Ezekiel 28:13

KJV

Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone [was] thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou hast been in Eden {H5731} the garden {H1588} of God {H430}; every precious {H3368} stone {H68} was thy covering {H4540}, the sardius {H124}, topaz {H6357}, and the diamond {H3095}, the beryl {H8658}, the onyx {H7718}, and the jasper {H3471}, the sapphire {H5601}, the emerald {H5306}, and the carbuncle {H1304}, and gold {H2091}: the workmanship {H4399} of thy tabrets {H8596} and of thy pipes {H5345} was prepared {H3559} in thee in the day {H3117} that thou wast created {H1254}.

Complete Jewish Bible

you were in 'Eden, the garden of God; covered with all kinds of precious stones - carnelians, topaz, diamonds, beryl, onyx, jasper, sapphires, green feldspar, emeralds; your pendants and jewels were made of gold, prepared the day you were created.

Berean Standard Bible

You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every kind of precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold, prepared on the day of your creation.

American Standard Version

Thou wast in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, the topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was in thee; in the day that thou wast created they were prepared.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 28:13 is a profound and highly symbolic verse, part of a lamentation delivered by the prophet Ezekiel against the King of Tyre. While ostensibly addressed to an earthly ruler, the extraordinary language—describing a being in "Eden the garden of God," adorned with an array of magnificent precious stones, and inherently designed with musical instruments "in the day that thou wast created"—leads many theological interpretations to see this passage as a veiled yet vivid portrayal of the pre-fall state and initial glory of Satan, the spiritual power behind the earthly king's hubris. It paints a picture of unparalleled beauty, privilege, and divine craftsmanship before corruption entered.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader prophetic oracle against Tyre, a powerful Phoenician city-state, spanning Ezekiel chapters 26-28. Specifically, Ezekiel 28 is divided into two distinct sections: verses 1-10 address the "Prince of Tyre," condemning his arrogant claim to divinity and predicting his violent downfall. However, the language shifts dramatically in verses 11-19, where the lament is directed at the "King of Tyre." The description here transcends human attributes, employing imagery of Eden, cherubic guardians, and perfect creation, leading most scholars to interpret this as a reference to a supernatural entity, widely understood to be Satan. This literary progression highlights that human pride and rebellion are often manifestations of deeper spiritual forces at play, with the earthly ruler serving as a puppet or embodiment of a cosmic adversary.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was a formidable maritime city, renowned for its immense wealth, extensive trade networks, and impregnable fortifications. Located on the Mediterranean coast, it was a hub of commerce, accumulating vast riches from its global ventures. This prosperity often fostered a spirit of self-sufficiency, arrogance, and a sense of invincibility among its rulers and inhabitants. The ancient Near Eastern context frequently saw kings claiming divine lineage or status, a claim that directly challenged the sovereignty of Yahweh. The lament's imagery of precious stones and elaborate craftsmanship would have resonated with Tyre's reputation for luxury goods and skilled artisans, making the contrast between its earthly splendor and the supernatural glory described in the verse all the more striking. The cultural understanding of a primordial garden, reminiscent of [Eden](/genesis/2 "Genesis 2 - The Garden of Eden"), was also present in various ancient mythologies, providing a backdrop for Ezekiel's unique theological application.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 28:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Original Perfection and Exaltation**, portraying a being created in a state of pristine beauty and direct divine presence, akin to humanity's initial dwelling in [the Garden of Eden](/genesis/2-8 "Genesis 2:8 - The Garden of Eden"). This highlights the incredibly privileged and exalted position this entity once held. Secondly, the extensive list of "precious stones" and "gold" emphasizes **Unparalleled Splendor and Glory**, signifying immense value and magnificent adornment, which contrasts sharply with the subsequent fall. Thirdly, the declaration "in the day that thou wast created" firmly establishes the **Divine Creation and Ordained Purpose** of this being, asserting that it was a creature, not eternal or self-existent. The mention of "the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee" suggests an inherent musicality or a specific role, perhaps in leading worship or praise, from its very inception. Finally, while not explicit in this verse, the broader context of [Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Prophecy Against Tyre") points to **Spiritual Pride and Self-Exaltation** as the ultimate cause of this being's downfall, mirroring the warnings found elsewhere in scripture about the dangers of arrogance, as seen in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eden (Hebrew, _ʻÊden'_):** This term refers to the specific region of Adam's home, the primordial paradise described in Genesis. Its inclusion here immediately evokes a state of pristine beauty, divine presence, and original perfection, linking the described being directly to the very beginning of creation and a place of unblemished communion with God.
* **created (Hebrew, _bârâʼ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to create," this word emphasizes that the being in question is a creature, brought into existence by God, not an eternal or self-existent entity. This term is often reserved for divine acts of creation, particularly when something new or unique is brought forth, highlighting the special nature of this being's origin.
* **workmanship (Hebrew, _mᵉlâʼkâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "deputyship" or "ministry," this word refers to employment, work, or something made as a result of labor. In this context, it speaks to the intricate and deliberate design of the being, particularly concerning its inherent musicality ("tabrets and pipes"), suggesting a divinely ordained function or artistry woven into its very fabric from the moment of its creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God;":** This opening clause establishes the unparalleled privilege and original dwelling place of the being addressed. "Eden the garden of God" directly links this entity to the pristine, sacred space of divine presence and perfection, implying an intimate relationship with the Creator from its inception. It signifies a state of unblemished glory and access to God's immediate presence.
* **"every precious stone [was] thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold:":** This detailed enumeration of nine distinct precious stones, along with gold, describes an extraordinary and unparalleled adornment. The "covering" (Hebrew _mᵉçukkâh_) suggests an outer garment or perhaps an inherent part of its being, signifying immense glory, beauty, and value. The sheer abundance and variety of these gems underscore the magnificent status and radiant splendor this being possessed, far exceeding any earthly king's regalia.
* **"the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.":** This final clause further elaborates on the being's divine creation and inherent design. "Tabrets" (tambourines) and "pipes" (wind instruments) indicate an innate musicality or a specific function related to sound, praise, or worship. The phrase "was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created" emphasizes that these attributes were not acquired but were intrinsic to its being from the very moment of its creation, highlighting a divinely ordained purpose connected to praise and harmony.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 28:13 is rich with literary artistry, primarily employing **Imagery** to paint a vivid picture of the described being's original glory. The detailed enumeration of precious stones (sardius, topaz, diamond, beryl, onyx, jasper, sapphire, emerald, carbuncle, and gold) creates a dazzling visual of unparalleled splendor and wealth, emphasizing the extraordinary beauty and value attributed to this created entity. This list functions as **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the adornment to convey a sense of cosmic grandeur beyond human comprehension. The reference to "Eden the garden of God" is a powerful **Symbolism** for a primordial state of perfection, divine presence, and unblemished existence, linking the being to the very origins of creation. Furthermore, the mention of "tabrets and pipes" as being "prepared in thee" uses **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** to represent an inherent musicality or a divinely designed capacity for praise and harmony, suggesting a role perhaps as a leader of worship in the heavenly courts. The entire passage, while directed at an earthly king, utilizes **Allegory** or **Typology**, where the human ruler serves as a type or a stand-in for a greater, spiritual entity—Satan—whose fall is being described, allowing the prophet to speak of cosmic events through an earthly lens.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 28:13 offers profound theological insights into the nature of creation, the origin of evil, and the devastating consequences of pride. It presents a being of unparalleled beauty, wisdom, and privilege, created directly by God and placed in a position of immense glory, perhaps even as a guardian cherub in the divine presence. This initial perfection underscores God's good and purposeful creation, even of those who would later rebel. The verse's primary theological contribution, particularly when interpreted as referring to Satan, is to establish that evil is not co-eternal with God but originated from a created being who, despite being magnificently endowed, chose to rebel against its Creator. This rebellion, fueled by pride and a desire for self-exaltation, led to a catastrophic fall from grace, transforming a being of light and beauty into the adversary. The detailed description of its original state serves to highlight the magnitude of its fall and the tragic loss of its divinely ordained purpose.

* [Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12 "The Fall of Lucifer")
* [Luke 10:18](/luke/10-18 "Jesus Sees Satan Fall")
* [1 Timothy 3:6](/1_timothy/3-6 "Warning Against Pride")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 28:13, whether applied directly to an earthly king or, more commonly, to Satan, offers vital lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a stark reminder that immense gifts, exalted positions, and even divine favor do not inoculate against the insidious sin of pride. The being described in this verse possessed unparalleled beauty, wisdom, and a direct connection to the divine, yet it succumbed to the temptation of self-exaltation, seeking to usurp God's glory. This should lead us to profound humility, recognizing that all our talents, achievements, and blessings are gifts from God, to be used for His glory, not our own. It also illuminates the spiritual reality behind much of the world's rebellion and evil, reminding us that there are cosmic forces at play that seek to corrupt and destroy. Understanding the enemy's origins—once a magnificent creation—helps us appreciate the depth of his depravity and the constant need for spiritual vigilance. Ultimately, this verse calls us to guard our hearts against pride, to walk in humility before God, and to remember that true glory belongs to the Creator alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the description of this being's original glory challenge or deepen your understanding of the origin of evil?**
* **What specific areas of your life might be susceptible to the sin of pride, given the warning implicit in this passage?**
* **How can recognizing the enemy's original created state impact your approach to spiritual warfare and prayer?**
* **In what ways does this verse highlight the contrast between God's perfect creation and the destructive power of rebellion?**

### FAQ
**Is Ezekiel 28:13 literally about the King of Tyre or Satan?**

Answer: While Ezekiel 28:1-10 clearly addresses the "Prince of Tyre," the language shifts dramatically in verses 11-19, including verse 13. The description of a being in "Eden the garden of God," adorned with precious stones, and created with inherent musicality transcends any known earthly king. Therefore, most biblical scholars interpret this passage as a symbolic or allegorical reference to Satan, the spiritual power behind the earthly king's pride and rebellion. The King of Tyre serves as a type or embodiment of this greater, cosmic adversary. This dual interpretation highlights how spiritual forces often manifest through human leaders and systems.

**What is the significance of the precious stones mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The detailed list of nine precious stones (sardius, topaz, diamond, beryl, onyx, jasper, sapphire, emerald, carbuncle) along with gold, emphasizes the extraordinary beauty, value, and glory of the being's original state. These stones were highly prized in the ancient world, often associated with royalty, divinity, and sacred objects. For instance, similar stones adorned the breastplate of the high priest in [Exodus 28:15-21](/exodus/28-15 "Exodus 28:15-21 - The High Priest's Breastplate"), symbolizing the tribes of Israel and their connection to God. In Ezekiel 28:13, they signify an unparalleled splendor and a divinely bestowed "covering" or adornment, underscoring the magnificent position this being held before its fall.

**What does "the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee" mean?**

Answer: "Tabrets" (Hebrew _tôph_) refers to tambourines or hand drums, and "pipes" (Hebrew _neqeb_) refers to wind instruments, possibly flutes. This phrase suggests that musicality or a capacity for praise and harmony was an intrinsic part of this being's original design, woven into its very nature from the moment of creation. It implies a divinely ordained purpose, perhaps to lead heavenly worship or to embody perfect harmony within God's creation. This inherent musicality contrasts sharply with the discord and rebellion that characterized its subsequent fall, making the tragedy of its defection even more poignant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 28:13, in its portrayal of a magnificently created being who fell from glory due to pride, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in a direct parallel, but in a stark and glorious contrast. While the "King of Tyre" (and by extension, Satan) was created in splendor and sought to ascend to God's throne through self-exaltation, Jesus Christ, though eternally God, chose the path of ultimate humility. The one described in Ezekiel 28:13 was adorned with earthly gems, but Christ is the true "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being" as described in [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory"). Unlike the created being who was "prepared in thee" with musical instruments, Christ is the very Word through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")). The being in Ezekiel 28:13 was in "Eden the garden of God," a place of original perfection that was lost through sin; Christ, however, is the one who, through His atoning sacrifice, restores humanity's access to the tree of life and promises a new heaven and a new earth, a spiritual Eden where God dwells with His people ([Revelation 22:1-5](/revelation/22-1 "Revelation 22:1-5 - The River of Life and the Tree of Life")). Furthermore, while Satan's fall was precipitated by pride, Christ's triumph over sin and death was achieved through His profound humility and obedience, even to death on a cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). Thus, Ezekiel 28:13, by illustrating the tragic consequences of a created being's rebellion from a state of perfection, magnifies the unparalleled glory of Christ, who, though divine, humbled Himself to redeem a fallen creation and ultimately conquer the very adversary described in this passage ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Evil")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 28:15

Thou [wast] perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.

Ezekiel 27:16

Syria [was] thy merchant by reason of the multitude of the wares of thy making: they occupied in thy fairs with emeralds, purple, and broidered work, and fine linen, and coral, and agate.

Genesis 2:8

¶ And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.

Isaiah 51:3

For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.

Isaiah 54:11

¶ O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, [and] not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.

Isaiah 54:12

And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.

Genesis 3:23

Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.