Boundary and Order: Divine Oracles about the King of Tyre in Ezekiel 28:11-19

Abstract

Through the analysis of the two images of “cherubim” and “cosmic mountain” in the oracle of the king of Tyre in Ezekiel 28:11-19, this paper argues that the roles of the cherubim representing Tyre as the guardians of the kingship and the Garden of Eden are related to the abundance of the land, the life of mankind, the blessing of God, and the order and security of the world. If the king of Tyre, symbolized as a cherub, did not clearly recognize the boundaries between man and God and overstepped God’s authority, not only would he be punished, but the whole world order would also be destroyed. As the cosmic mountain is the center of the world, and the sole dominion of God over it is the only effective factor in maintaining the cosmic order. A harmonious cosmic order brings not only a fruitful world, but also a fair and just judgment.