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Day 240, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Psalms 14, 53, Ezekiel 26–28
Lessons from Tyre’s and Satan’s fall
We have all admired a father, mother, preacher, teacher, politician, sports figure, or an organization for their reputation, talents, or greatness. If they fell from their high position, we grieved their loss. People and organizations fall from great heights when they grow careless, arrogant, and corrupt. Eventually, their unethical behavior catches up with them, and then they tumble. How do we prevent this from happening to us? We can learn some lessons from Tyre's and Satan's fall.
Lesson from Tyre’s fall
In today’s Bible reading, the nation of Tyre is a coastal city north of Israel. Her king, Ethbaal III, becomes arrogant. He is shrewd in business, and so his government gains great wealth and prestige by trade. Every country in the Middle East deals with Tyre, including Israel.
When Judah falls to Babylon, however, Tyre is one country that rejoices and tries to profit from her loss. For this, the LORD is angry with the king of Tyre.
Lesson: Don’t Rejoice and profit from others’ losses
Lesson from Satan’s fall
The pride of King Ethbaal III is compared to another villain. Many Bible scholars believe Ezekiel 28:12-17 is a reference to Satan. He is also referred to as Lucifer, the illumined one, the bright morning star. In the broader context of Ezekiel 28, this allusion to Satan seems to be a comparison between him and the king of Tyre. Some theologians believe the text is only a comparison of the pride of Lucifer and King Ethbaal III. Another theory is that the king was demon-possessed.
God says through the prophet Ezekiel,
You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz and emerald, chrysolite, onyx and jasper, sapphire, turquoise and beryl. Your settings and mountings were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared. You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones [a possible reference to the holy presence of God - Ezekiel 10:1-20]. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you.” (Ezekiel 28:13-15, NIV)
Since Eden is thought to have been in Babylon near where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers meet (Genesis 2:10-14), Ezekiel 28:13-15 may have been an allusion to Satan. As the Chief Guardian Cherub (Angel), this illumined one, or bright morning star, had direct access to the presence of God. He was highly favored by the LORD of all creation, but pride was his downfall. For his pride, God cast Lucifer and his myriad of angels down to the earth. From then on, he became known as Satan (meaning “adversary”) or the devil.
Lesson: Don’t be an egomaniac or narcissist. There is only one God, and we are his humble creation. Only by God’s grace have we gained any great position or possessions, especially his salvation. If we think we are so important, God may allow us to fall.
Judgment and lament for Tyre and Sidon’s fall
For King Ethbaal’s sinful pride, claiming that he is a god (Ezekiel 28:1), and profiting by Judah’s calamity, God will move Babylon and Greece to destroy Tyre. As in the case of Lucifer, the world will be appalled at Tyre’s great fall.
Ezekiel 26-28 is a lament for Tyre and Sidon’s fall. God does not rejoice at the calamities of nations. His wish is for them to repent and experience his grace and mercy (Ezekiel 33:11). He wishes the same for us (more...).
This fall from greatness happens gradually as Babylon (572-573 BC), and Greece, with Alexander the Great (332 BC), cut off her trade and finally destroy Tyre.
Lesson: Since God does not rejoice in the calamities of people, neither should we. Let us pray for our neighbors, help those we should, and tell them the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Discussion
Why do people or organizations fall from greatness? How can we prevent the same thing from happening to us?
Briefly, who is Satan, and what happened to him?
Does God rejoice at the fall and destruction of people and nations? Why or why not?
Insights on today’s Bible study were gained in part by The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the O.T., edited by Walvoord and Zuck, © 1985, pp.1278-1285.
for additional insights about Lucifer or Satan, go to more…
Focus Verse
Proverbs 16:18 (NIV) “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
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Looking Ahead: God holds Israel accountable for her sins. Holding People Accountable is important. Find out why in our Next Lesson.
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