Purpose

To explain why Jerusalem was destroyed and give hope for future restoration and renewal.

Author

Ezekiel, a priest who became a prophet during the Babylonian exile. He was taken to Babylon in 597 BC and ministered to the Jewish exiles for over 20 years, combining priestly and prophetic perspectives.

Historical Context

Written: 593-571 BC. Prophecies given during the Babylonian exile, both before and after Jerusalem's destruction.

Significance

Emphasizes individual responsibility and God's promise to give His people new hearts.

Key Themes

God's Glory, Individual Responsibility, Restoration, New Heart, God's Sovereignty

Interesting Facts

• Ezekiel saw some of the most spectacular visions in the Bible (wheels within wheels, living creatures)
• He acted out many of his prophecies - lying on his side for 430 days, cooking with dung
• Ezekiel's wife died suddenly, and God told him not to mourn - a sign to Israel

Prophecies

• Israel would be regathered and given new hearts (Ezekiel 36:24-28) Fulfilled: Partially in 1948, fully in the future restoration (2500 years later)
• The valley of dry bones - Israel's national resurrection (Ezekiel 37) Fulfilled: Israel's rebirth as a nation in 1948 (2500 years later)

Ezekiel 28 serves as a prophetic declaration against Tyre, particularly focusing on its ruler, often interpreted as both a literal king and a symbolic representation of spiritual pride and downfall. The chapter begins with a condemnation of the prideful heart of the prince of Tyre, who mistakenly equates himself with the divine, claiming god-like status while being merely human. This self-deification is met with a stern warning from God, who declares that the prince's arrogance will lead to his destruction at the hands of ruthless foreign nations. Verses 12-19 shift from the earthly ruler to a lamentation over the king of Tyre, illustrating his former glory and beauty. The imagery used here presents the king as a creation of perfection, once dwelling in the Garden of Eden and adorned with precious stones, emphasizing his initial splendor. However, this glory crumbled when iniquity and pride took root in his heart. The narrative depicts a grand fall from grace, stating that his beauty led to moral corruption, resulting in divine judgment and destruction. The chapter concludes with a stark reminder of the consequences of sin and pride, as the king of Tyre faces a dreadful end, serving as a cautionary tale for all who might elevate themselves above their rightful place in the created order. This passage not only serves as a judgment against Tyre but also reflects broader themes of pride, idolatry, and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all nations and rulers. In essence, Ezekiel 28 portrays the fragility of human power and the catastrophic results of self-exaltation, while also providing a vivid depiction of divine justice against those who oppose God's authority.