Ezekiel 28:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Angels and Archangels, Thrones and Dominions, along with the Seraphim above them, were fashioned by God and brought forth from nothing. Included among these creations was the fallen serpent, along with the malevolent forces that accompanied him. They coexisted with other holy and intelligent beings, residing in the highest realms, marked by their glory and existing in a state far more exalted than ours. Hence, it is also proclaimed of the Lord, ‘With the Cherubim we begin you.’ Yet, the holy Cherubim possess a steadfast glory, maintaining their original state. Myriads serve God, and countless multitudes stand before Him (Dan. 7:10). In his rebellion, Satan, alongside those who fell, forfeited his glory.

You were once in the company of the anointed cherub, specifically the cherub who is David, anointed by Samuel and who guarded all of Israel. Historically, the Prophet may either refer to Hiram, who ruled during David's reign, or perhaps he is deriding the people and the kingdom of Tyre, as well as the other monarch who strayed from the truth. However, on a spiritual and enigmatic level, these words can be interpreted as referring to the devil, who was adorned with all spiritual splendor akin to precious gems and filled with holiness alongside the Cherubim. Yet, in his arrogance, he turned away from his Creator and was cast down from the heights of God’s presence. You walked among the fiery stones, and I have thrown you down from the mount of God. The fiery stones symbolize priests and prophets.

You were shaped by the Cherubim, consecrated by God who resides in the tabernacle; with these sacred and esteemed powers, you were created and sanctified. This anointing signifies the purification bestowed by the Spirit of God upon the incorporeal and sacred entities. On the holy mountain of God, you were formed among the fiery stones. The holy mountain of God symbolizes the pinnacle of wisdom, while the holy entities are likened to the fiery stones, both possessing great worth and radiance. It is common for Divine Scripture to refer to righteous individuals as holy stones, as expressed in the words, “For a holy stone is holy in the earth” (Zechariah 9:16). However, these stones are distinct as holy, not simply stones of fire.

The same prophet, in his pursuit to convey the excellence of this being, states: Thou wast an extending and covering Cherubim, thou wast on the holy mountain of God, thou wast walking among the fiery stones. The term 'cherub' signifies 'Fullness of Knowledge,' as this being undoubtedly surpassed all in wisdom. He walked amidst fiery stones, signifying his residence among the hearts of the Angels consumed by the flame of divine love and the radiant glory of his creation. It is aptly described that he extends and covers, for we extend over all creation and provide protection to that which we shield. His brightness outshone all others, thus he is identified as the one who extends and covers. By overshadowing others with his great excellence, he encompasses them.