Oracles Against the Nations and the Shepherds of Israel

In our previous chapter we covered Ezekiel 12-24. In these chapters, Ezekiel delivers vivid signs and parables illustrating the certainty of Jerusalem's collapse, including his enacted parable of exile in Ezekiel 12, the exposure of false prophecy in Ezekiel 13, and the uncovering of deep-seated idolatry in Ezekiel 14.

Through allegories such as the useless vine (Ezekiel 15), Jerusalem as an unfaithful wife (Ezekiel 16), and the two eagles and the vine (Ezekiel 17), God condemns the nation's persistent rebellion and reliance on political alliances rather than covenant faithfulness.

Chapter 18 stresses individual accountability, refuting the belief that children bear the guilt of their parents, while Ezekiel 19 laments over Israel's fallen rulers. As the final warnings unfold in Ezekiel 20-23, the Lord recounts Israel's long history of disobedience, prophesies Babylon's sword of judgment, and likens Samaria and Jerusalem to two adulterous sisters.

The pivotal siege is announced in Ezekiel 24, where the boiling pot symbolizes Jerusalem's defilement and the tragic death of Ezekiel's wife foreshadows the grief that will overwhelm the nation. These messages repeatedly affirm that God's patience has limits but also hold out hope for those who truly turn from sin.

Transition to Ezekiel 25-34

Having witnessed the inevitability of Jerusalem's fall, we now turn to God's broader dealings with the surrounding nations and the renewed promise of restoration for Israel, as Ezekiel's message shifts to judgments on foreign powers and culminates in renewed calls for repentance and a vision of faithful shepherds for God's people.

I. Oracles Against the Nations – Ezekiel 25-32

Judgment on Neighboring Nations (Ezekiel 25-28)

After prophesying against Judah, Ezekiel expands his scope to include surrounding nations that have likewise disregarded or mistreated God's people.

In Ezekiel 25 the prophet addresses Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia in swift oracles that expose their pride and hostility. "Because you said, 'Aha!' against My sanctuary when it was profaned" (Ezekiel 25:3), the Ammonites face destruction for their gloating over Jerusalem's fall. Moab is judged for belittling Judah's distinctiveness, while Edom is condemned for vengeance and Philistia for perpetual enmity.

These four brief condemnations emphasize that national boundaries do not shield any people from God's moral standards or His power to repay wrongdoing.

Judgment on Tyre (Ezekiel 26-28)

Chapters 26-28 turn to Tyre, a wealthy Phoenician city-state famed for maritime commerce. In Ezekiel 26, the Lord declares Tyre's downfall through Nebuchadnezzar's siege, detailing how its walls and towers will be broken and its once-thriving harbors reduced to bare rock.

They will destroy the walls of Tyre and break down her towers; and I will scrape her debris from her and make her a bare rock.
- Ezekiel 26:4

Chapter 27 is composed as a lament, describing Tyre's splendor in trade: "Your wealth, your wares, your merchandise… your sailors and your pilots… will fall into the heart of the seas" (Ezekiel 27:27). The tragedy lies in Tyre's unmatched prosperity becoming its undoing.

Ezekiel 28 and the Question of Satanic Imagery Ezekiel 28 addresses the "prince of Tyre" (28:2) and later the "king of Tyre" (28:12), rebuking his arrogance and comparing his downfall to a glorious figure cast out of the presence of God.

Some interpreters view this as an account of Satan's fall, while others insist it is purely an extended metaphor describing the hubris (pride) and punishment of Tyre's human ruler.

Arguments For a Reference to Satan's Fall

1. Exalted Language Suggesting Supernatural Identity

In Ezekiel 28:12, the figure is said to possess "the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty," language many consider too lofty for a mere human monarch.

2. Reference to Eden

Ezekiel 28:13 states, "You were in Eden, the garden of God", which clearly places this being in a primordial context far predating the king of Tyre, suggesting a fall similar to that of Satan.

3. Anointing as a Cherub

Ezekiel 28:14 describes him as the "anointed cherub who covers," an angelic role associated with guarding God's holiness. This cherubic imagery points beyond mortal kingship to a spiritual being in God's immediate presence.

4. The Motif of Pride and Downfall

Ezekiel 28:17 says, "Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom by reason of your splendor." This echoes the prideful rebellion traditionally ascribed to Satan, linking self-exaltation to divine judgment.

Arguments Against a Reference to Satan's Fall

1. Immediate Context of Tyre's Human Ruler

The passage begins with God's word against the prince of Tyre, "Because your heart is lifted up and you have said, 'I am a god'" (Ezekiel 28:2). The historical king, likely Ithobaal II, boasted in his wealth and strategic city, making the message directly applicable to a real political figure.

2. Poetic Hyperbole and Metaphor

Ancient Near Eastern literature often used grand, mythic imagery to describe a king's fall. The mention of Eden, precious stones, and cherubs may function as stylized symbols of Tyre's luxurious status rather than a literal statement about pre-creation events.

3. No Direct Mention of Satan

The passage never references Satan by name or title. Unlike references in the New Testament (e.g., Luke 10:18, Revelation 12:7-9), Ezekiel 28 focuses on Tyre's arrogance in its immediate historical context.

4. Prophetic Indictment of Human Pride

Ezekiel frequently uses vivid, sometimes cosmic, imagery to emphasize moral and theological truths (see Ezekiel 31's depiction of Assyria as a towering cedar). The language of angels and of Eden could simply underscore Tyre's perceived exaltation and inevitable fall rather than introduce a new narrative of demonic rebellion. It's a reasonable approach to biblical interpretation to simply remain in context when not sure.

Conclusion

The debate hinges on how one interprets the elevated and symbolic language in Ezekiel 28. Those who see an allusion to Satan argue that certain phrases (Eden, cherub, perfection) transcend a merely human application.

Opponents maintain that Ezekiel is employing poetic devices to portray the king of Tyre as having aspired to divine or angelic status, thereby inviting utter ruin. Regardless of which view one adopts, the core message remains: pride leads to downfall, and no earthly or spiritual power can withstand God's sovereign judgment, whether it's an earthly king or an angel.

Prophecies Against Egypt – Ezekiel 29-32

Egypt receives multiple prophecies that unveil both Pharaoh's arrogance and the nation's eventual humiliation under Babylon's dominion.

Speak and say, 'Thus says the Lord God, "Behold, I am against you, Pharaoh king of Egypt, The great monster that lies in the midst of his rivers, That has said, 'My Nile is mine, and I myself have made it.'
- Ezekiel 29:3

This figurative portrayal of Pharaoh as a river monster underscores his claim to sovereign power over the Nile and his perceived ability to manipulate international affairs. Yet God promises to make Egypt desolate for forty years, scattering its inhabitants and diminishing its influence among nations (Ezekiel 29:11-15).

These prophecies include a series of laments in Ezekiel 30-32, emphasizing the utter collapse of Egypt's mighty forces, likened to a majestic tree cut down in the forest: "I made it beautiful… but it was broken by the sound of its falling" (Ezekiel 31:9-10, Ezekiel 31:15).

Pharaoh's downfall becomes a cautionary tale to other nations not to rely on military strength or prideful alliances. Ezekiel's use of vivid imagery (monsters, fallen trees, darkened skies) communicates the totality of God's judgment and the inescapability of His decree when a nation opposes His sovereign will.

God's sovereignty over all nations is on full display.

These chapters affirm that Israel's God is not a tribal deity but the universal judge who holds every kingdom accountable.

The repeated accusations of pride leading to downfall reveal a consistent principle: whether in Tyre's wealth, Pharaoh's presumed control over the Nile, or Edom's long-standing bitterness, arrogance sets nations on a collision course with the Almighty. This section also underscores the universal reach of God's justice.

The same standard applied to Judah now extends to her neighbors, reinforcing that ethical misconduct, idolatry, and haughty self-reliance inevitably provoke God's righteous response. Consequently, these oracles warn every people group that their destiny depends on humbly acknowledging God's lordship rather than exalting human power, commerce, or territorial might.

II. The Shepherds of Israel – Ezekiel 33-34

A. Renewal of the Watchman Calling (Ezekiel 33)

Following Jerusalem's collapse, Ezekiel's calling as a watchman is reaffirmed.

"Son of man, speak to the sons of your people and say to them, 'If I bring a sword upon a land, and the people of the land take one man from among them and make him their watchman,
- Ezekiel 33:2

This role entails vigilance, warning others of approaching danger, and bearing responsibility for faithful communication of God's message.

Ezekiel 33:7 underscores that he must speak God's truth regardless of the people's response:

"Now as for you, son of man, I have appointed you a watchman for the house of Israel; so you will hear a message from My mouth and give them warning from Me.

Within this context, God clarifies His heart toward sinners.

Say to them, 'As I live!' declares the Lord God, 'I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways! Why then will you die, O house of Israel?'
- Ezekiel 33:11

This passage reiterates that God desires true repentance as opposed to punishment, offering a lifeline of mercy even after the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem.

In the broader book of Ezekiel, this renewal of the watchman calling signals that while national judgment has occurred, God's redemptive plan continues, reaching out to individuals to choose repentance and life.

B. False Shepherds and God the True Shepherd (Ezekiel 34)

In Ezekiel 34, the Lord directly confronts the leaders of Israel, depicted as shepherds, who have failed in their duty to care for the flock.

"Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and say to those shepherds, 'Thus says the Lord God, "Woe, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock?
- Ezekiel 34:2

These neglectful leaders exploited the people, pursuing personal gain rather than guiding, protecting, or healing. This indictment echoes previous laments against corrupt rulers (Ezekiel 19, 22), highlighting that the breakdown in spiritual leadership contributed significantly to Judah's downfall.

Amid this stern rebuke, God promises to replace the unfaithful shepherds with Himself as the shepherd:

For thus says the Lord God, "Behold, I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out.
- Ezekiel 34:11

God pledges to gather the scattered, bind up the broken, and bring them into good pasture.

This culminates in the promise of a Davidic leader, pointing toward a future restoration under a righteous ruler:

"Then I will set over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them; he will feed them himself and be their shepherd.
- Ezekiel 34:23

Though historically referencing a renewed dynasty in Israel, Christians often connect this promise to the Messianic role fulfilled in Christ (John 10:11).

Key Themes

1. Importance of Spiritual Leadership

By reestablishing Ezekiel's watchman role and condemning negligent leaders, the text stresses that leadership carries immense responsibility. Faithful shepherds guard, guide, and nurture those under their care. Whether in ancient Israel or today's churches, spiritual oversight must prioritize the well-being of the flock over self-interest.

2. God's Compassion for His Scattered People

Even after judgment has fallen, the Lord demonstrates His relentless commitment to His covenant community. His desire is to rescue, heal, and restore rather than abandon or condemn. This reassures readers that no failure or exile is beyond God's power to redeem.

3. Fresh Hope Beyond Judgment

The promise of a Davidic shepherd underscores the message that dire consequences for sin do not nullify God's ultimate plans for blessing. Although judgment has run its course, God's redemptive agenda remains intact, offering renewed life under His sovereign, loving care.

In the broader context of Ezekiel, chapters 33-34 mark a pivotal transition from the warnings of Jerusalem's destruction to the forward-looking promise of spiritual renewal.

While the nation has experienced the stark reality of God's discipline, these passages affirm that a restored relationship with God is still attainable through repentance and the faithful leadership God Himself will provide.

Lessons

1. A Shared Watchman Role for the Church is Necessary

Ezekiel's watchman calling reminds believers today that the Church collectively holds a responsibility to stay spiritually vigilant, warning of moral and doctrinal pitfalls not just for its own members but also for the surrounding community, all while maintaining fidelity to God's Word rather than popular opinion.

2. Grace-Shaped Ministry Over Condemnation is More Productive

Although divine judgment is pronounced on unfaithful leaders, the repeated emphasis in Ezekiel on God's desire for repentance rather than destruction urges churches to shape their outreach and pastoral care with compassion, emphasizing restoration and hope for anyone willing to turn back to God.

3. Prioritizing the Flock Over our Personal Agendas is more Christ-Like

The failures of Israel's shepherds serve as a strong caution that church leaders must examine their motives, ensuring decisions about resources, teaching, and guidance focus on the spiritual nourishment and protection of the community, rather than the self-interest or prestige of the shepherds themselves.