Don Stewart :: Why Did God Use the King of Babylon and the King of Tyre to Illustrate the Fall of Satan?

Not every Bible student agrees that Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 refers to the original fall of Satan. If, however, they do contain references to his original fall, then why was the king of Tyre and the king of Babylon first addressed?

Not Uncommon Practice

It is not uncommon in Scripture for the writer to move from descriptions of earthly events to heavenly events - when there were some parallels between the two. For example, Psalm 45 first describes an earthly king, but then goes on to describe the Messiah - the King who will come from heaven.

Practical Purpose

But why was the king of Tyre and the king of Babylon first addressed? It is possible that the prophet did it this way for a practical purpose. The king of Tyre and the king of Babylon had both claimed worship as Divine Beings (see Daniel 3:1-12). They made their subjects bow down to them. They wanted to be treated as God by their people.

Warning

God, therefore, used these prophets to warn against this blasphemy by going back to the dateless past. It recounted the story when an angel originally rebelled against Him and became the Devil. The angel who began the rebellion did so by saying, "I will be like God."

Lesson

There was an obvious lesson in all of this. If God had originally punished the blasphemy and pride of this mighty angel who rebelled, then He will certainly punish any human king who claims himself to be God.

Adam And Eve

Satan had already attempted the same thing with Adam and Eve. He said.

for God does know that in the day you eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and you shall be as God, knowing good and evil (Genesis 3:5).

This promise of Satan, that they would be as God in some sense, can be compared to the statement found in Isaiah where this angel himself wanted to be like God.

I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High (Isaiah 14:14).

Temptation Of Jesus

His pride, arrogance, and desire to be worshipped continued as he tempted the Lord Jesus.

and he said to Him, "All these I will give You, if You will fall down and worship me " (Matthew 4:9).

Satan wanted the One who deserved worship - the Lord Jesus - to bow down and worship him.

God Of This Age

Satan is also called "the god of this age" in Scripture.

whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them (2 Corinthians 4:4).

Therefore Satan has been consistent from the beginning in attempting to be like God, and tempting others to do the same.

Temporary Satisfaction

This long-held ambition of Satan will be temporarily satisfied when he, and his own representative the Antichrist, will be worshipped by the inhabitants of the earth.

and they worshipped the dragon, because he gave his authority unto the beast; and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? And who is able to war with him? (Revelation 13:4).

For a short period of time, his desire to be worshipped will be satisfied.

Summary

Seemingly, God used the example of two pagan kings, those of Tyre and Babylon, to illustrate the original fall of the angel who became the Devil. Their desire to be worshipped is similar to his own desire. Consequently, the fall of this angel from his lofty position, is a lesson for all who would attempt to take the place of God.