The Fall of Tyre’s Ruler

BY Tameshia Williams

Humanity continues trying to convince itself that it has evolved beyond the need for God and His instructions. But our world is marked by sin, with a way of life that seems to scream at God that we don’t need Him. Tyre, a renowned city during the time of ancient Israel, displayed that same attitude of pride (Ezekiel 27:3). And the prideful heart of the city and its king also led to prophetic judgment.

“You were blameless in your ways until wickedness was found in you.” —Ezekiel 28:15

God’s judgment in today’s readings reminds us that He is sovereign—not just among Judah—but over all created beings. And no one is exempt from the consequences of rejecting Him. A prideful heart leads to sinful actions—actions that communicate we don’t need God or want God in our lives. Instead, we want to do things our way. And like the king of Tyre, we’ll delude ourselves into thinking that we are responsible for our own beauty and splendor (Ezekiel 28:17) and that the future is in our own hands. But God reminds the king of Tyre, and us, of what happens when we actively forget Him. 

In Ezekiel 27 and 28, we are continually reminded of the danger of forgetting that God is the source of all that we have and do. When we begin to take credit for the things that He has blessed us with—skills, status, financial resources—we are on a slippery slope away from Him. Rather than allowing those things to puff us up with pride, they should prompt us to remember our great need for Him. 

The story of the king of Tyre’s downfall is reason for lament. The prideful attitude of the king’s heart has led him away from God. And it challenges us to think about the ways we are living out our days here on earth. In what ways are we living in reverence to God, and in what ways are we rejecting Him? God invites us to come to Him—to confess those habits and actions that don’t reflect His Word or His character.

Today’s readings present us with our dual reality—what is and what is to come. The way that life is being lived out in our world and among our leaders can be disappointing. But we have this hope, even during this season of Lent: one day, we will inhabit an eternal city, one characterized by righteousness and goodness. Everyone and everything will reflect that glory—from the city itself to its inhabitants. The Lamb Himself will light the city, and kings and leaders will serve the true and living King with dignity and honor instead of pride and arrogance. As we wait for this future reality, we commit to remaining faithful to God, rejoicing that our names are written in the Lamb’s book of life (Revelation 21:27).