Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.
Describing the king of Tyre's original state: 'Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering... the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.' The mention of 'Eden the garden of God' clearly transcends any historical Tyrian king, pointing to prelapsarian conditions. The nine precious stones listed (sardius, topaz, diamond, beryl, onyx, jasper, sapphire, emerald, carbuncle) recall the high priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:17-20) and the New Jerusalem's foundations (Revelation 21:19-20), connecting this being to God's presence and glory. The 'tabrets and pipes' (tuppim venequbim, תֻּפִּים וּנְקָבֶיךָ) suggest musical instruments, leading some to identify this being as a worship leader who fell through pride. The phrase 'in the day that thou wast created' confirms this is a creature, not God—even this exalted being is created and therefore subject to divine authority.
Historical Context
If this passage describes Satan's original state (as many interpreters believe), it reveals he was created as a magnificent being associated with worship, beauty, and divine presence. His fall came through pride (verse 17: 'thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty'). This explains Satan's ongoing strategy—tempting humans with the same pride that caused his fall ('you will be like God,' Genesis 3:5). The precious stones connecting to priestly garments suggest this being had priestly/mediatorial functions before his rebellion. His presence in Eden explains the serpent's access to tempt Adam and Eve. Understanding Satan's original glory and tragic fall helps us recognize pride's danger—even the most exalted created being fell through self-exaltation.
Questions for Reflection
How does understanding Satan's created status (not eternal evil) and original glory affect your spiritual warfare perspective?
What warning does this passage give about pride's power to corrupt even those closest to God's presence?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Describing the king of Tyre's original state: 'Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering... the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.' The mention of 'Eden the garden of God' clearly transcends any historical Tyrian king, pointing to prelapsarian conditions. The nine precious stones listed (sardius, topaz, diamond, beryl, onyx, jasper, sapphire, emerald, carbuncle) recall the high priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:17-20) and the New Jerusalem's foundations (Revelation 21:19-20), connecting this being to God's presence and glory. The 'tabrets and pipes' (tuppim venequbim, תֻּפִּים וּנְקָבֶיךָ) suggest musical instruments, leading some to identify this being as a worship leader who fell through pride. The phrase 'in the day that thou wast created' confirms this is a creature, not God—even this exalted being is created and therefore subject to divine authority.