A Textual Reading of the Hebrew
One of the most common interpretations found in modern theology is the claim that Ezekiel 28 describes the fall of Satan.
However, when we read the text carefully — especially in Hebrew — the passage clearly identifies a human ruler.
Rather than assuming a later interpretation, the goal here is simple:
Read the text first.
Let’s examine what Ezekiel 28 actually says.
📖 1. The Text Explicitly Names the Ruler
The chapter begins by identifying who the message is directed toward.
Ezekiel 28:2
“Son of man, say to the prince of Tyre: Thus says the Lord GOD:
‘Because your heart is lifted up, and you say, I am a god,
I sit in the seat of gods, in the heart of the seas;
yet you are a man, and not a god, though you set your heart as the heart of God.’”
The text makes a direct statement:
“You are a man, and not a god.”
This is a key detail.
The prophet is confronting the arrogance of a human ruler, not describing the fall of a supernatural being.
📜 2. The Lamentation Over the King of Tyre
Later in the chapter, the text again identifies the subject clearly.
Ezekiel 28:12
“Son of man, take up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, and say to him:
Thus says the Lord GOD:
‘You were the seal of perfection,
full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.’”
The chapter now shifts from the prince of Tyre to the king of Tyre, but the subject remains the same: a ruler of Tyre.
The language becomes poetic and symbolic, which is typical for prophetic lamentations.
🌿 3. Symbolic Language in Prophetic Poetry
The passage continues with imagery that has caused much debate.
Ezekiel 28:13
“You were in Eden, the garden of God;
every precious stone was your covering…”
Because of imagery like this, some later interpreters concluded that the passage must describe a supernatural being.
However, prophetic literature frequently uses symbolic language to describe the rise and fall of kings.
Examples appear throughout the prophets:
Isaiah uses cosmic imagery for earthly rulers
Ezekiel uses Eden imagery to describe lost glory
Daniel describes kingdoms through symbolic beasts
This does not automatically mean the passage describes angels or demons.
🕎 4. The Cherub in the Passage
Another important term appears in the chapter.
The Hebrew word used is:
כרוב (Kruv / Cherub)
This word appears in several places in the Hebrew Bible, including:
The cherubim guarding Eden (Genesis 3:24)
The cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:18)
The cherubim in Ezekiel’s visions (Ezekiel 10)
In Ezekiel 28 the imagery is used poetically within the lamentation.
The passage is describing a ruler who once possessed great honor but fell because of pride.
📜 5. The Theme of Pride and Downfall
The central theme of the chapter is not angelic rebellion.
It is human arrogance.
Ezekiel 28:17
“Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty;
you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor.”
This theme appears repeatedly in prophetic literature.
Kings who elevate themselves as divine are brought down.
🧠 Where Interpretation Begins
Over time, some interpreters connected passages like:
Isaiah 14
Ezekiel 28
Luke 10:18
Revelation 12
and constructed a broader narrative about the fall of Satan.
However, when we examine Ezekiel 28 by itself, the text clearly states that it is addressing the king of Tyre.
Understanding the difference between what the text says and how it has later been interpreted is essential for serious study.
📚 Final Thought
The Hebrew Bible often uses powerful imagery and poetic language when describing kings and nations.
But careful reading matters.
Ezekiel 28 begins by identifying its subject:
A human ruler of Tyre.
When studying scripture, the most reliable place to start is always the same:
The text itself.
🕎 Sources
Biblical Text
Ezekiel 28:2
Ezekiel 28:12
Ezekiel 28:13
Ezekiel 28:17
Hebrew Bible / Tanakh
✍️ Author
Baby Lady — Text-first Torah exploration.
Questions and respectful debate are always welcome.
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