Merge Ahead

Prince of Tyrus, Ezekiel 28:2; King of Tyrus Ezekiel 28:12

The form of prophetic writings takes a little getting used to, but is pretty easy once you understand it. First, the writer states his subject and tells you who he is. Then he addresses a current situation or one soon to be. He moves on to give prophecies as far ahead as the Great White Throne, which occurs after the millennium.

Isaiah is a perfect example.

"The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah." Isaiah 1:1

He goes on for 66 chapters, the same as the number of books in the Bible, for Isaiah is the most sweeping of prophetic books. He starts small and proceeds until a time over 1,000 years yet future of our day. The form is not a difficult one, but some have trouble seeing the turning point when the prophet begins to write of the future.

I came out of a Covenant theology church that avoided all prophecy with future implications. To them, the church had replaced Israel and claimed her blessings. The book of Revelation was interpreted as speaking of the past. They were amillennial and denied the literalness of the 1,000 year millennium. Since we were the subject of Israel's prophecies, their interpretations were very vague, and the whole subject was avoided.

Back to the "merge" concept. In Ezekiel 38 the prophet first speaks of an earthly ruler, known to all. He is addressed as the prince of Tyrus (Tyre). A few verses later the king of Tyrus is spoken of as having been in Eden! It's a whole new ball game, and we see the prince as a type of Satan. No problem if we pay attention.

This study is tedious and confusing to many, including entire congregations, and taken literally runs counter to their very worldly agendas. For me, it is a fascinating subject that opens up the whole Word of God.