1 The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying,
2 Now, thou son of man, take up a lamentation for Tyrus;
3 And say unto Tyrus, O thou that art situate at the entry of the sea, [which art] a merchant of the people for many isles, Thus saith the Lord GOD; O Tyrus, thou hast said, I [am] of perfect beauty.
4 Thy borders [are] in the midst of the seas, thy builders have perfected thy beauty.
5 They have made all thy [ship] boards of fir trees of Senir: they have taken cedars from Lebanon to make masts for thee.
6 [Of] the oaks of Bashan have they made thine oars; the company of the Ashurites have made thy benches [of] ivory, [brought] out of the isles of Chittim.
7 Fine linen with broidered work from Egypt was that which thou spreadest forth to be thy sail; blue and purple from the isles of Elishah was that which covered thee.
8 The inhabitants of Zidon and Arvad were thy mariners: thy wise [men], O Tyrus, [that] were in thee, were thy pilots.
9 The ancients of Gebal and the wise [men] thereof were in thee thy calkers: all the ships of the sea with their mariners were in thee to occupy thy merchandise.
10 They of Persia and of Lud and of Phut were in thine army, thy men of war: they hanged the shield and helmet in thee; they set forth thy comeliness.
11 The men of Arvad with thine army [were] upon thy walls round about, and the Gammadims were in thy towers: they hanged their shields upon thy walls round about; they have made thy beauty perfect.
12 Tarshish [was] thy merchant by reason of the multitude of all [kind of] riches; with silver, iron, tin, and lead, they traded in thy fairs.
13 Javan, Tubal, and Meshech, they [were] thy merchants: they traded the persons of men and vessels of brass in thy market.
14 They of the house of Togarmah traded in thy fairs with horses and horsemen and mules.
15 The men of Dedan [were] thy merchants; many isles [were] the merchandise of thine hand: they brought thee [for] a present horns of ivory and ebony.
16 Syria [was] thy merchant by reason of the multitude of the wares of thy making: they occupied in thy fairs with emeralds, purple, and broidered work, and fine linen, and coral, and agate.
17 Judah, and the land of Israel, they [were] thy merchants: they traded in thy market wheat of Minnith, and Pannag, and honey, and oil, and balm.
18 Damascus [was] thy merchant in the multitude of the wares of thy making, for the multitude of all riches; in the wine of Helbon, and white wool.
19 Dan also and Javan going to and fro occupied in thy fairs: bright iron, cassia, and calamus, were in thy market.
20 Dedan [was] thy merchant in precious clothes for chariots.
21 Arabia, and all the princes of Kedar, they occupied with thee in lambs, and rams, and goats: in these [were they] thy merchants.
22 The merchants of Sheba and Raamah, they [were] thy merchants: they occupied in thy fairs with chief of all spices, and with all precious stones, and gold.
23 Haran, and Canneh, and Eden, the merchants of Sheba, Asshur, [and] Chilmad, [were] thy merchants.
24 These [were] thy merchants in all sorts [of things], in blue clothes, and broidered work, and in chests of rich apparel, bound with cords, and made of cedar, among thy merchandise.
25 The ships of Tarshish did sing of thee in thy market: and thou wast replenished, and made very glorious in the midst of the seas.
26 Thy rowers have brought thee into great waters: the east wind hath broken thee in the midst of the seas.
27 Thy riches, and thy fairs, thy merchandise, thy mariners, and thy pilots, thy calkers, and the occupiers of thy merchandise, and all thy men of war, that [are] in thee, and in all thy company which [is] in the midst of thee, shall fall into the midst of the seas in the day of thy ruin.
28 The suburbs shall shake at the sound of the cry of thy pilots.
29 And all that handle the oar, the mariners, [and] all the pilots of the sea, shall come down from their ships, they shall stand upon the land;
30 And shall cause their voice to be heard against thee, and shall cry bitterly, and shall cast up dust upon their heads, they shall wallow themselves in the ashes:
31 And they shall make themselves utterly bald for thee, and gird them with sackcloth, and they shall weep for thee with bitterness of heart [and] bitter wailing.
32 And in their wailing they shall take up a lamentation for thee, and lament over thee, [saying], What [city is] like Tyrus, like the destroyed in the midst of the sea?
33 When thy wares went forth out of the seas, thou filledst many people; thou didst enrich the kings of the earth with the multitude of thy riches and of thy merchandise.
34 In the time [when] thou shalt be broken by the seas in the depths of the waters thy merchandise and all thy company in the midst of thee shall fall.
35 All the inhabitants of the isles shall be astonished at thee, and their kings shall be sore afraid, they shall be troubled in [their] countenance.
36 The merchants among the people shall hiss at thee; thou shalt be a terror, and never [shalt be] any more.
Overview of Ezekiel Chapter 27
Ezekiel 27 is a poetic lament that focuses on the city of Tyre, a prominent trading hub in the ancient Near East. The chapter serves as a metaphorical depiction of Tyre’s wealth, power, and eventual downfall. It highlights the city’s extensive trade networks, its luxurious goods, and the impact of its destruction on the surrounding nations.
Structure of the Chapter
The chapter can be divided into several key sections:
- Introduction to the Lament (Verses 1-2)
The chapter opens with a call for the prophet to raise a lamentation for Tyre.
- Description of Tyre’s Splendor (Verses 3-9)
This section details the city’s maritime prowess and its relationships with various nations.
- Tyre’s Trade and Goods (Verses 10-25)
A comprehensive list of goods, merchants, and trading partners illustrates Tyre’s economic power.
- Prophecy of Destruction (Verses 26-36)
The chapter concludes with a prophecy regarding the fall of Tyre and the mourning of its allies.
Key Themes
- Wealth and Prosperity
The chapter emphasizes the immense wealth of Tyre, showcasing its luxury items and trade routes.
- Trade and Commerce
Tyre’s extensive trading relationships with various nations underline its significance in the ancient economy.
- Judgment and Destruction
The prophetic announcement of Tyre’s downfall serves as a reminder of the impermanence of power and wealth.
- Impact on Allies
The mourning of Tyre’s allies highlights the interconnectedness of nations and the far-reaching consequences of its destruction.
Symbolism and Imagery
The chapter is rich in symbolism and vivid imagery, which serve to enhance its themes:
- Maritime Imagery
The use of nautical terms and descriptions of ships conveys Tyre’s dominance over sea trade.
- Luxury Goods
The mention of fine materials, jewels, and exotic items symbolizes the city’s opulence and allure.
- Destruction Imagery
Imagery of storms and sinking ships illustrates the sudden and catastrophic nature of Tyre’s fall.
Historical Context
Tyre was a significant Phoenician city-state known for its maritime trade and innovations. The chapter reflects the historical rivalry and conflicts involving Tyre, particularly with the Israelites and surrounding nations. Ezekiel’s prophecy likely addresses the socio-political climate of the time, including the Babylonian conquests that affected Tyre.
Theological Implications
Ezekiel 27 serves as a theological commentary on the nature of human pride and the consequences of turning away from God. The chapter illustrates how reliance on material wealth and power can lead to downfall, emphasizing the sovereignty of God over nations.
Conclusion
In summary, Ezekiel 27 is a poignant lament that captures the essence of Tyre’s grandeur and impending doom. Through its rich imagery and detailed descriptions, the chapter serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and the ultimate authority of divine judgment.
