יחזקאל, פרק כ״ח, פסוק ב׳

The ruler of Tyre controlled the greatest economic power of his time, enjoying absolute security and splendid isolation from any threat. This sense of unlimited power bred a dangerous illusion of divinity and unprecedented pride. The prophecy is directed at this leader. The primary approach among commentators is that the prophet is addressing the king of Tyre himself, shifting the focus from the city to a personal message for its monarch [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ, חומת אנך]. However, another perspective suggests that this figure is not the actual king, but rather a supreme official appointed to manage the affairs of the state [מלבי״ם].

This leader's arrogance stemmed from a belief that he possessed immense, unstoppable power, convinced that no one could possibly harm him [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, אברבנאל, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. He viewed himself as a deity, a status that specifically reflected his perceived might and capacity to act with absolute authority [אברבנאל].

This illusion of godhood was deeply tied to his physical location. The primary approach among commentators is that he drew a parallel between himself and God. Just as God resides high in the heavens, exalted and untouchable by humanity, the ruler of Tyre sat in an impenetrable fortress surrounded by the sea, completely isolated and safe from enemy forces [מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד, רד״ק, אברבנאל, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. In contrast, a midrashic tradition interprets his claim more literally, describing how he constructed a wondrous aerial structure over the sea, resembling seven heavens, and seated himself upon the highest tier made of gold [רש״י, חומת אנך].

Against this grand illusion, God presents the harsh reality. The ruler is merely a mortal human being, formed from dust and destined to return to dust, possessing no genuine power [מצודת דוד, אברבנאל]. Unlike spiritual individuals who are graced with a divine spirit, the ruler of Tyre lacks even a single divine spark [מלבי״ם]. Despite his complete human insignificance, he foolishly attempts to equate his own thoughts and mind with the mind of God. This empty pretension ultimately exposes his profound ignorance and foolishness [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ, אברבנאל].