Thine Heart Was Lifted Up – Eze 28
Ezekiel 28 is a study in pride. It looks at the pride of the prince of Tyrus and Satan, called “the king of Tyrus”, and it shows how God will deal with their pride.
Characteristics of their pride:
- Pride begins in the heart (v.2 “thine heart is lifted up”).
- Pride deifies oneself (v.2 “I am a God, I sit in the seat of God”).
- Pride lies to oneself (v.2 “yet thou art a man and not God”).
- Proud people think they are very clever (v.3 “thou are wider than Daniel”).
- Wealth often fuels pride (v.4-5 “thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches”).
- Pride takes the credit for what God has done and what God has given us, whether it be wisdom, beauty, wealth, power, talent, etc (v.12-15,17 “thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty”).
- Pride is an iniquity that God sees and will find out (v.15 “till iniquity was found in thee”).
- Pride corrupts what God means us to use for His glory (v.17 “thou hast corrupted they wisdom by reason of thy brightness”).
Clearly pride is a terrible sin. It is one that God will judge. God said he would bring them low (v.6-10, 17-19). God would show them very clearly that they are mere men. When He is finished, they will have nothing to boast in.
As we think of pride, let us consider our own hearts. Where are we taking credit for what God has done or what God has given us? How are we focused us ourselves and what we want and what we think? Are we living as if we are God and King of our lives? Or are we submitted to the true King and true God?