Ezekiel 28:25-29:21

Shalom, my dear friends! So glad you're here today for a little journey into Jewish wisdom.

Hook

Have you ever looked at someone incredibly successful, maybe a super-rich businessperson or a powerful leader, and thought, "Wow, they really have it all figured out! They're untouchable"? Or perhaps you've felt a moment of intense personal pride after a big accomplishment, thinking, "I did that! All by myself!" There's a natural human tendency to admire power, wealth, and self-sufficiency. We sometimes even find ourselves wishing we had that kind of independent strength. But what happens when that feeling of being "on top of the world" morphs into something a little less healthy? What if it leads us to believe we're so powerful, so smart, that we don't need anyone or anything else – not even a higher power?

Today, we're going to peek into an ancient text from a prophet named Ezekiel that tackles this very idea head-on. It's a story of powerful nations and kings who thought they were literally gods, or at least god-like. They believed their success, their wisdom, and their wealth were entirely their own doing. But Ezekiel's message reminds us that there's always a bigger picture, a deeper source of all blessings, and that forgetting this can lead to a rather humbling, if not painful, reality check. We'll explore what this means for them, and for us, as we navigate our own successes and challenges. It’s a powerful lesson about where true strength and lasting security really come from.

Context

Let's set the stage for our ancient text! To truly appreciate Ezekiel's words, it helps to understand who was speaking, when they lived, and where everyone was. Think of it like getting the backstory before diving into your favorite TV show – it just makes everything click!

Who was Ezekiel?

Ezekiel was a Jewish prophet who shared God's messages during a very tough time for the Jewish people. He was a priest before he became a prophet, which means he was deeply connected to Jewish religious life. His job was to deliver sometimes comforting, sometimes challenging, words from God.

When did this happen?

Our text comes from a period known as the Babylonian Exile. This was a time when Jewish people were forced from their land and lived in Babylonia. Imagine being taken from your home, your community, your everything, and living as a refugee in a foreign land. It was a deeply demoralizing and painful experience for the Jewish people. Ezekiel was living among his fellow exiles in Babylonia when he received these messages. This context is important because these prophecies – some harsh, some hopeful – were meant to help the Jewish people understand God's plan and find meaning in their suffering.

Where is all this taking place?

Ezekiel, though physically in Babylonia, is prophesying about other powerful ancient kingdoms near Israel: Tyre, Sidon, and Egypt. These were major players in the ancient world, known for their wealth, trade, and military might. Tyre, for example, was a thriving port city, famous for its incredible riches and perceived invincibility, built on an island. Egypt was an ancient superpower, known for its long history and the life-giving Nile River. These nations were often rivals or occasional allies of Israel, and their power often seemed to overshadow the struggling Jewish people. The prophecies against them were a stark reminder that even the mightiest human empires are not beyond divine judgment.

What’s a Prophet?

A prophet is a messenger sharing God's word with the people. They weren't fortune tellers, but rather individuals chosen by God to communicate His will, warnings, and promises to humanity. They often spoke truth to power and challenged people to live up to a higher moral and spiritual standard. Ezekiel was one such messenger, delivering messages that would shape the understanding of God's justice and ultimate redemption for generations.

So, picture this: The Jewish people are in exile, feeling small and defeated. Meanwhile, these big, flashy nations like Tyre and Egypt seem to be thriving. It's easy to feel forgotten, or to wonder if God is still in charge. It's in this setting that Ezekiel receives these prophecies, which serve as a powerful reassurance that God is indeed in control of the entire world, and that human arrogance, no matter how grand, eventually meets its match.

Text Snapshot

Let's take a look at a few powerful lines from our text today, from the Book of Ezekiel. These verses give us a glimpse into the attitudes of these mighty ancient rulers and what God has to say about them. Remember, these are messages delivered by God through Ezekiel.

"O mortal, say to the prince of Tyre: Thus said the Sovereign GOD:
Because you have been so haughty and have said, “I am a god; I sit enthroned like a god in the heart of the seas,” whereas you are not a god but a human, though you deemed your mind equal to a god’s..." (Ezekiel 28:2)

A little later, about the King of Tyre: "You grew haughty because of your beauty, You debased your wisdom for the sake of your splendor; I have cast you to the ground, I have made you an object for kings to stare at." (Ezekiel 28:17)

And then, about Egypt's Pharaoh: "Thus said the Sovereign GOD:
I am going to deal with you, O Pharaoh king of Egypt, Mighty monster, sprawling in your channels, Who said, My Nile is my own; I made it for myself." (Ezekiel 29:3)

You can explore the full text here: https://www.sefaria.org/Ezekiel_28%3A25-29%3A21

Close Reading

These verses from Ezekiel might sound pretty intense, right? They're full of strong imagery and even stronger warnings. But beneath the ancient language, there are some truly timeless lessons we can unpack together. Let's dig a little deeper into what these messages might mean for us today.

Insight 1: The Danger of "I Did It All Myself" Thinking

Our text highlights a common human pitfall: taking credit for everything good in our lives. We see this loud and clear with the prince of Tyre and Pharaoh. The prince of Tyre declares, "I am a god; I sit enthroned like a god" (Ezekiel 28:2). Talk about confidence! He sees his city's strategic location ("in the heart of the seas"), its wealth, and his own wisdom as proof of his divine status. It's like he's saying, "Look at me! I built this empire, I amassed this fortune, I am the master of my destiny, and no one can touch me."

Pharaoh of Egypt expresses a similar sentiment, albeit about a natural resource: "My Nile is my own; I made it for myself" (Ezekiel 29:3). Can you imagine? Claiming ownership of an entire river that sustains an entire civilization! This isn't just a boast; it's a profound statement of self-sufficiency, a denial of any external source for life's necessities. It's the ultimate "I did it all myself" attitude, taken to a cosmic extreme.

What's the big deal? The text makes it clear: "whereas you are not a god but a human" (Ezekiel 28:2). This is the core message. No matter how smart, rich, or powerful we become, we are still human. We are part of a larger creation, and our abilities and resources ultimately come from a source beyond ourselves. The text isn't saying it's bad to be successful or wise. Rather, it's warning against the haughtiness and pride that can come with success, leading one to forget that they are part of something bigger.

The commentaries also subtly reinforce this. While the main focus of Malbim on Ezekiel 28:25:1 discusses God's future actions for Israel, the very fact that God is acting and will gather Israel implies that human power structures (like Tyre and Egypt) are not the ultimate authority. As Steinsaltz on Ezekiel 28:25 points out, Jerusalem and Tyre were rivals, and Tyre's flourishing at Jerusalem's decline was a painful reality for the exiles. This prophecy assures them that the "tables will be turned," meaning human success is transient and ultimately under divine purview. It’s a powerful reminder that even when others seem to be "getting away with it," there is a higher justice at play. This isn't about gloating, but about understanding that human pride eventually meets a humbling end, and that true power belongs to the Divine.

Insight 2: Recognizing the True Source of Our Blessings

Building on the first insight, the text gently (or not so gently!) pushes us to consider where our blessings truly originate. The king of Tyre is initially described as "the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and flawless in beauty" (Ezekiel 28:12). He was "in Eden, the garden of God" (Ezekiel 28:13), adorned with precious stones. God even says, "I created you as a cherub With outstretched shielding wings" (Ezekiel 28:14). A cherub is a type of angelic being mentioned in Jewish texts. This is a vivid picture of a being endowed with incredible gifts, beauty, wisdom, and a significant, almost sacred, role.

But then, "You grew haughty because of your beauty, You debased your wisdom for the sake of your splendor" (Ezekiel 28:17). The downfall wasn't because he was gifted, but because he forgot the Giver. He treated his inherent beauty and God-given wisdom as his own achievements, something to be exploited for personal glory and wealth, rather than a trust or a gift. His "far-flung commerce" led to "lawlessness" and "sin" (Ezekiel 28:16), polluting his initial perfection.

Pharaoh, too, claims the Nile as "my own; I made it for myself" (Ezekiel 29:3). He denies the very source of life for his kingdom. The recurring phrase throughout these prophecies, "And they shall know that I am GOD" (Ezekiel 28:23, 29:6, 29:9, 29:16), is not a threat but a fundamental lesson. It's about revealing the truth about who is truly in charge, who is the ultimate source of everything.

The commentaries support this idea of divine giving. Rashi on Ezekiel 28:25:1, for instance, talks about God's promise to "My servant, to Jacob," reminding us of Jacob's inheritance, "an inheritance without boundaries." This emphasizes that God's blessings are vast and given freely. The contrast with Tyre and Pharaoh is clear: one receives boundless blessings from God, while the others arrogantly claim self-creation. Metzudat David on Ezekiel 28:25:1 further elaborates, "I will be sanctified through them by the signs and wonders that I will then do with them." Here, "sanctified" means made holy or set apart for a sacred purpose. God's actions, the "signs and wonders," are the means by which His presence and power are revealed, not human achievements. This reminds us that even when things seem to go well, it's often a manifestation of divine grace, not purely our own doing.

Insight 3: A Glimmer of Hope Amidst the Turmoil

While much of Ezekiel's prophecy in this section is about the downfall of arrogant nations, it’s not all doom and gloom. It contains a powerful message of hope for the House of Israel – the Jewish people as a whole. After detailing the punishments for Tyre, Sidon, and Egypt, the text pivots: "Then shall the House of Israel no longer be afflicted with prickling briers and lacerating thorns from all the neighbors who despise them; and they shall know that I am the Sovereign GOD." (Ezekiel 28:24).

This shift is incredibly significant. For the Jewish people in exile, feeling vulnerable and oppressed by their powerful neighbors, these prophecies served as a beacon of comfort. It promised that God's justice wasn't just about punishing the wicked; it was also about protecting and ultimately restoring His people. The suffering of Tyre and Egypt wasn't just an isolated event; it was part of a larger divine plan that included the redemption of Israel.

"When I have gathered the House of Israel from the peoples among which they have been dispersed, and have shown Myself holy through them in the sight of the nations, they shall settle on their own soil, which I gave to My servant Jacob, and they shall dwell on it in security." (Ezekiel 28:25-26). This is a beautiful promise of return, security, and renewed connection with God. It offers a vision of a future where Israel is not just safe, but also a source of God's sanctification – meaning, God's holiness will be shown through their revival and return.

The commentaries powerfully echo this hope. Malbim on Ezekiel 28:25:1 clarifies that this promise of gathering and settling will occur "when I gather them and they will dwell on their land." Radak on Ezekiel 28:25:1 reinforces this, explaining that God "promised them regarding their neighbors who were harming them, and the blessed God will execute judgments upon them so that they will no longer be able to do harm." This tells us that God's actions against the oppressive nations are directly linked to His care for Israel. Tze'enah Ure'enah on Ezekiel 28:25 also emphasizes the idea of God being "sanctified through them, before the eyes of the nations" when Israel is gathered.

So, while the main lesson for Tyre and Egypt is about humility, the lesson for Israel (and for us) is about enduring hope. Even in the darkest moments, when it feels like the world is against you, there's a larger narrative of divine justice and redemption at play. This means that even when we feel small or overwhelmed by the "Pharaohs" and "Tyres" of our own lives, there's always a promise of ultimate security and belonging when we remember our connection to the Divine.

Apply It

Okay, so we've talked about ancient kings and prophets, pride and humility. How can we take these big, powerful ideas and make them a little bit practical for our busy lives this week? It's not about becoming a cherub or building an empire, but about shifting our perspective in small, meaningful ways.

Here's a tiny, doable practice you can try, taking less than 60 seconds a day:

The "Source Check" Moment

This week, pick one moment each day where you experience something positive – it could be a small success at work, a helpful suggestion from a friend, a moment of peace, or even just a beautiful sunset. Instead of immediately thinking, "Wow, I'm great!" or "This just happened," take just a few seconds to do a "Source Check."

Here's how:

1. Notice the good thing: Maybe you finished a tough task, got a compliment, or simply enjoyed a delicious meal.
2. Pause and acknowledge: Before you move on, take a breath.
3. Ask: "What contributed to this?"
   • If it was a personal achievement, think: "Who taught me this skill? What resources did I have? What support did I receive? What previous experiences made this possible?"
   • If it was a gift or an experience, think: "Who created this? What forces of nature were involved? What circumstances aligned to make this happen?"
   • For example, if you finish a big project at work: Instead of just "I'm a genius!", think: "My colleagues helped, my computer worked, I had a good night's sleep, I learned this skill from a teacher years ago, and I had the health and energy to focus."
   • If you enjoy a beautiful sunrise: Instead of "What a nice day!", think: "The earth rotates, the sun rises, the clouds formed this way – it's a magnificent display I didn't create."

This isn't about diminishing your efforts or feeling unworthy. Not at all! It's about recognizing the interconnectedness of everything and the many layers of contributions – human, natural, and spiritual – that bring about positive outcomes. It's about cultivating a deeper sense of gratitude and humility, remembering that while we are capable and impactful, we are also part of a larger, incredible tapestry. It helps to keep us grounded, like Ezekiel's message to Tyre and Pharaoh, reminding us that we are "human," not "god." This small shift can open our hearts to more appreciation and less unchecked pride, helping us to acknowledge the true source of all blessings.

Chevruta Mini

A chevruta is a traditional Jewish learning partnership, where two people study and discuss texts together. It's a wonderful way to deepen understanding and hear different perspectives. So, let's pretend we're sitting across from each other, sharing some thoughts on what we've just learned.

Here are a couple of friendly discussion questions to get us started:

1. The text highlights how Tyre and Pharaoh grew arrogant from their amazing gifts – wealth, wisdom, beauty, even a mighty river! They started saying, "I am a god" or "My Nile is my own." Can you think of a time, either in your own life or observing someone else, when a personal strength or success (like being really smart, talented, or even just financially secure) might have unintentionally led to a bit of that "I did it all myself" thinking? How might we gently shift that perspective, not to diminish effort, but to recognize the broader network of support or blessings involved?
2. Ezekiel's prophecy offers a powerful message of hope to the struggling Jewish people by showing that even the mightiest and most arrogant nations are not beyond divine accountability. For you, how can remembering a larger, guiding force (whatever that means to you, whether it's God, the universe, or a deep spiritual principle) help us find strength, perspective, or comfort during challenging times in our own lives? How does knowing there's a bigger picture affect how you face personal difficulties or frustrations?

Takeaway

Remember this: True strength comes not from claiming self-made power, but from recognizing our place in a larger, divinely ordered world.