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NASB | 2 Thessalonians 2:4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Thessalonians 2:4 who opposes and exalts himself [so proudly and so insolently] above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he [actually enters and] takes his seat in the temple of God, publicly proclaiming that he himself is God. [Ezek 28:2; Dan 11:36, 37] |
Subject: Who is Ezekiel 28:13-15 referring to? |
Bible Note: Hi New Creature, MacArthur's notes for Ezekiel 28:1-19. The MacArthur Study Bible, NKJV, 1997, Word Publishing. 28:1-19 This section concerning the king of Tyre is similar to Is 14:3-23 referring to the king of Babylon. In both passages, some of the language best fits Satan. Most likely, both texts primarily describe the human king who is being used by Sataan, much like Peter when Jesus said to him, "Get behind Me, Satan!" (Matt. 16:23). The judgment can certainly apply to Satan also. 28:2 to the prince of Tyre. Since "prince" is sometimes used to mean "the king" (37:24,25), the "prince" in v.2 is the "king" in v.12, Ittobaal II. The prophet is dealing with the spirit of Tyre more than just the king. This prophecy is dated shortly before the siege of Tyre by Nebuchadnezzar (585-572 B.C.). I am a god. Many ancient kings claimed to be a god, and acted as if they were (v.6). When this king claimed to be a god, he was displaying the same proud attitude as the serpent who promised Adam and Eve they could be like God (Gen. 3:5). 28:3-5 wiser than Daniel. This is said in sarcastic derision of the leader's own exaggerated claims. Here is an indicator that Daniel, who had been captive for years in Babylon, had become well known. 28:6-10 strangers against you...aliens. The reference is to invading Babylonians, and later the Greeks. (cf. chap. 26). God was the true executioner. 28:11-19 This lament over "the king of Tyre" reached behind to the real supernatural source of wickedness, Satan. Cf. Matt 16:21-23, where Peter was rebuked by the Lord, as under Satanic control and motivation. 28:12 the seal of perfection. The Lord led Ezekiel to address the king as the one to be judged, but clearly the power behind him was Satan. This phrase must be associated with Satan as one perfect in angelic beauty before he rebelled against God. But, it can also relate to "perfection" in the same context of Tyre's enterprise, topmost in its trade to the ancient world (27:3,4,11), glorious in her seafaring efforts (27:24), and the crowning city (Is. 23:8), i.e., "perfect" as Jerusalem also is said to be (16:14; Lam. 2:15). Full of wisdom. This referred to Satan's widom as an angel and to Tyre's wisdom (skill) in trade (cf. 27:8,9; 28:4). 28:13 You were in Eden. This could be Satan in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:1-15), or it might refer to Tyre's king in a beautiful environment, a kind of Eden. Every precious stone. This depicts Satan's rich investiture (Gen. 2:12), and/or Tyre's king possessing every beautiful stone as Solomon had (1 King 10:10). workmanship of your timbrels. This could refer both to Satan's once being in charge of heavenly praise and to Tyre's beautiful musical instruments used in celebration (26:13). you were created. Satan, however, is more likely to have such wealth and beauty, wisdom, and perfection at his creation than this earthly kind would have at his birth. 28:14 anointed cherub. This refers to Satan in his exalted privilege as an angel guarding (i.e., covering) God's throne, as cherubim guarded Eden (Gen. 3:24). Satan originally had continuous and unrestricted access to the glorious presence of God. I established you. This was true of both Satan, by God's sovereign permission, and Tyre's king. You were on the mountain. A high priviledge is meant, whether referring to Satan before God in His kingdom (mountain, cf. Dan. 2:35), or Tyre's monarch described in a picturesque analogy, as Assyria can be described as a cedar in Lebanon (31:3) to convey a picture of towering height. 28:15 perfect in your ways. This verse was not completely true of the king, but it was accurate of Satan before he sinned. Till iniquity was found in you. Satan's pride (cf. Is. 14:14; 1 Tim. 3:6) is in view here. 28:16 The description transitions to feature the king of Tyre, describing his demise, as he followed the pattern of Satan himself. 28:17-19 I laid you before kings. It would be difficult to relate this to Satan. The earthly king of Tyre, in his downfall, would be knocked or cast to the ground, cut down, and lie before the gaze of other kings. From Is 23:17 there is the implication of a revival under Persian rule (Neh. 13:16). Two hundred and fifty years after Nebuchadnezzar, Tyre was strong enough to hold off Alexander for 7 years. The Romans made it a capital of the province. Gradually it disappeared and its location is not prominent. End of quote. Hope it helps. From the heart, Ray |
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dhill1 |