By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.
"By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God." The language shifts between commercial activity (fitting Tyre) and cosmic rebellion (fitting Satan). "Cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God" describes Satan's expulsion from God's presence, echoing Revelation 12:7-9. The word "profane" (chalal, חָלַל) means to desecrate or pollute. Sin cannot coexist with holiness; God's purity requires removing corruption from His presence. This foreshadows final judgment when all evil is excluded from the new creation.
Historical Context
Tyre's maritime commerce (587 BC) fostered pride and violence—wealth bred arrogance and oppression. But the cosmic language transcends commercial activity, depicting spiritual rebellion. Satan's fall from heaven occurred before human history, yet reverberates throughout it. Every earthly power repeats his pride; every human sin echoes his rebellion. The passage teaches that earthly events manifest spiritual realities. Reformed theology's two-kingdoms doctrine recognizes this interpenetration—spiritual warfare occurs through and behind historical events. Understanding spiritual dimensions enriches historical interpretation.
Questions for Reflection
How does material prosperity sometimes breed spiritual pride and violence?
What is the relationship between earthly commercial empires and spiritual principalities?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
"By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God." The language shifts between commercial activity (fitting Tyre) and cosmic rebellion (fitting Satan). "Cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God" describes Satan's expulsion from God's presence, echoing Revelation 12:7-9. The word "profane" (chalal, חָלַל) means to desecrate or pollute. Sin cannot coexist with holiness; God's purity requires removing corruption from His presence. This foreshadows final judgment when all evil is excluded from the new creation.