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.”

Context:Ezekiel 28:14 is a verse from a prophecy given by the prophet Ezekiel, who was called to prophesy against the king of Tyre. However, this verse goes beyond the earthly king and addresses a being referred to as the “anointed cherub that covereth.”

Interpreting this verse requires understanding its context within the broader passage of Ezekiel 28:11-19. In this passage, the prophecy uses figurative language to describe the fall and judgment of the king of Tyre, likening him to a supernatural being who was once in a position of honour but fell due to pride and rebellion against God.

Let’s break down the verse to gain a deeper understanding: “Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth”: This phrase refers to the exalted position that the being once held. The term “cherub” generally refers to angelic beings associated with the presence of God, often depicted as guardians or attendants. The being in question was an anointed cherub, signifying a high-ranking and honoured position.

“I have set thee so”: This phrase suggests that God Himself appointed and established this being in its exalted role. It highlights the fact that the being’s position was not attained through its own merit but was granted by God.

“Thou wast upon the holy mountain of God”: The “holy mountain of God” represents the dwelling place of God, indicating that this being was in the very presence of God. It further emphasizes the privileged position it held.

“Thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire”: This phrase is metaphorical, symbolizing the radiant splendour and glory associated with the divine presence. It suggests that the being moved freely amidst the radiant and majestic presence of God.

Overall, Ezekiel 28:14 portrays a powerful celestial being who once enjoyed a close relationship with God, occupying a high position of honour and privilege. However, the subsequent verses in this passage (Ezekiel 28:15-19) reveal that this being’s downfall came about due to its own pride and desire to exalt itself above God.

As a consequence, it faced judgment and was cast down from its exalted state. While there is debate among scholars regarding the exact nature and identity of this being, some interpret it as an allegorical depiction of Satan’s fall from heaven due to his pride and rebellion against God.

This interpretation aligns with Jesus’ statement in Luke 10:18, where He says, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.”