EGW WritingsEzekiel 28

Ellen G. White

Ezekiel 28:1-3

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Chapter 146—To I. D. Van Horn

1888 1200.1

Every soul who will now evade through sophistry, the plain “Thus saith the Lord,” and misinterpret and evade the plainest conclusions of the written inspired Word, will become instruments to tempt and coerce, and stirred with a satanic spirit purpose to afflict and oppress and compel the human agents to dishonor God’s law, and accept and advocate Satan’s legislation and reverse his enactments with a zeal proportionate to their blinding delusions. Our Lord declares that Satan “abode not in the truth.” Once he did bear rule under God and Jesus Christ, and all was radiant and lovely. Ezekiel 28:1-3. “The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying, 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: behold thou are wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from thee.” “Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me saying, Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, thus saith the Lord God; thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, the 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 thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. 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. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty; thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffic; therefore I will bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror and never shalt thou be any more.”

Ezekiel 28:1-19

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 60, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 60, 1893, par. 11

(Ezekiel 28:1-3): “The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying, 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: behold thou art wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from thee.”

8LtMs, Lt 60, 1893, par. 13

“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. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty; thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffic; therefore I will bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror and never shalt thou be any more.” [Verses 11-19.]

Ezekiel 28:1-26

Manuscript Releases, vol. 20 [Nos. 1420-1500]

MR No. 1425—Errors and Dangers of Prescott and Daniells; The Cities to Be Worked

20MR 17.3

Read Ezekiel, chapter 28. Now, here is a grand work, where strange spirits can figure. But the Lord has a work to [be] done to save perishing souls; and the places which Satan, disguised, could fill in, bringing confusion into our ranks, he will do to perfection, and all those little differences will become enlarged, prominent.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 58, 1910

25LtMs, Lt 58, 1910, par. 26

“Thou are the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. ... Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.” [Ezekiel 28:12-17.]

25LtMs, Lt 58, 1910, par. 27

Read the whole of the twenty-eighth chapter of Ezekiel carefully, and pray that you may understand the working of God. We are dealing with fallen angels and with fallen men. I would that our conference presidents, our physicians, and all our ministers might understand the message that the Lord gave me in Washington. I did not speak in my own strength. But some of the very ones who needed most the warnings given have chosen to follow on in their own ideas, and I am sorry that their hearts are not awake to the work of the hour.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 67, 1910

25LtMs, Ms 67, 1910, par. 5

25LtMs, Ms 67, 1910, par. 26

Lucifer is represented [in] Ezekiel 28. Read this description of the angel who came to suppose he should occupy the place of Christ. And it might be the place of God. Read and understand who left the royal courts and who consented to live the life of humanity, that He Himself might experience all the afflictions wherein humanity must be a partaker. Why cannot humanity humble itself as did the higher Being next to God? Who have been truly converted? There are churches that seem to have no idea of what true conversion, self-denial, and self-sacrifice mean. Many of those have a knowledge of the theory of the truth, but do not obey the words of God. Their influence the Lord does not accept. Pray that your own unconverted hearts may have the divine conviction of what conversion means. Will they ever find out that one movement in self in your own unconverted state may be the ruin of many souls?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 46, 1911

25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, par. 3

I ask our people to study the 28th chapter of Ezekiel. The representation here made, while it refers primarily to Lucifer, the fallen angel, has yet a broader significance. Not one being, but a general movement, is described, and one that we shall witness. A faithful study of this chapter should lead those who are seeking for truth to walk in all the light that God has given to His people, lest they be deceived by the deceptions of these last days.

25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, par. 7

“Moreover, the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord God; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou has 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. Thou are the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in any ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” Ezekiel 28:1-15.

25LtMs, Lt 46, 1911, par. 9

“Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffic; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.” Ezekiel 28:16-19.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

General Notes

GC88 679.4

Note 2. Page 54—In the twelfth chapter of Revelation we have as a symbol a great red dragon. In the ninth verse of that chapter this symbol is explained as follows: “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world; he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Undoubtedly the dragon primarily represents Satan. But Satan does not appear upon theearth in person; he works through agents. It was in the person of wicked men that he sought to destroy Jesus as soon as he was born. Wherever Satan has been able to control a government so fully that it would carry out his designs, that nation became, for the time, Satan’s representative. This was the case with all the great heathen nations. For instance, see Ezekiel 28, where Satan is represented as actual king of Tyre. This was because he fully controlled that government. In the first centuries of the Christian era, Rome, of all the pagan nations, was Satan’s chief agent in opposing the gospel, and was therefore represented by the dragon.

The Unwise Use of Money and the Spirit of Speculation

Chapter 9—The Brethren Warned

SpTB17a 30.2

I ask our people to study the 28th chapter of Ezekiel. The representation here made, while it refers primarily to Lucifer, the fallen angel, has a yet broader significance. Not one being, but a general movement, is described, and one that we shall witness. A faithful study of this chapter should lead those who are seeking for truth to walk in all the light that God has given to His people, lest they be deceived by the deceptions of these last days.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 1

Lessons From the Visions of Ezekiel

1SAT 387.3

Part Two: Warning Against Rebellion—Ezekiel again writes: [Ezekiel 28:1-26, quoted.]

The Paulson Collection of Ellen G. White Letters

Lessons from the Visions of EzekielPart TwoWarning Against Rebellion

PC 64.1

“And there shall be no more a pricking brier unto the house of Israel, nor any grieving thorn of all that are round about them, that despised them; and they shall know that I am the Lord God. Thus saith the Lord God; When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered, and shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen, then shall they dwell in their land that I have given to my servant, Jacob. And they shall dwell safely therein, and shall build houses, and plant vineyards; yea, they shall dwell with confidence, when I have executed judgments upon all those that despise them round about them; and they shall know that I am the Lord their God.” (Ezekiel 28:1-26)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 132, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 26

God chooses His workers from all classes of people, and imbues them with His own spirit. So it was in ancient times. The men and women of God’s selection were of intense earnestness, full of zeal. The last books of the Old Testament show us workers taken from the laborers in the field. Others were men of high ability and extensive learning, but the Lord gave them visions and messages. These men of the Old Testament spoke of the things transpiring in their day, and Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel not only spoke of things that concerned them as present truth, but their sight reached down to the future, and to what should occur in these last days.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 125, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 125, 1907, par. 23

“And there shall be no more a pricking brier unto the house of Israel, nor any grieving thorn of any that are round about them, that despised them; and they shall know that I am the Lord. Thus saith the Lord God; when I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered, and shall be sanctified in them in the midst of the heathen, then shall they dwell in the land that I have given to my servant Jacob. And they shall dwell safely therein, and shall build houses, and plant vineyards; yea, they shall dwell with confidence, when I have executed judgments upon all these that despise them round about them; and they shall know that I am the Lord.” [Ezekiel 28:1-26.]

22LtMs, Ms 125, 1907, par. 24

The first sinner was one whom God had greatly exalted. He is represented under the figure of the prince of Tyrus, flourishing in might and magnificence. Little by little Satan came to indulge the desire for self-exaltation. The Scripture says: “Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty; thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness.” [Verse 17.] “Thou hast said in thine heart ... I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; ... I will be like the Most High.” [Isaiah 14:13, 14.] Though all his glory was from God, this mighty angel came to regard it as pertaining to himself. Not content with his position, though honored above the heavenly host, he ventured to covet homage due alone to the Creator. Instead of seeking to make God supreme in the affections and allegiance of all created beings, it was his endeavor to secure their service and loyalty to himself. And coveting the glory with which the infinite Father has invested His Son, this prince of angels aspired to power that was the prerogative of Christ alone.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 126, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 126, 1908, par. 9

I thank the Lord this morning that my rest during the past night has been better than on Thursday night. I will offer my thanksgiving to God. I open my Bible to the first chapter of Mark. This chapter is very interesting to me. Read this chapter and understand it. Many pictures are made of Satan’s appearing to Christ, and let it be understood he appeared as an angel from heaven, and not as it is represented in even the pictures in some of our books as a disgusting fiend in his approaching the Lord Jesus. He had all the appearance of a most beautiful being and thus disguised hoped to overcome Christ in his temptations, for Christ’s long fast was about over. Ezekiel 28.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Lt 189, 1909

24LtMs, Lt 189, 1909, par. 21

Wake up, brethren, wake up! Let the converting power of God come to your souls else Satan will use you as he did Saul to hunt up souls to be persecuted. Acts 9. This whole chapter is a lesson to us all. There are some who are not converted who will work to do all in their power, as did the satanic agencies in Christ’s day; they crucified the Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. Read the account of Lucifer in Ezekiel 28. Bear in mind that history is to be repeated. A great education in experience does not help if it does not perfect the knowledge of the glory of God to exalt the Lord Jehovah and His only begotten Son Jesus Christ. Lucifer’s act to exalt himself will be a power he can exercise upon just such men as we shall have to deal with in our present and future experience. Read and understand Acts 9.

Ezekiel 28:2

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 385, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 385, 1904, par. 7

Say unto him, “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.” Ezekiel 28:2. You have not heeded the words of warning given. Leave these spiritualistic problems and cut loose from the influences you have so long been under to carry things according to your mind.

Ezekiel 28:2-10

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 87, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 87, 1897, par. 11

“Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God; behold, therefore, I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations; and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness. They shall bring thee down to the pit, and thou shalt die in the midst of them that are slain in the midst of the seas. Wilt thou say before him that slayeth thee, I am God? but thou shalt be a man, and no God, in the hand of him that slayeth thee. Thou shalt die the deaths of the uncircumcised by the hand of strangers; for I have spoken it, saith the Lord God.” [Ezekiel 28:2, 6-10.]

Ezekiel 28:3

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 35, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 35, 1890, par. 6

(Ezekiel 28:3): “Behold, thou [Ezekiel] art wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from thee.” The Lord God favored Ezekiel, the old and experienced servant of the Most High God. He was older than Daniel. Daniel was growing in favor with kings and with nobles. He was about to fill the important place of Ezekiel, and yet Ezekiel was not at all envious, but was glad that God was bringing in younger men—Daniel and his fellows—to stand firmly for the honor of God. As these men honored God, serving Him with purity of principle, exalting God above all kings and nobles, Ezekiel gave encouragement to them as a father would to his children.

Ezekiel 28:6-17

Darkness Before Dawn

Creation Reflected God’s Glory

DD 2.1

Lucifer might have remained in favor with God, beloved and honored by all the angelic host, exercising his noble powers to bless others and to glorify his Maker. But, says the prophet, “Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness.” Verse 17. Little by little, Lucifer came to indulge a desire for self-exaltation. “Thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God.” “Thou hast said,... I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation.... I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High.” Verse 6; Isaiah 14:13, 14. Instead of seeking to make God supreme in the affections and allegiance of His creatures, it was Lucifer’s endeavor to win their service and homage to himself. And coveting the honor which the infinite Father had bestowed upon His Son, this prince of angels aspired to power which it was the prerogative of Christ alone to wield.

From Here to Forever

Chapter 29—Why Was Sin Permitted?

HF 305.2

But there was one that chose to pervert this freedom. Sin originated with him, who, next to Christ, had been most honored by God. Before his fall, Lucifer was first of the covering cherubs, holy and undefiled. “Thus saith the Lord God; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering. ... Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. ... Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness.” “Thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God.” “Thou hast said, ... I will exalt my throne above the stars of God. I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation. ... I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” Ezekiel 28:12-17; 28:6; Isaiah 14:13, 14.

The Great Hope (Condensed)

Chapter 1—Why Is There Suffering?

GrH_c 1.4

But there was one that chose to pervert this freedom. Sin originated with him, who, next to Christ, had been most honored by God. Before his fall, Lucifer was first of the covering cherubs, holy and undefiled. “Thus saith the Lord God; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering.... Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.... Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness.” “Thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God.” “Thou hast said,... I will exalt my throne above the stars of God. I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation.... I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” Ezekiel 28:12-17; 28:6; Isaiah 14:13, 14.

Ezekiel 28:6-19

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 79—“It is Finished”

DA 758.4

It was a being of wonderful power and glory that had set himself against God. Of Lucifer the Lord says, “Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.” Ezekiel 28:12. Lucifer had been the covering cherub. He had stood in the light of God’s presence. He had been the highest of all created beings, and had been foremost in revealing God’s purposes to the universe. After he had sinned, his power to deceive was the more deceptive, and the unveiling of his character was the more difficult, because of the exalted position he had held with the Father.

DA 763.4

Then the end will come. God will vindicate His law and deliver His people. Satan and all who have joined him in rebellion will be cut off. Sin and sinners will perish, root and branch, (Malachi 4:1),—Satan the root, and his followers the branches. The word will be fulfilled to the prince of evil, “Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God; ... I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.... Thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.” Then “the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be;” “they shall be as though they had not been.” Ezekiel 28:6-19; Psalm 37:10; Obadiah 16.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 29—The Origin of Evil

GC 493.3

But there was one that chose to pervert this freedom. Sin originated with him who, next to Christ, had been most honored of God and who stood highest in power and glory among the inhabitants of heaven. Before his fall, Lucifer was first of the covering cherubs, holy and undefiled. “Thus saith the Lord God; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering.... Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” Ezekiel 28:12-15.

GC 494.1

Lucifer might have remained in favor with God, beloved and honored by all the angelic host, exercising his noble powers to bless others and to glorify his Maker. But, says the prophet, “Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness.” Verse 17. Little by little, Lucifer came to indulge a desire for self-exaltation. “Thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God.” “Thou hast said, ... I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation.... I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High.” Verse 6; Isaiah 14:13, 14. Instead of seeking to make God supreme in the affections and allegiance of His creatures, it was Lucifer’s endeavor to win their service and homage to himself. And coveting the honor which the infinite Father had bestowed upon His Son, this prince of angels aspired to power which it was the prerogative of Christ alone to wield.

GC 503.3

The cross of Calvary, while it declares the law immutable, proclaims to the universe that the wages of sin is death. In the Saviour’s expiring cry, “It is finished,” the death knell of Satan was rung. The great controversy which had been so long in progress was then decided, and the final eradication of evil was made certain. The Son of God passed through the portals of the tomb, that “through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” Hebrews 2:14. Lucifer’s desire for self-exaltation had led him to say: “I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: ... I will be like the Most High.” God declares: “I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth, ... and never shalt thou be any more.” Isaiah 14:13, 14; Ezekiel 28:18, 19. When “the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven;....all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.” Malachi 4:1.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 29—The Origin of Evil

GC88 493.3

But there was one that chose to pervert this freedom. Sin originated with him, who, next to Christ, had been most honored of God, and who stood highest in power and glory among the inhabitants of Heaven. Before his fall, Lucifer was first of the covering cherubs, holy and undefiled. “Thus saith the Lord God: Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering.” “Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so; thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” [Ezekiel 28:12-15, 17.]

GC88 494.1

Lucifer might have remained in favor with God, beloved and honored by all the angelic host, exercising his noble powers to bless others and to glorify his Maker. But, says the prophet, “Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness.” [Ezekiel 28:12-15, 17.] Little by little, Lucifer came to indulge a desire for self-exaltation. “Thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God.” “Thou hast said: ... I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation.” “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High.” [Ezekiel 28:6; Isaiah 14:13, 14.] Instead of seeking to make God supreme in the affections and allegiance of his creatures, it was Lucifer’s endeavor to win their service and homage to himself. And, coveting the honor which the infinite Father had bestowed upon his Son, this prince of angels aspired to power which it was the prerogative of Christ alone to wield.

GC88 503.3

The cross of Calvary, while it declares the law immutable, proclaims to the universe that the wages of sin is death. In the Saviour’s expiring cry, “It is finished,” the death-knell of Satan was rung. The great controversy which had been so long in progress was then decided, and the final eradication of evil was made certain. The Son of God passed through the portals of the tomb, that “through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” [Hebrews 2:14.] Lucifer’s desire for self-exaltation had led him to say, “I will exalt my throne above the stars of God.... I will be like the Most High.” God declares, “I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth, ... and never shalt thou be any more.” [Isaiah 14:13, 14; Ezekiel 28:18, 19.] When “the day cometh that shall burn as an oven,” “all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble; and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.” [Malachi 4:1.]

Darkness Before Dawn

Satan’s Power Forever Ended

DD 59.2

Saith the Lord: “Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God; behold, therefore I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations: and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness. They shall bring thee down to the pit.” “I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.... I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.... I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.... Thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.” Ezekiel 28:6-8, 16-19.

Maranatha

Sin and Sinners Destroyed, December 5

Mar 347.3

The Great Controversy

Chapter 42—The Controversy Ended

GC 672.1

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 42—The Controversy Ended

GC88 672.1

Saith the Lord: “Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God; behold, therefore I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations; and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness. They shall bring thee down to the pit.” “I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.... I will cast thee to the ground. I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.” “I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.... Thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.” [Ezekiel 28:6-8, 16-19.]

From Here to Forever

Violent End of the Wicked

HF 407.1

Satan’s character remains unchanged. Rebellion like a mighty torrent again bursts forth. He determines not to yield the last desperate struggle against the King of heaven. But of all the countless millions whom he has allured into rebellion, none now acknowledge his supremacy. The wicked are filled with the same hatred of God that inspires Satan, but they see that their case is hopeless. “Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God; behold, therefore I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations: and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness. They shall bring thee down to the pit. ... I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. ... I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. ... I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. ... Thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.” Ezekiel 28:6-8, 16-19.

Ezekiel 28:7

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 42—True Greatness

PK 514.2

Nebuchadnezzar’s noble conception of God’s purpose concerning the nations was lost sight of later in his experience; yet when his proud spirit was humbled before the multitude on the plain of Dura, he once more had acknowledged that God’s kingdom is “an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation.” An idolater by birth and training, and at the head of an idolatrous people, he had nevertheless an innate sense of justice and right, and God was able to use him as an instrument for the punishment of the rebellious and for the fulfillment of the divine purpose. “The terrible of the nations” (Ezekiel 28:7), it was given Nebuchadnezzar, after years of patient and wearing labor, to conquer Tyre; Egypt also fell a prey to his victorious armies; and as he added nation after nation to the Babylonian realm, he added more and more to his fame as the greatest ruler of the age.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 43—The Unseen Watcher

PK 522.1

Toward the close of Daniel’s life great changes were taking place in the land to which, over threescore years before, he and his Hebrew companions had been carried captive. Nebuchadnezzar, “the terrible of the nations” (Ezekiel 28:7), had died, and Babylon, “the praise of the whole earth” (Jeremiah 51:41), had passed under the unwise rule of his successors, and gradual but sure dissolution was resulting.

Ezekiel 28:11-18

Manuscript Releases, vol. 20 [Nos. 1420-1500]

MR No. 1471—The Fallacy of Thinking Human Ideas and Positions Are Infallible and Unchangeable

20MR 226.3

Now I have not been able to sleep after twelve o’clock for two nights because the case of Elder Cottrell has been presented to me. The Lord will use Elder Cottrell if he will give up the idea that plans he may suggest are infallible, never to be revoked. This understanding is an erroneous idea. God does not endorse it. This is the position that Lucifer took. He was next to Christ in the heavenly courts, but decided that he was entitled to a higher position. Read and understand Ezekiel 28:11-18. This matter has been opened to me. When the Lord sought to correct him, he would not be corrected; and when any man in all our ranks shall not be willing to yield up his own way, but will persistently choose to follow his own judgment, carrying the idea that his judgment is unchangeable, he claims infallibility. The Lord has no more any use for him unless he changes his ideas.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 156, 1910

25LtMs, Lt 156, 1910, par. 11

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 90, 1910

25LtMs, Ms 90, 1910, par. 1

I am very much pleased with what I see in California. I have some things which I wish to present before you. [Ezekiel 28:11-18 quoted.] Strange things have come, especially has it been thus in America since the destruction of San Francisco by fire. Such strange things have been repeating the works of Satan. He commenced war in heaven for the preeminence, worked with the angels until they were deceived, and concluded they would war against God. But the [loyal angels] would not yield the point that Christ should have the preeminence next to God. And there was war in heaven.

Ezekiel 28:12-15

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

The Teacher of Truth the Only Safe Educator

CT 26.2

It is true that in the writings of pagans and infidels there are found thoughts of an elevated character, which are attractive to the mind. But there is a reason for this. Was not Satan the light bearer, the sharer of God’s glory in heaven, and next to Jesus in power and majesty? In the words of Inspiration he is described as one who sealeth up the sum, “full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.” The prophet declares, “Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” Ezekiel 28:12, 14, 15....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 114, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 114, 1903, par. 2

Evil entered the heavenly courts through the angel who, next to Christ, occupied the most exalted position. Lucifer was the first of the covering cherubs, holy and undefiled. Of him it is said, “Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering. ... Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so. Thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” [Ezekiel 28:12-15.]

Darkness Before Dawn

Chapter 1—Why Was Sin Permitted?

DD 1.5

Ezekiel 28:12-17

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 1—Why was Sin Permitted?

PP 35.1

So long as all created beings acknowledged the allegiance of love, there was perfect harmony throughout the universe of God. It was the joy of the heavenly host to fulfill the purpose of their Creator. They delighted in reflecting His glory and showing forth His praise. And while love to God was supreme, love for one another was confiding and unselfish. There was no note of discord to mar the celestial harmonies. But a change came over this happy state. There was one who perverted the freedom that God had granted to His creatures. Sin originated with him who, next to Christ, had been most honored of God and was highest in power and glory among the inhabitants of heaven. Lucifer, “son of the morning,” was first of the covering cherubs, holy and undefiled. He stood in the presence of the great Creator, and the ceaseless beams of glory enshrouding the eternal God rested upon him. “Thus saith the Lord God; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering.... Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” Ezekiel 28:12-15.

PP 35.2

Little by little Lucifer came to indulge the desire for self-exaltation. The Scripture says, “Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness.” Ezekiel 28:17. “Thou hast said in thine heart, ...I will exalt my throne above the stars of God.... I will be like the Most High.” Isaiah 14:13, 14. Though all his glory was from God, this mighty angel came to regard it as pertaining to himself. Not content with his position, though honored above the heavenly host, he ventured to covet homage due alone to the Creator. Instead of seeking to make God supreme in the affections and allegiance of all created beings, it was his endeavor to secure their service and loyalty to himself. And coveting the glory with which the infinite Father had invested His Son, this prince of angels aspired to power that was the prerogative of Christ alone.

From Eternity Past

Chapter 1—Why Was Sin Permitted?

EP 10.3

Little by little, Lucifer indulged the desire for self-exaltation. “Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty; thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness” Ezekiel 28:12-15, 17. “Thou hast said in thine heart, ... I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; ... I will be like the most High.” Isaiah 14:13, 14. Though honored above the heavenly host, he ventured to covet homage due alone to the Creator. This prince of angels aspired to power that was the prerogative of Christ alone.

Homeward Bound

Selfishness, the Root of Sin, November 2

HB 335.2

But there was one that chose to pervert this freedom [of will]. Sin originated with him who, next to Christ, had been most honored of God and who stood highest in power and glory among the inhabitants of heaven. Before his fall, Lucifer was first of the covering cherubs, holy and undefiled. “Thus saith the Lord God; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering. . . . Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” (Ezekiel 28:12-15.)

HB 335.3

Lucifer might have remained in favor with God, beloved and honored by all the angelic host, exercising his noble powers to bless others and to glorify his Maker. But, says the prophet, “Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness.” (Verse 17.) Little by little, Lucifer came to indulge a desire for self-exaltation. . . . Instead of seeking to make God supreme in the affections and allegiance of His creatures, it was Lucifer’s endeavor to win their service and homage to himself. And coveting the honor which the infinite Father had bestowed upon His Son, this prince of angels aspired to power which it was the prerogative of Christ alone to wield.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 140, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 140, 1903, par. 1

Sin originated with the angel who, next to Christ, had been most honored of God and was highest in power and glory among the inhabitants of heaven. Lucifer, “son of the morning,” was first of the covering cherubs, holy and undefiled. [Isaiah 14:12.] He stood in the presence of the great Creator, and the ceaseless beams of glory enshrouding the eternal God rested upon him. “Thus saith the Lord God: Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering. ... Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so. Thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” [Ezekiel 28:12-15.]

18LtMs, Ms 140, 1903, par. 2

Little by little, Lucifer came to indulge the desire of self-exaltation. The Scripture says: “Thine heart was lifted up because of thine beauty; thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness.” [Verse 17.] “Thou hast said in thine heart, ... I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; ... I will be like the Most High.” [Isaiah 14:13, 14.] Though all his glory was from God, this mighty angel came to regard it as pertaining to himself. Not content with his position, though honored above the heavenly host, he ventured to covet homage due alone to the Creator. Instead of seeking to make God supreme in the affections and allegiance of all created beings, it was his endeavor to secure their service and loyalty to himself. And coveting the glory with which the infinite Father had invested His Son, this prince of angels aspired to power that was the prerogative of Christ alone.

Ezekiel 28:12-19

Christian Education

Chapter 8—The Teacher of Truth the Only Safe Educator

CE 72.1

The Lord bestowed upon these men whom the world admires, priceless intellectual gifts; he endowed them with master minds; but they did not use them to the glory of God. They separated themselves from him as did Satan; but while they separated themselves from him, they still retained many of the precious gems of thought which he had given them, and these they placed in a framework of error to give luster to their own human sentiments, to make attractive the utterances inspired by the prince of evil. It is true that in the writings of pagans and infidels there are found thoughts of an elevated character, which are attractive to the mind. But there is a reason for this. Was not Satan the light-bearer, the sharer of God’s glory in heaven, and next to Jesus in power and majesty? In the words of inspiration he is described as one who seals up “the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.” [Ezekiel 28:12.] The prophet says, “Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering.... Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.... Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffic; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.” [Ezekiel 28:13-15, 17-19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 3, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 3, 1897, par. 42

The only definition of sin given in God’s Word is transgression of the law. It is not excusable, and has no defence or justification. It will be the final and eternal condemnation of the originator of sin and all the angels who united with him in the heavenly courts, who joined the confederacy of evil, identifying themselves with the great apostate. When the question comes, “Why have ye done thus?” every tongue will be silent; the rebellious world will stand speechless before God. Of Satan God had said, “Thou wast perfect in all thy ways from the day that thou wast created, until iniquity was found in thee.” [Ezekiel 28:15.]

12LtMs, Ms 3, 1897, par. 43

Sin entered the world by the defection of one who stood at the head of the holy angels. What was it that wrought so great a change, transforming a royal, honored subject into an apostate? The answer is given, “Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty; thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness.” [Verse 17.] Had not the Lord made the covering cherub so beautiful, so closely resembling His own image; had not God awarded him special honor; had anything been left undone in the gifts of beauty and power and honor, then Satan might have had some excuse. But God declares: “Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering. ... Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so; thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou was perfect in all thy ways from the day that thou was created until iniquity was found in thee.

12LtMs, Ms 3, 1897, par. 44

“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. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness; I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. Thou hast defiled thy sanctuary by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffic; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. All that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee; thou shalt be a terror, and never shall thou be any more.” [Verses 12-19.]

Ezekiel 28:14-15

That I May Know Him

The Mystery of Sin, January 9

TMK 15.1

Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so.... Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. Ezekiel 28:14, 15.

Ezekiel 28:15

Christ Triumphant

“Perfect in Thy Ways,” January 3

CTr 9.1

Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. Ezekiel 28:15.

Ezekiel 28:15-16

To Be Like Jesus

Joy in Loving Obedience, February 15

BLJ 54.1

You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you.... You became filled with violence within, and you sinned. Ezekiel 28:15, 16, NKJV.

Ezekiel 28:15-17

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Chapter 24—Origin of Evil

4SP 316.3

Sin originated with him, who, next to Christ, stood highest in the favor of God, and highest in power and glory among the inhabitants of Heaven. Before his fall, Lucifer was the covering cherub, holy and undefiled. The prophet of God declares, “Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” [Ezekiel 28:15.] Peace and joy, in perfect submission to the will of Heaven, existed throughout the angelic host. Love to God was supreme, love for one another impartial. Such was the condition that existed for ages before the entrance of sin.

4SP 317.1

But over this happy state there came a change. Says the prophet, addressing the prince of evil, “Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness.” [Ezekiel 28:17.] Though God had created Lucifer noble and beautiful, and had exalted him to high honor among the angelic host, yet he had not placed him beyond the possibility of evil. It was in Satan’s power, did he choose to do so, to pervert these gifts. He might have remained in favor with God, beloved and honored by all the angelic throng, presiding in his exalted position with generous, unselfish care, exercising his noble powers to bless others and to glorify his Maker. But, little by little, he began to seek his own honor, and to employ his powers to attract attention and win praise to himself. He also gradually led the angels over whom he ruled to do him service, instead of devoting all their powers to the service of their Creator. This course perverted his own imagination, and perverted those who yielded implicitly to his authority.

Ezekiel 28:15-18

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 156, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 156, 1897, par. 10

“Thou wast perfect in thy ways ... till iniquity was found in thee.” “Thine heart wast lifted up because of thy beauty; thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness.” All this was the gift of God. God was not chargeable with this—making the covering cherub beautiful, noble and good. “By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: ... thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick.” [Ezekiel 28:15-18.]

Ezekiel 28:16

Christ Triumphant

The Controversy Recalled, January 11

CTr 17.1

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. Ezekiel 28:16.

Ezekiel 28:17

Christ Triumphant

No Excuse for Sin, January 5

CTr 11.1

Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness. Ezekiel 28:17.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 31, 1889

6LtMs, Ms 31, 1889, par. 67

Speaking of Satan, the Lord declares that he abode not in the truth. [John 8:44.] Once he was beautiful, radiant in light. But God’s Word declares of him, “Thou wast lifted up because of thy brightness.” [Ezekiel 28:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 16a, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 16a, 1892, par. 20

Lucifer was once in heaven. He sinned, and drew away many angels into his rebellion. There came a change in Lucifer. God said of him, “Thy heart was lifted up because of thy beauty; thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness.” [Ezekiel 28:17.] The sin of Lucifer is unexplainable. He was disloyal to God. His mourning and complaining aroused sympathy among the angelic hosts, and many took the same position as did Satan. How did the Lord break the force of these accusations?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 8b, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 8b, 1891, par. 15

Now, I want to say right here, you may go to these infidel authors to get bright thoughts, but I don’t want to go there; I would rather go to the snow of Lebanon. Let me go to any other place than to infidel authors. Why? Because mingled with it all is a serious malady. The cunning of Satan is there. Was he not the covering cherub in the Eden of God? And was he not cast out of heaven because, as it was said of him, “thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness?” [Ezekiel 28:17.] Then cannot he mingle some of his sophistry with truth so as to fascinate and captivate the human mind? Of course he can. He is a smart general, and, therefore, no man can handle him. And for that very reason, God sent His Son into the world to stand here on the field of battle and present the great original truths, to take men from the bands of error, to rescue them, to reform them. Christ presented these principles of truth, arranged in the order of the gospel, that they might serve the very purpose for which they were given to man.

Ezekiel 28:18

Christ Triumphant

Setting Aside Divine Authority, January 10

CTr 16.1

Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities. Ezekiel 28:18.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 59, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 59, 1900, par. 43

Satan devises, through his masterly deceiving power, to make evil appear as righteousness, to keep men working in his line, that those whom God has entrusted with great responsibilities shall be perverted from His allegiance and serve his purposes. “Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities.” [Ezekiel 28:18.] This represents a corrupt spiritual administration. The influence that is gained through positions of trust is used for selfish purposes instead of for the good of others who stand approved before God more than they, for their dependence is in God, and they are seeking His glory and not their own. Even now Satan is continuing and advancing in the same line in which he began. He rules by the same laws. In heaven he lost his self-sacrificing principle and unselfish care for his associates, and little by little he introduced a new order of things, consulting his own hand.

Ezekiel 28:18-19

The Faith I Live By

Bright Beams of Glory, December 21

FLB 361.4

The cross of Calvary, while it declares the law immutable, proclaims to the universe that the wages of sin is death. In the Saviour’s expiring cry, “It is finished,” the death knell of Satan was rung. The great controversy which had been so long in progress was then decided, and the final eradication of evil was made certain. The Son of God passed through the portals of the tomb, that “through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” Hebrews 2:14. Lucifer’s desire for self-exaltation had led him to say, “I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: ... I will be like the most High.” Isaiah 14:13, 14. God declares, “I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth.... And never shalt thou be any more.” Ezekiel 28:18, 19.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 92, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 92, 1894, par. 16

Even of him whose heart was lifted up because of his beauty, who corrupted his wisdom by reason of his brightness, the Lord says, “I will bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee; thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.” [Ezekiel 28:18, 19.]