Definition: Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart [is] lifted up, and thou hast said, I [am] a God, I sit [in] the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou [art] a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 28:2. It’s a really important and somewhat complex passage about pride and true faith. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying that someone who’s overly focused on their own importance – like being a powerful or impressive figure – is not truly God. It highlights the difference between appearing to be God and actually being God. Let's break it down word by word: “Ezekiel 28:2” : This refers to a specific event in Ezekiel’s vision, where he receives this message. “Son of man” : This is a fancy way of saying “a messenger or an angel.” “say unto the prince of Tyrus…” : Ezekiel is speaking to a ruler named Prince Tyrus in the city of Tyrus (located near Jerusalem). It’s a formal address. “Thus saith the Lord GOD” : This is a direct quote from God himself, emphasizing the seriousness of what he's saying. “Because thine heart [is] lifted up…” : This is crucial . “Heart lifted up” means being proud – thinking you’re better than everyone else and self-important. “…and thou [art] a man, and not God…” : This is the core of the message. The speaker is pointing out that someone who’s focused on their own status or power isn't truly God. "...though thou set thine heart as the heart of God:" : This part is important. The speaker is saying that even though they’re acting like a God, their heart – their true spirit and being – is not aligned with God’s own nature and purpose. Putting it all together – What's the message? The verse warns against pride and self-importance. It says that if someone focuses on their own importance instead of focusing on God, they are not truly God. It’s a call to humility and recognizing that true faith comes from a relationship with God, not from seeking personal glory. Why is this important? This verse is a reminder that true worship isn't about what you do, but who you are. It's about surrendering yourself to God and focusing on His will and purpose for your life. It's a key part of understanding the nature of God – He’s not just powerful or impressive; He’s loving, compassionate, and focused on our well-being. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or figure? Give you some examples of how pride can manifest itself?