Ezekiel 28:18
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.
Ezekiel 28:18 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from Ezekiel 28:18 conveys a strong message about the consequences of sin and defiling sacred spaces. In this passage, God is addressing the King of Tyre, who had committed numerous sins that had polluted the sanctuaries and temples with his iniquities. The mention of "the iniquity of thy traffic" was likely a reference to the corrupt and unjust dealings the King engaged in. As a result of these actions, God declares that he will bring forth a fire that will consume the King and reduce him to ashes. This imagery highlights the severity of the punishment that awaits those who defile holy places and engage in sinful behavior. The concept of being devoured by fire symbolizes the ultimate destruction and judgment that will befall those who disregard God's commands. Ultimately, this verse serves as a stark reminder of the importance of honoring sacred spaces and living a righteous life in the eyes of God.
Theological Overview
The verse from Ezekiel 28:18 presents a vivid imagery of the consequences of sin and defilement of sacred places. The term "sanctuaries" can refer to physical places of worship or the innermost being of a person which should be kept holy. Here, the iniquities and sinful practices have polluted these sanctuaries, leading to the ultimate punishment of being consumed by fire. The word "traffic" in this context could represent the corrupt dealings and sins carried out in the pursuit of material gain. The imagery of fire symbolizes divine judgment and the purification of evil. The phrase "bring thee to ashes upon the earth" emphasizes the complete destruction and annihilation of the wicked. This passage serves as a warning against defiling sacred spaces and engaging in sinful behavior, as it will ultimately lead to a swift and severe judgment from God.
Ezekiel 28:18 in other translations
American Standard Version
By the multitude of thine iniquities, in the unrighteousness of thy traffic, thou hast profaned thy sanctuaries; therefore have I brought forth a fire from the midst of thee; it hath devoured thee, and I have turned thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.
World English Bible
By the multitude of your iniquities, in the unrighteousness of your traffic, you have profaned your sanctuaries; therefore have I brought out a fire from your midst; it has devoured you, and I have turned you to ashes on the earth in the sight of all those who see you.
Douay-Rheims
Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thy iniquities, and by the iniquity of thy traffic: therefore I will bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, to devour thee, and I will make thee as ashes upon the earth in the sight of all that see thee.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thou hast defiled thy sanctification by the multitude of thine iniquities, and by the iniquitie of thy marchandise: therefore wil I bring forth a fire from the mids of thee, which shall deuoure thee: and I wil bring thee to ashes vpon the earth, in the sight of all them that beholde thee.