is he lamenting the destiny of the King of Tyre? Is he lamenting the havoc that the King of Tyre will wreak upon his creation? If it was his intention that things turn out this way and if he is glorified by it, why is he lamenting? I’m not sure how I would answer that question… Help?
Duane, this is how it comes to me as I reply. Your question is so authentic in many of us who do the homework in searching for this same answer. I like how Rachel boils this down for us. But, as is so often the case, one answer produces more questions. Your question has been mine as well.
Like Rachel said “Go back to the beginning…” is how today’s answer finds its perspective. Remember, Satan was first Lucifer. His description is, I believe, from a ‘father’s’ description- the most beautiful child in the world. And Lucifer was eye candy, literally, by his description. Unfortunately, he knew it. And used it. And failed. Miserably.
And in God’s lamentation I believe He still grieves over the loss of this most precious creation, that rejected Him, his own father. Imagine the ongoing grief, KNOWING His creation’s impending doom due to his permanent rejection of his father. It would be like someone’s son, on death row (only still free committing unconscionable crimes), knowing His ‘lost son’ will come to a punishment equaling his ongoing crime-eternal-punishment sentencing. I cannot even wrap my head around this kind of grief. Then comes the question, “Well then God must really regret creating him. I mean, just look at the human condition. ALL avoidable.”
Hmmm,….. all true. But a perfect God doesn’t make mistakes. And on that premise there has to be a reason, a purpose, a mission. And there is.
In my attempt to keep this succinct (too late, I know, sorry) God still holds out for the REST of His creation, giving them so many chances (we both know what I’m talking about here), to overcome their pride by allowing the worst (relatively) circumstances to get their attention. And, for so many faux or rebellious Christians, God is pulling back from binding evil against us (I believe, here in 2022 and even more these coming days) for the sole purpose of KEEPING our trust in Him (that so easily wafts creating the unstable relationship with Him that keeps us weak.) God is truly holding us from utter destruction by the Enemy on the earth, as well as eternally, because we continue to seek Him. God’s lost ‘one’ is now His mortal enemy. That’s certainly impetus for a full-on lamentation being the father of my son and only child. By the way, never forget Satan’s mantra: “Kill them… Kill them all.”
I hope that helps!
Perhaps it’s the same reason Jesus wept at Lazarus’s tomb. Although He knew the glory that would come from Lazarus’s resurrection, He wept for the suffering of His beloved friends. God was glorified through this tragedy. God laments the suffering Satan brings on His world in the same way Jesus did, but the time of suffering is much longer. His glorification is coming!
We were discussing God’s lament for the King of Tyre at dinner and my daughter, who writes short stories, told us that sometimes a plot takes a turn that stirs even the author. The author creates the plot and directs it to its outcome but still is, in some sense, a participant who is moved by what he or she is writing. The author rejoices or laments in the acts of the characters he or she has created and is directing. The author’s “sovereignty” is not without feeling. You could almost say it is interactive. (Like Jesus weeping at Lazarus’ tomb even though he knew what was coming next.)
I guess what startles me about the fact that Ezekiel 28 is called a “lament” is that if God laments the loss and ruin of the most rebellious of his creatures, what sorrow does he feel for the lost all around us?
Wow, thank you for all of these thoughts, Duane and Sherry. I hadn’t thought much about why this is called a lament. Thank you for these insights!
2 Timothy 3:16 NIV – 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
In light of the above Scripture, I am confused about your post on June 30, 2020 where you say, “The author creates the plot and directs it to its outcome but still is, in some sense, a participant who is moved by what HE OR SHE. The author rejoices or laments in the acts of the characters HE OR SHE HAS CREATED AND IS DIRECTING.. The author’s “sovereignty” is not without feeling. You could almost say it is interactive. ”
Since all Scripture is God-breathed, He directs the thoughts of the “WRITER” who is NOT the author because God is the “author”. The writer can and does put feeling in what he/she is directed to write and uses their own style – but GOD is the author. Comment is welcomed.
Thank You for explaining, it has been on my radar screen for quite a while[ Ezekiel should be read from beginning to end to understand/realize what is said] as you said “now I know”
You are welcome! I really enjoyed my read through of Ezekiel last year way more than I thought I would. I learned so much!
When I read Ezekiel 28 this evening, this text answered what I had been ruminating on this evening:. jealousy over the beauty and wealth of some people. Wealth gotten by trade and the appearance of flawless beauty led satan to pride and haughtiness, which things God hates. This doesn’t imply that all who possess beauty and wealth are prideful, but it sure gives me a healthier assessment of my circumstances!
Wow, that is so well-said, Ticia. We see this theme repeated in Scripture many times, too, including Revelation 18. Beauty and wealth are temporary, too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and how God is working in your life through the book of Ezekiel.
Just to think – the first blinking eye opening gaze of Lucifer (Tyre) was the brilliant Glory of God Eternal ! Jesus (Michel the Arc angel) was there. Long before the creation of Lucifer (we can observe planets 13 Billion light years away – time has been here at least that long- our earth is about 6000 years from ‘creation week’) Jesus was involved in beginning creation of the universe. (John 1:1…). Lucifer grew jealous – would not repent – was cast out of heaven – hence the raging conflict between Christ and Satan to this day. Do I serve what God says, or something else?
Thanks for your comment! It’s such a comfort to know that Christ will win. Satan’s future has already been determined.
Thanks for reminding us to serve God, Ross. I do want to point out though that Jesus is not the same as Michel. Jesus is God and God’s son and is eternal. Michel is an angel, a created being.
This was a great read! I am researching Ezekiel 28 scriptures and comments regarding the history of Satan in the bible and came across your article. Thank you for your insight. I have one comment though, regarding a comment on your thread. Someone said that Jesus was Michel the Arc Angel, and that is not true. Michael is Michael, a created being just like Satan was/is a created being. Jesus isn’t Michel. Michael is the Warrior Prince angel in charge of Heaven’s armies, under the Commander of Heaven’s armies Himself, Jesus.
Hi Mary Beth, thanks for commenting and I’m glad this article was helpful. Thank you for correcting the comment about Jesus being Michel. You are absolutely right. Jesus is Jesus, God’s Son, not Michal. Thanks for adding that!
Hi Rachel,
I think you are correct. I have a paper on Academia “Two Trees in Eden” you might find interesting. It engages with Ezekiel 28 and Ezekiel 31.
https://www.academia.edu/49181020/Two_Trees_in_Eden
Colin Hamer
Thank you for sharing, Colin.
Nice article what’s so fascinating is were free moral agents we can choose to believe or not but that will not change the outcome of the Most high. Also the many manifestations and depictions of Satan by man through ages up to the present has been so misleading when in fact he’s a spiritual being from another dimension that fell in love with is own beauty but we know it wasn’t that alone but worship from others he craves. The Q still stands do we serve the most high out of love or selfishness its a constant fight to do what is right?
Thanks for reading and commenting. There is a lot we don’t know about Satan, but you are right that what we do know reminds us to serve God out of love.
There are many mysteries in the Word and in what GOD has not revealed to us. Satan may possibly have been the covering Cherubim of the pre-Adamic earth, before iniquity was found in him. Hebrew script of Gen.1:1-2 states the earth BECAME dark and void. I figure our earth is the one that Jesus, the Light, restored for the fallen children of GOD from the first earth age.
Hi Claudia, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I believe you are speaking of the Gap Theory? Of the possibility of a lot happening between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2. Here is some basics on the theory in case anyone is reading the comments: https://www.gotquestions.org/without-form-and-void.html
Small thing : In the segment below, under “Why Do We Need Satan’s Backstory?”, the word ‘omniscienCE’ should be omniscienT.
We need to know Satan is a created being and not an evil godlike equivalent. In the backstory we are clearly told that he was created. He is not eternal like God is. He is not omnipotent or omniscience.
Thank you for that correction!