Lament of Tyre

    The King of Tyre believed that he was a god.  His name was Ithobaal II which means Ball is with him.  He thought he was wise.  We should never put these kind of titles upon ourselves.  There is only one God.  To be wise is to know not to be arrogant.  If you are wise, then other people will declare it.  You don't need to.

    Human wisdom and understanding may give you a good sense of business, but it doesn't get you anywhere in the mysteries in life.  It can play you for a fool when it comes to understanding God because it can make you proud.  God lifts up the humble.

    God did not appreciate the king taking His title, so He was ruthless with the king and his nation.  The king died in a demeaning way that stripped him of rank.  He was circumcised, but he died like the uncircumcised to degrade him and treat him as unclean.  God then had Ezekiel write a lament as a warning for the king of Tyre.  

    Next, Ezekiel had to face the prophecy against Sidon.  Sidon was another key Phoenician port about 25 north of Tyre.  The two cities worked hand in hand.  God cast judgment upon Sidon to demonstrate His holiness.  He sent a plague and violence, so that they would know who He is.  They were Israel's prickly and contempt neighbors that helped lead God's nation away from Him.  

Ezekiel 28