Chapter 1: Spiritual Powers Over Nations – The Hidden War
The story begins in heaven, where a group of angels led by Lucifer rebelled against God. Isaiah 14:12-13 poignantly captures Lucifer’s prideful ambition: “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Morning Star, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God.” Ezekiel delves further into this celestial drama:
“Ezekiel 28:12-17 (NIV) “You were the model of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: carnelian, chrysolite and emerald were your settings and mountings were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared. You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, O guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings.” lets dive deeper
Verse 12: "You were the model of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty." This verse describes the king of Tyre as possessing exceptional wisdom and beauty. Yet, historical accounts reveal the kings of Tyre were often characterized by pride, idolatry, and sin. The description of perfection and beauty finds a more profound resonance when applied to Lucifer before his rebellion. Created with immense beauty, wisdom, and glory (Ezekiel 28:12-17), Lucifer held a high-ranking position in God's presence before his prideful descent. Scholars often interpret this description as a veiled reference to Lucifer, who was indeed "the model of perfection" prior to his rebellion.
Verse 13: "You were in Eden, the garden of God... every precious stone adorned you." The king of Tyre never literally resided in the Garden of Eden, underscoring the symbolic nature of this passage. Lucifer, in his unfallen state, existed in God's presence, spiritually "in Eden." Created perfect and adorned with splendor and wisdom, the mention of precious stones like carnelian, chrysolite, and emerald symbolizes Lucifer's original glory and radiance, akin to descriptions found in Ezekiel 28:13 and Isaiah 14:12-14. In his pristine state, Lucifer shone like a precious gem, reflecting the very beauty and glory of God.
Verse 14: "You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you." Here, the passage refers to the king of Tyre as an anointed "guardian cherub." Cherubim are high-ranking angelic beings, often depicted as protectors of sacred spaces, as seen in Genesis 3:24, where
they guarded the entrance to Eden. This verse can be understood as alluding to Lucifer, who was created as a high-ranking angel, a cherub (Ezekiel 28:14). He was bestowed with great authority and anointing within the heavenly realms, a privilege tragically forfeited due to his pride..................
