Ezekiel 28:18

Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquitie of thy traffique: therefore will I bring forth a fire from the middest of thee, it shall deuoure thee: and I will bring thee to ashes vpon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. Ezekiel 28:18 (KJV)

The book of Ezekiel is a prophetic book in the Old Testament, and this verse is part of a message from God to the prince (king) of Tyre, who symbolizes a spiritual power or entity behind the earthly ruler. In this passage God confronts the ruler’s pride, arrogance, and sinful activities.

The verse begins by accusing the prince of Tyre of defiling his sanctuaries. The sanctuaries likely refer to places of worship or spiritual realms associated with this spiritual power, and the ruler’s actions have polluted these sacred spaces.

The prince is rebuked for the multitude of his iniquities. Iniquities are acts of injustice, sin, and wickedness, and the verse indicates that the ruler’s transgressions were not isolated incidents but numerous and widespread.

The iniquity of his traffick refers to unjust and dishonest dealings in business and commerce. This language shows that the ruler was engaged in unscrupulous practices and exploited others for personal gain.

As a consequence of the defilement and iniquities, God declares His judgment. He says He will bring forth a fire from the midst of the ruler, a fire that will consume him, symbolizing divine judgment and the destruction it brings.

The judgment is severe: the ruler will be reduced to ashes upon the earth, meaning he will be completely destroyed and reduced to nothing. This destruction will occur in the sight of all who witness it, serving as a visible and powerful testimony to God’s judgment.