Ezekiel 28 is a prophetic chapter that turns from the king of Tyre to the cities of Sidon and Israel. The prophet confronts a ruler whose wealth and wisdom have made him proud, and then looks ahead to the day God restores his people. These questions are for a small group, a Sunday class, or personal study, and each set can be used on its own or in order.
Ezekiel 28 at a Glance
The chapter opens with a message against the prince of Tyre, who claims divine status despite being only a man (verses 1-10). Ezekiel then addresses the king of Tyre with a lament, recalling a figure of great beauty and privilege who was placed on God’s holy mountain and later fell because of unrighteousness (verses 11-19).
The final section turns to Sidon and then to Israel. God promises judgment on Sidon and a future in which the scattered house of Israel is gathered, dwells securely in its land, and comes to know that the Lord is their God (verses 20-26).
Observation Questions
Use these questions first, before anyone offers interpretation. Ask the group to point to the words in the text and read them aloud, so that everyone works from what is actually written.
Ezekiel 28:2
“Son of man, tell the prince of Tyre, ‘Thus says the Lord the LORD: “Because your heart is lifted up, and you have said, ‘I am a god, I sit in the seat of God, in the middle of the seas;’ yet you are man, and not God, though you set your heart as the heart of God—
(WEB)
This verse states the prince’s claim directly and sets up the whole oracle. Reading it aloud lets the group hear the exact words of the boast before considering God’s reply.
Ezekiel 28:6
“‘therefore thus says the Lord the LORD: “Because you have set your heart as the heart of God…
(WEB)
This verse introduces God’s response and names the reason for it. Reading it helps the group see that the judgment follows from the prince’s heart, not from a random decision.
Ezekiel 28:13
You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, emerald, chrysolite, onyx, jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and beryl. Gold work of tambourines and of pipes was in you. They were prepared in the day that you were created.
(WEB)
This verse gives the vivid picture of the king’s former glory, including Eden and the precious stones. Reading it aloud helps the group feel the contrast with the fall that follows.
Ezekiel 28:17
Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty. You have corrupted your wisdom by reason of your splendor. I have cast you to the ground. I have laid you before kings, that they may see you.
(WEB)
This verse names the heart lifted up because of beauty and splendor, which is the root of the fall. Reading it gives the group a clear statement of the chapter’s central warning.
Ezekiel 28:26
They will dwell in it securely. Yes, they will build houses, plant vineyards, and will dwell securely, when I have executed judgments on all those who scorn them all around. Then they will know that I am the LORD their God.”’”
(WEB)
This verse closes the chapter with a promise of security and knowledge of the Lord. Reading it last ends the session on hope rather than on judgment.
Memory Verse for Ezekiel 28
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we come to You aware that pride can grow quietly in the heart, even when we have received good things from Your hand. Search us as You searched the prince of Tyre, and show us where we have taken credit that belongs to You. Give us wisdom that honors You and a heart that remembers we are human. Thank You that You gather Your people and bring them home to live securely and to know You. Keep us humble, faithful, and honest in our work and our words. Amen.
