Ezekiel 28:14

Thou [art] the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee [so]: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.

Thou art the anointed {H4473} cherub {H3742} that covereth {H5526}; and I have set {H5414} thee so: thou wast upon the holy {H6944} mountain {H2022} of God {H430}; thou hast walked up and down {H1980} in the midst {H8432} of the stones {H68} of fire {H784}.

You were a keruv, protecting a large region; I placed you on God's holy mountain. You walked back and forth among stones of fire.

You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for I had ordained you. You were on the holy mountain of God; you walked among the fiery stones.

Thou wast the anointed cherub that covereth: and I set thee, so that thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.

Commentary

Ezekiel 28:14 is a profound and often debated verse, part of a prophetic lamentation against the King of Tyre. While ostensibly addressed to an earthly ruler, the language used transcends human capabilities and characteristics, leading many theologians to interpret it as a veiled description of Satan's original, pre-fall state.

Context

The immediate context of Ezekiel 28 is a divine judgment against the proud and wealthy city of Tyre and its king. The king's arrogance, stemming from his perceived wisdom and wealth, led him to claim divine status (Ezekiel 28:2). However, the description quickly shifts from an earthly monarch to an angelic being of immense glory and privilege, suggesting a deeper spiritual truth about the origin of evil and pride.

Key Themes

  • Original Perfection and High Standing: The verse paints a picture of unparalleled glory and proximity to God. Being an "anointed cherub that covereth" signifies a position of immense honor, authority, and beauty, possibly related to guarding God's throne or presence.
  • Divine Appointment and Creation: The phrase "I have set thee so" emphasizes that this being's exalted status was not inherent but divinely bestowed. It underscores God's sovereignty over all creation, including the highest angelic beings.
  • Proximity to God's Holiness: "Upon the holy mountain of God" and walking "in the midst of the stones of fire" indicate an intimate connection with God's dwelling place, a realm of divine glory, purity, and splendor. This highlights the magnitude of the fall that would ensue.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Anointed Cherub": The Hebrew word for cherub is keruv, denoting a class of angelic beings often associated with guarding sacred spaces (like the Garden of Eden or the Ark of the Covenant). The term "anointed" (Hebrew: mimshach) suggests a special consecration or appointment for a divine purpose, indicating a unique and highly privileged role.
  • "That Covereth": The Hebrew sakak means to overshadow, protect, or spread out. This reinforces the idea of a guardian role, possibly one who overshadowed God's throne or presence with their wings.
  • "Holy Mountain of God": This is a symbolic reference to God's dwelling place, often associated with heaven or Mount Zion, signifying a place of divine authority and presence.
  • "Stones of Fire": This imagery evokes brilliance, purity, and divine glory. It might refer to precious stones, perhaps reminiscent of the high priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:15-20), or the radiant splendor surrounding God's throne, symbolizing perfect beauty and divine light.

Related Scriptures

This verse is crucial in understanding the biblical narrative of Satan's origin and fall. Its description of an exalted, perfect being contrasts sharply with the subsequent verses (Ezekiel 28:15-19), which detail the iniquity found in him, leading to his expulsion. This account parallels other prophetic passages that speak of Lucifer's fall from heaven due to pride (Isaiah 14:12-15). Jesus also alludes to this event in Luke 10:18, and the book of Revelation 12:7-9 describes a war in heaven that results in Satan and his angels being cast out.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 28:14 serves as a powerful reminder of several truths:

  • The Danger of Pride: Even the most exalted and perfect created being can fall due to pride and a desire to usurp God's position. This serves as a warning against self-exaltation in any form.
  • God's Sovereignty: God is the ultimate authority who appoints and casts down. No creature, no matter how powerful, can escape His judgment or operate outside of His ultimate plan.
  • The Reality of Spiritual Warfare: This verse hints at the existence of powerful spiritual beings and the origins of evil, reminding believers that the battle is not just against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12).
  • The Contrast of Creation and Rebellion: It highlights the stark contrast between the perfect creation of God and the destructive consequences of rebellion against Him.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 14:12 (7 votes)

    How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! [how] art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

  • Isaiah 14:15 (7 votes)

    Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

  • Exodus 30:26 (6 votes)

    And thou shalt anoint the tabernacle of the congregation therewith, and the ark of the testimony,

  • Exodus 40:9 (5 votes)

    And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that [is] therein, and shalt hallow it, and all the vessels thereof: and it shall be holy.

  • Ezekiel 28:13 (5 votes)

    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.

  • Ezekiel 20:40 (5 votes)

    For in mine holy mountain, in the mountain of the height of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, there shall all the house of Israel, all of them in the land, serve me: there will I accept them, and there will I require your offerings, and the firstfruits of your oblations, with all your holy things.

  • Exodus 25:17 (4 votes)

    And thou shalt make a mercy seat [of] pure gold: two cubits and a half [shall be] the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof.