Ezekiel 27
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Ezekiel 27
A Lamentation for Tyre, the Perfect Ship
1The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying,
2Now, thou son of man, take up a lamentation for Tyrus;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
CHAPTER 27
Eze 27:1-36. Tyre's Former Greatness, Suggesting a Lamentation over Her Sad Downfall.
2. lamentation--a funeral dirge, eulogizing her great attributes, to make the contrast the greater between her former and her latter state.
CHAPTER 27
Eze 27:1-36. Tyre's Former Greatness, Suggesting a Lamentation over Her Sad Downfall.
2. lamentation--a funeral dirge, eulogizing her great attributes, to make the contrast the greater between her former and her latter state.
The Pulpit Commentary
Take up a lamentation for Tyrus. The dirge over the merchant-city that follows, the doom sic transit gloria mundi, worked out with a fullness of detail which reminds us of the Homeric catalogue of ships ('Iliad,' 2:484-770), is almost, if not altogether, without a parallel in the history of literature. It can scarcely have rested on anything but personal knowledge. Ezekiel, we must believe, had, at some time or other in his life, trod the sinful streets of the great city, and noted the mingled crowd of many nations and in many costumes that he met there, just as we infer from Dante's vivid description of the dockyards of Venice ('Inf.,' 21.7-15) that he had visited that city. Apart from its poetic or prophetic interest, it is for us almost the locus classicus as to the geography and commerce of that old world of which Tyre was in some sense the center. We may compare it, from that point of view, with the ethnological statements in Gen_10:1-32.; just as, from the standpoint of prophecy, it has to be compared with Isaiah's "burden" against Babylon (Isa_13:1-22; Isa_14:1-32.), and with St. John's representation of Rome as the spiritual Babylon of the Apocalypse (Rev_18:1-24.).
Take up a lamentation for Tyrus. The dirge over the merchant-city that follows, the doom sic transit gloria mundi, worked out with a fullness of detail which reminds us of the Homeric catalogue of ships ('Iliad,' 2:484-770), is almost, if not altogether, without a parallel in the history of literature. It can scarcely have rested on anything but personal knowledge. Ezekiel, we must believe, had, at some time or other in his life, trod the sinful streets of the great city, and noted the mingled crowd of many nations and in many costumes that he met there, just as we infer from Dante's vivid description of the dockyards of Venice ('Inf.,' 21.7-15) that he had visited that city. Apart from its poetic or prophetic interest, it is for us almost the locus classicus as to the geography and commerce of that old world of which Tyre was in some sense the center. We may compare it, from that point of view, with the ethnological statements in Gen_10:1-32.; just as, from the standpoint of prophecy, it has to be compared with Isaiah's "burden" against Babylon (Isa_13:1-22; Isa_14:1-32.), and with St. John's representation of Rome as the spiritual Babylon of the Apocalypse (Rev_18:1-24.).
3And 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
3. situate at the entry of the sea--literally, plural, "entrances," that is, ports or havens; referring to the double port of Tyre, at which vessels entered round the north and south ends of the island, so that ships could find a ready entrance from whatever point the wind might blow (compare Eze 28:2).
merchant of ... people for many isles--that is, a mercantile emporium of the peoples of many seacoasts, both from the east and from the west (Is 23:3), "a mart of nations."
of perfect beauty--(Eze 28:12).
3. situate at the entry of the sea--literally, plural, "entrances," that is, ports or havens; referring to the double port of Tyre, at which vessels entered round the north and south ends of the island, so that ships could find a ready entrance from whatever point the wind might blow (compare Eze 28:2).
merchant of ... people for many isles--that is, a mercantile emporium of the peoples of many seacoasts, both from the east and from the west (Is 23:3), "a mart of nations."
of perfect beauty--(Eze 28:12).
The Pulpit Commentary
We begin with the picture of the city, situate at the entry (Hebrew, entries), or harbors of the sea. Of these Tyre had two—the northern, known as the Sidonian; the southern, as the Egyptian. There she dwelt, a merchant of the peoples, that came, in the wider sense of the word (see Eze_26:15), from the isles of the Mediterranean. I am perfect in beauty. The boast here put into the mouth of the city appears afterwards as the utterance of its ruler, or as applied to him (Eze_28:2, Eze_28:15-17). We are reminded of Genoa, la superba.
We begin with the picture of the city, situate at the entry (Hebrew, entries), or harbors of the sea. Of these Tyre had two—the northern, known as the Sidonian; the southern, as the Egyptian. There she dwelt, a merchant of the peoples, that came, in the wider sense of the word (see Eze_26:15), from the isles of the Mediterranean. I am perfect in beauty. The boast here put into the mouth of the city appears afterwards as the utterance of its ruler, or as applied to him (Eze_28:2, Eze_28:15-17). We are reminded of Genoa, la superba.
Thy Borders Are in the Midst of the Seas
4Thy borders are in the midst of the seas, thy builders have perfected thy beauty.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
4. Tyre, in consonance with her seagirt position, separated by a strait of half a mile from the mainland, is described as a ship built of the best material, and manned with the best mariners and skilful pilots, but at last wrecked in tempestuous seas (Eze 27:26).
4. Tyre, in consonance with her seagirt position, separated by a strait of half a mile from the mainland, is described as a ship built of the best material, and manned with the best mariners and skilful pilots, but at last wrecked in tempestuous seas (Eze 27:26).
The Pulpit Commentary
In the midst of the seas; literally, in the heart (Revised Version). The words were true of the island-city, but Ezekiel has already present to his thoughts the idealized picture of the city under the figure of its stateliest ship. The builders are ship-builders, and in the verses that follow we have a picture of the Bucentaur of the Venice of the ancient world.
In the midst of the seas; literally, in the heart (Revised Version). The words were true of the island-city, but Ezekiel has already present to his thoughts the idealized picture of the city under the figure of its stateliest ship. The builders are ship-builders, and in the verses that follow we have a picture of the Bucentaur of the Venice of the ancient world.
5They have made all thy ship boards of fir trees of Senir: they have taken cedars from Lebanon to make masts for thee.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
5. Senir--the Amorite name of Hermon, or the southern height of Anti-libanus (De 3:9); the Sidonian name was Sirion. "All thy ... boards"; dual in Hebrew, "double-boards," namely, placed in a double order on the two sides of which the ship consisted [Vatablus]. Or, referring to the two sides or the two ends, the prow and the stern, which every ship has [Munster].
cedars--most suited for "masts," from their height and durability.
5. Senir--the Amorite name of Hermon, or the southern height of Anti-libanus (De 3:9); the Sidonian name was Sirion. "All thy ... boards"; dual in Hebrew, "double-boards," namely, placed in a double order on the two sides of which the ship consisted [Vatablus]. Or, referring to the two sides or the two ends, the prow and the stern, which every ship has [Munster].
cedars--most suited for "masts," from their height and durability.
The Pulpit Commentary
Fir trees of Senti. The name appears in Deu_3:9 and Son_4:8 as Shenir; in 1Ch_5:23 it is spelt as here. From Deu_3:9 we learn that it was the Amorite name for Hermon, as Sirion was the Sidonian name. In 1Ki_5:10 Hiram King of Tyro appears as supplying Solomon with the fir and cedar timber mentioned here for the erection of his palace, the house of the forest of Lebanon (1Ki_7:2). The fir tree was more commonly used for ships, the cedar for houses (Virgil, 'Georg.,' 2.444). The Hebrew for "boards" is unique in its form as a plural with a dual form superadded to indicate that each plank had its counterpart on the other side of the ship.
Fir trees of Senti. The name appears in Deu_3:9 and Son_4:8 as Shenir; in 1Ch_5:23 it is spelt as here. From Deu_3:9 we learn that it was the Amorite name for Hermon, as Sirion was the Sidonian name. In 1Ki_5:10 Hiram King of Tyro appears as supplying Solomon with the fir and cedar timber mentioned here for the erection of his palace, the house of the forest of Lebanon (1Ki_7:2). The fir tree was more commonly used for ships, the cedar for houses (Virgil, 'Georg.,' 2.444). The Hebrew for "boards" is unique in its form as a plural with a dual form superadded to indicate that each plank had its counterpart on the other side of the ship.
6Of 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
6. Bashan--celebrated for its oaks, as Lebanon was for its cedars.
the company of ... Ashurites--the most skilful workmen summoned from Assyria. Rather, as the Hebrew orthography requires, "They have made thy (rowing) benches of ivory inlaid in the daughter of cedars" [Maurer], or, the best boxwood. Fairbairn, with Bochart, reads the Hebrew two words as one: "Thy plankwork (deck: instead of 'benches,' as the Hebrew is singular) they made ivory with boxes." English Version, with Maurer's correction, is simpler.
Chittim--Cyprus and Macedonia, from which, Pliny tells us, the best boxwood came [Grotius].
6. Bashan--celebrated for its oaks, as Lebanon was for its cedars.
the company of ... Ashurites--the most skilful workmen summoned from Assyria. Rather, as the Hebrew orthography requires, "They have made thy (rowing) benches of ivory inlaid in the daughter of cedars" [Maurer], or, the best boxwood. Fairbairn, with Bochart, reads the Hebrew two words as one: "Thy plankwork (deck: instead of 'benches,' as the Hebrew is singular) they made ivory with boxes." English Version, with Maurer's correction, is simpler.
Chittim--Cyprus and Macedonia, from which, Pliny tells us, the best boxwood came [Grotius].
The Pulpit Commentary
The high plateau of Bashan, the region east of the sea of Galilee and the Jordan, now known as the Hauran, was famous then, as it is now, for its oak forests and its wild cattle (Psa_22:12). The company of the Ashurites, etc.; better, with the Revised Version, they have made thy benches of ivory inlaid in boxwood. The Authorized Version follows the present Hebrew text, but the name of the nation there is not the same as that of the Assyrians, and corresponds with the Ashurites of 2Sa_2:9—an obscure tribe of Canaanites, possibly identical with the Geshurites. A difference of punctuation or spelling (Bithasshurim for Bath-asshu-rim) gives the meaning which the Revised Version follows; thasshur being used in Isa_41:19 and Isa_60:13 for the box tree, or perhaps cypress, or larch, as forming part of the glory of Lebanon. The use of ivory in ship or house building seems to have been one of the arts for which Tyre was famous. So we have the ivory palace of Ahab, after he had married his Sidonian queen (1Ki_22:39) and those of the monarch who had married a Tyrian princess in Psa_45:8 (see also Amo_3:15). For the use of such inlaid wood in later times, see Virgil, 'AEneid,' 10:137. Either the ivory or the wood is said to come from the isles of Chittim. The word was about as wide in its use as the "Indies" in the time of Elizabeth. Josephus ('Ant.,' 1.6. 1) identifies it with Cyprus, which perhaps retains a memorial of it in Citium. The Vulgate, as in Num_24:24, identifies it here with Italy, and in Dan_11:30 translates the "ships of Chittim" as trieres et Romani, while in 1 Macc. 1:1, it is used of Greece as including Macedonia. In Gen_10:4 the Kittim appear as descended from Javan, i.e. are classed as Greeks or Ionians. The ivory which the Tyrians used probably came from Northern Africa, and may have been supplied through Carthage or other Phoenician colonies. A supply may have come also from Ethiopia through Egypt, or from the Red Sea ports, with which the Phoenicians carried on a trade with Arabia. Inlaid ivory-work, sometimes in wood, sometimes with enamel, is found both in Egyptian and Assyrian remains ('Dict. Bible,' s.v. "Ivory").
The high plateau of Bashan, the region east of the sea of Galilee and the Jordan, now known as the Hauran, was famous then, as it is now, for its oak forests and its wild cattle (Psa_22:12). The company of the Ashurites, etc.; better, with the Revised Version, they have made thy benches of ivory inlaid in boxwood. The Authorized Version follows the present Hebrew text, but the name of the nation there is not the same as that of the Assyrians, and corresponds with the Ashurites of 2Sa_2:9—an obscure tribe of Canaanites, possibly identical with the Geshurites. A difference of punctuation or spelling (Bithasshurim for Bath-asshu-rim) gives the meaning which the Revised Version follows; thasshur being used in Isa_41:19 and Isa_60:13 for the box tree, or perhaps cypress, or larch, as forming part of the glory of Lebanon. The use of ivory in ship or house building seems to have been one of the arts for which Tyre was famous. So we have the ivory palace of Ahab, after he had married his Sidonian queen (1Ki_22:39) and those of the monarch who had married a Tyrian princess in Psa_45:8 (see also Amo_3:15). For the use of such inlaid wood in later times, see Virgil, 'AEneid,' 10:137. Either the ivory or the wood is said to come from the isles of Chittim. The word was about as wide in its use as the "Indies" in the time of Elizabeth. Josephus ('Ant.,' 1.6. 1) identifies it with Cyprus, which perhaps retains a memorial of it in Citium. The Vulgate, as in Num_24:24, identifies it here with Italy, and in Dan_11:30 translates the "ships of Chittim" as trieres et Romani, while in 1 Macc. 1:1, it is used of Greece as including Macedonia. In Gen_10:4 the Kittim appear as descended from Javan, i.e. are classed as Greeks or Ionians. The ivory which the Tyrians used probably came from Northern Africa, and may have been supplied through Carthage or other Phoenician colonies. A supply may have come also from Ethiopia through Egypt, or from the Red Sea ports, with which the Phoenicians carried on a trade with Arabia. Inlaid ivory-work, sometimes in wood, sometimes with enamel, is found both in Egyptian and Assyrian remains ('Dict. Bible,' s.v. "Ivory").
7Fine 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
7. broidered ... sail--The ancients embroidered their sails often at great expense, especially the Egyptians, whose linen, still preserved in mummies, is of the finest texture.
Elishah--Greece; so called from Elis, a large and ancient division of Peloponnesus. Pausanias says that the best of linen was produced in it, and in no other part of Greece; called by Homer, Alisium.
that which covered thee--thy awning.
7. broidered ... sail--The ancients embroidered their sails often at great expense, especially the Egyptians, whose linen, still preserved in mummies, is of the finest texture.
Elishah--Greece; so called from Elis, a large and ancient division of Peloponnesus. Pausanias says that the best of linen was produced in it, and in no other part of Greece; called by Homer, Alisium.
that which covered thee--thy awning.
The Pulpit Commentary
For the fine linen of Egypt, the Byssus famous in its commerce, see Gen_41:42; Exo_26:36. This, which took the place of the coarse canvas of the common ships, was made more magnificent by being embroidered with purple or crimson, with gold borders. The ship of Antony and Cleopatra had purple sails, which, as they swelled out with the wind, served as a banner. The ancient ships had no flags or pennons. So the Revised Version renders, of fine linen, was thy sail, that it might be to thee for an ensign. The word for "sail" in the Authorized Version is rendered" banner" in Psa_60:4; Isa_13:2, and "ensign" in Isa_11:12. The isles of Elishah. The name appears in Gen_10:4 as one of the sons of Javan. It has been identified, on the ground chiefly of similarity of sound, with Ells, Hellas, or AEolia. Laconia has been suggested as being famous for the murex which supplied the purple dye. The Targum gives Italy. Sicily also has been conjectured. The murex is common all over the Mediterranean, but Cythera and Abydos are named as having been specially famous for it. Probably, as in the case of "Chittim," the word was used with considerable latitude. The latter clause of the verse describes the awning over the deck of the queenly ship. Was Ezekiel describing what he had actually seen in the state-ship of Tyro?
For the fine linen of Egypt, the Byssus famous in its commerce, see Gen_41:42; Exo_26:36. This, which took the place of the coarse canvas of the common ships, was made more magnificent by being embroidered with purple or crimson, with gold borders. The ship of Antony and Cleopatra had purple sails, which, as they swelled out with the wind, served as a banner. The ancient ships had no flags or pennons. So the Revised Version renders, of fine linen, was thy sail, that it might be to thee for an ensign. The word for "sail" in the Authorized Version is rendered" banner" in Psa_60:4; Isa_13:2, and "ensign" in Isa_11:12. The isles of Elishah. The name appears in Gen_10:4 as one of the sons of Javan. It has been identified, on the ground chiefly of similarity of sound, with Ells, Hellas, or AEolia. Laconia has been suggested as being famous for the murex which supplied the purple dye. The Targum gives Italy. Sicily also has been conjectured. The murex is common all over the Mediterranean, but Cythera and Abydos are named as having been specially famous for it. Probably, as in the case of "Chittim," the word was used with considerable latitude. The latter clause of the verse describes the awning over the deck of the queenly ship. Was Ezekiel describing what he had actually seen in the state-ship of Tyro?
8The inhabitants of Zidon and Arvad were thy mariners: thy wise men, O Tyrus, that were in thee, were thy pilots.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
8. Arvad--a small island and city near Phoenicia, now Ruad: its inhabitants are still noted for seafaring habits.
thy wise men, O Tyrus ... thy pilots--While the men of Arvad, once thy equals (Ge 10:18), and the Sidonians, once thy superiors, were employed by thee in subordinate positions as "mariners," thou madest thine own skilled men alone to be commanders and pilots. Implying the political and mercantile superiority of Tyre.
8. Arvad--a small island and city near Phoenicia, now Ruad: its inhabitants are still noted for seafaring habits.
thy wise men, O Tyrus ... thy pilots--While the men of Arvad, once thy equals (Ge 10:18), and the Sidonians, once thy superiors, were employed by thee in subordinate positions as "mariners," thou madest thine own skilled men alone to be commanders and pilots. Implying the political and mercantile superiority of Tyre.
The Pulpit Commentary
The two cities are named as tributaries of Tyro from which she drew her sailors, the Tyrians themselves acting as captains and pilots. Zidon (now Saida) is named in Gen_10:15 as the firstborn of Canaan, and was older than Tyre itself (Isa_23:2, Isa_23:12). Arvad is identified with the Greek Aradus, the modern Ruad, an island about two miles from the coast, about two miles north of the mouth of the river Eleutheros (Nahr-el-Kebir). It is scarcely a mile in circumference, but was prominent enough to be named here and in Gen_10:18; 1Ch_1:16. Opposite to it on the mainland was the town of Antaradus. For mariners, the Revised Version gives rowers.
The two cities are named as tributaries of Tyro from which she drew her sailors, the Tyrians themselves acting as captains and pilots. Zidon (now Saida) is named in Gen_10:15 as the firstborn of Canaan, and was older than Tyre itself (Isa_23:2, Isa_23:12). Arvad is identified with the Greek Aradus, the modern Ruad, an island about two miles from the coast, about two miles north of the mouth of the river Eleutheros (Nahr-el-Kebir). It is scarcely a mile in circumference, but was prominent enough to be named here and in Gen_10:18; 1Ch_1:16. Opposite to it on the mainland was the town of Antaradus. For mariners, the Revised Version gives rowers.
9The 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
9. Gebal--a Phoenician city and region between Beirut and Tripolis, famed for skilled workmen (1Ki 5:18, Margin; Psa 83:7).
calkers--stoppers of chinks in a vessel: carrying on the metaphor as to Tyre.
occupy thy merchandise--that is, to exchange merchandise with thee.
9. Gebal--a Phoenician city and region between Beirut and Tripolis, famed for skilled workmen (1Ki 5:18, Margin; Psa 83:7).
calkers--stoppers of chinks in a vessel: carrying on the metaphor as to Tyre.
occupy thy merchandise--that is, to exchange merchandise with thee.
The Pulpit Commentary
The ancients of Gebal. The word is used in the sense of "elders" or "senators," the governing body. Gebal, for which the LXX. gives Biblii, is identified with the Greek Byblus. The name appears in Psa_83:7 in connection, among other nations, with Tyre and Asshur, as allied with them against Israel; in Jos_13:5 as near Lebanon and Hermon; in 1Ki_5:18 (margin Revised Version) as among the stonemasons who worked with Hiram's builders. Byblus was situated on an eminence overlooking the river Adonis between Beirut and Tripoli. Its modern name, Gebail, retains the old Semitic form, and its ruins abound in marble and granite columns of Phoenician and Egyptian workmanship. The work of the caulkers was to stop the chinks of the ship, and the men of Gebal appear to have been especially skilful in this. We note that the metaphor of the ship falls into the background in the latter clause of the verse, and does not appear again.
The ancients of Gebal. The word is used in the sense of "elders" or "senators," the governing body. Gebal, for which the LXX. gives Biblii, is identified with the Greek Byblus. The name appears in Psa_83:7 in connection, among other nations, with Tyre and Asshur, as allied with them against Israel; in Jos_13:5 as near Lebanon and Hermon; in 1Ki_5:18 (margin Revised Version) as among the stonemasons who worked with Hiram's builders. Byblus was situated on an eminence overlooking the river Adonis between Beirut and Tripoli. Its modern name, Gebail, retains the old Semitic form, and its ruins abound in marble and granite columns of Phoenician and Egyptian workmanship. The work of the caulkers was to stop the chinks of the ship, and the men of Gebal appear to have been especially skilful in this. We note that the metaphor of the ship falls into the background in the latter clause of the verse, and does not appear again.
10They 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
10. Persia ... Phut--warriors from the extreme east and west.
Lud--the Lydians of Asia Minor, near the Meander, famed for archery (Is 66:19); rather than those of Ethiopia, as the Lydians of Asia Minor form a kind of intermediate step between Persia and Phut (the Libyans about Cyrene, shielded warriors, Jr 46:9, descended from Phut, son of Ham).
hanged ... shield ... comeliness--Warriors hanged their accoutrements on the walls for ornament. Divested of the metaphor, it means that it was an honor to thee to have so many nations supplying thee with hired soldiers.
10. Persia ... Phut--warriors from the extreme east and west.
Lud--the Lydians of Asia Minor, near the Meander, famed for archery (Is 66:19); rather than those of Ethiopia, as the Lydians of Asia Minor form a kind of intermediate step between Persia and Phut (the Libyans about Cyrene, shielded warriors, Jr 46:9, descended from Phut, son of Ham).
hanged ... shield ... comeliness--Warriors hanged their accoutrements on the walls for ornament. Divested of the metaphor, it means that it was an honor to thee to have so many nations supplying thee with hired soldiers.
The Pulpit Commentary
Persia. The name does not meet us in any Old Testament book before the exile, Elam taking its place. It was just about the time that Ezekiel wrote that the Persians were becoming conspicuous through their alliance with the Modes. So we find it again in Eze_38:5; Dan_5:28; Dan_8:20; 2Ch_36:20, 2Ch_36:22; Ezr_1:1; Ezr_4:5; Est_1:3. Here they are named as mercenaries in the Tyrian army. Lud. The LXX. and the Vulgate, led by the similarity of sound, give Lydians. In Gen_10:13 the Ludim appear as descendants of Mizraim, while Lud in Gen_10:22 is joined with Elam and Asshur as among the sons of Shem. Its combination with "Phut" (i.e. Libya) here and in Jer_46:9 is in favor of its referring to an African nation (comp. also Eze_30:5; Isa_66:19). Phut. Both the LXX. and the Vulgate give Libyans. In Gen_10:6 the name is joined with Cash and Mizraim. The Lubim (Libyans) are named as forming part of Shishak's army in 2Ch_12:3; 2Ch_16:8, and in Nah_3:9 and Jer_46:9 as closely allied with the Egyptians. Ezekiel names Phut again as sharing in the fall of Tyre (Eze_30:5), and as serving in the army of Gog (Eze_38:5). Mr. R. S. Peele is inclined to identify them with the Nubians.
Persia. The name does not meet us in any Old Testament book before the exile, Elam taking its place. It was just about the time that Ezekiel wrote that the Persians were becoming conspicuous through their alliance with the Modes. So we find it again in Eze_38:5; Dan_5:28; Dan_8:20; 2Ch_36:20, 2Ch_36:22; Ezr_1:1; Ezr_4:5; Est_1:3. Here they are named as mercenaries in the Tyrian army. Lud. The LXX. and the Vulgate, led by the similarity of sound, give Lydians. In Gen_10:13 the Ludim appear as descendants of Mizraim, while Lud in Gen_10:22 is joined with Elam and Asshur as among the sons of Shem. Its combination with "Phut" (i.e. Libya) here and in Jer_46:9 is in favor of its referring to an African nation (comp. also Eze_30:5; Isa_66:19). Phut. Both the LXX. and the Vulgate give Libyans. In Gen_10:6 the name is joined with Cash and Mizraim. The Lubim (Libyans) are named as forming part of Shishak's army in 2Ch_12:3; 2Ch_16:8, and in Nah_3:9 and Jer_46:9 as closely allied with the Egyptians. Ezekiel names Phut again as sharing in the fall of Tyre (Eze_30:5), and as serving in the army of Gog (Eze_38:5). Mr. R. S. Peele is inclined to identify them with the Nubians.
11The 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
11. Gammadims--rather, as the Tyrians were Syro-Phoenicians, from a Syriac root, meaning daring, "men of daring" [Ludovicus De Dieu]. It is not likely the keeping of watch "in the towers" would have been entrusted to foreigners. Others take it from a Hebrew root, "a dagger," or short sword (Jud 3:16), "short-swordsmen."
11. Gammadims--rather, as the Tyrians were Syro-Phoenicians, from a Syriac root, meaning daring, "men of daring" [Ludovicus De Dieu]. It is not likely the keeping of watch "in the towers" would have been entrusted to foreigners. Others take it from a Hebrew root, "a dagger," or short sword (Jud 3:16), "short-swordsmen."
The Pulpit Commentary
(For Arvad, see Eze_27:8.) Gammadim. The LXX. translates "guards" (φύλακες); the Vulgate, Pygmies, probably as connecting the name with Gamad (equivalent to "a cubit"). The Targum gives "watchmen;" Gesenius, "warriors:" Hitzig, "deserters." The name probably indicates that they were the flower of the Tyrian army—the life-guards (like the "Immortals" of the Persians) of the merchant-city. On the whole, we must leave the problem as one that we have no data for solving. The grouping with Arvad, however, suggests a Syrian or Phoenician tribe. They hanged their shields. The custom seems to have been specially Phoenician. Solomon introduced it at Jerusalem (So Eze_4:4). The sight of the walls thus decorated, the shields being sometimes gilt or painted, must have been sufficiently striking to warrant Ezekiel's phrase that thus the beauty of the city was "made perfect" by it. The custom reappears in 1 Macc. 4:57.
(For Arvad, see Eze_27:8.) Gammadim. The LXX. translates "guards" (φύλακες); the Vulgate, Pygmies, probably as connecting the name with Gamad (equivalent to "a cubit"). The Targum gives "watchmen;" Gesenius, "warriors:" Hitzig, "deserters." The name probably indicates that they were the flower of the Tyrian army—the life-guards (like the "Immortals" of the Persians) of the merchant-city. On the whole, we must leave the problem as one that we have no data for solving. The grouping with Arvad, however, suggests a Syrian or Phoenician tribe. They hanged their shields. The custom seems to have been specially Phoenician. Solomon introduced it at Jerusalem (So Eze_4:4). The sight of the walls thus decorated, the shields being sometimes gilt or painted, must have been sufficiently striking to warrant Ezekiel's phrase that thus the beauty of the city was "made perfect" by it. The custom reappears in 1 Macc. 4:57.
Tyre's Merchants and Markets
12Tarshish was thy merchant by reason of the multitude of all kind of riches; with silver, iron, tin, and lead, they traded in thy fairs.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
12. Tarshish--Tartessus in Spain, a country famed for various metals, which were exported to Tyre. Much of the "tin" probably was conveyed by the Phoenicians from Cornwall to Tarshish.
traded in thy fairs--"did barter with thee" [Fairbairn]; from a root, "to leave," something left in barter for something else.
12. Tarshish--Tartessus in Spain, a country famed for various metals, which were exported to Tyre. Much of the "tin" probably was conveyed by the Phoenicians from Cornwall to Tarshish.
traded in thy fairs--"did barter with thee" [Fairbairn]; from a root, "to leave," something left in barter for something else.
The Pulpit Commentary
Tarahish. The description of the city is followed by a catalogue raisonnee of the countries with which she traded. Here we are on more certain ground, there being a general consensus that Tarshish, the Greek Tartessus, indicates the coast of Spain, which was pre-eminent in the ancient world for the metals named (Jer_10:9). The ships of Tarshish (1Ki_22:48; Isa_2:16) were the larger merchant-vessels that were made for this distant traffic. Like all such names, it was probably used with considerable latitude, and it is worth noting that both the LXX. and the Vulgate give Carthaginians. Probably the chief Phoenician colonies in Spain, notably, of course, Carthago Nova, were offshoots from Carthage, in which, by the way, we trace the old Hebrew Kirjath (equivalent to "city"). Traded in thy fairs; better, with the Revised Version, traded for thy wares; i.e. they bartered their mineral treasures for the goods brought by the Tyrian merchants. The same Hebrew word appears in Eze_27:14, Eze_27:16, Eze_27:19, Eze_27:22, Eze_27:23, but is not found elsewhere in the Old Testament, and may have been a technical word in Tyrian commerce. The LXX. gives ἀγορά; the Vulgate, nundinae, which seems to have suggested the Revised Version.
Tarahish. The description of the city is followed by a catalogue raisonnee of the countries with which she traded. Here we are on more certain ground, there being a general consensus that Tarshish, the Greek Tartessus, indicates the coast of Spain, which was pre-eminent in the ancient world for the metals named (Jer_10:9). The ships of Tarshish (1Ki_22:48; Isa_2:16) were the larger merchant-vessels that were made for this distant traffic. Like all such names, it was probably used with considerable latitude, and it is worth noting that both the LXX. and the Vulgate give Carthaginians. Probably the chief Phoenician colonies in Spain, notably, of course, Carthago Nova, were offshoots from Carthage, in which, by the way, we trace the old Hebrew Kirjath (equivalent to "city"). Traded in thy fairs; better, with the Revised Version, traded for thy wares; i.e. they bartered their mineral treasures for the goods brought by the Tyrian merchants. The same Hebrew word appears in Eze_27:14, Eze_27:16, Eze_27:19, Eze_27:22, Eze_27:23, but is not found elsewhere in the Old Testament, and may have been a technical word in Tyrian commerce. The LXX. gives ἀγορά; the Vulgate, nundinae, which seems to have suggested the Revised Version.
13Javan, Tubal, and Meshech, they were thy merchants: they traded the persons of men and vessels of brass in thy market.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
13. Javan--the Ionians or Greeks: for the Ionians of Asia Minor were the first Greeks with whom the Asiatics came in contact.
Tubal ... Meshech--the Tibareni and Moschi, in the mountain region between the Black and Caspian Seas.
persons of men--that is, as slaves. So the Turkish harems are supplied with female slaves from Circassia and Georgia.
vessels--all kinds of articles. Superior weapons are still manufactured in the Caucasus region.
13. Javan--the Ionians or Greeks: for the Ionians of Asia Minor were the first Greeks with whom the Asiatics came in contact.
Tubal ... Meshech--the Tibareni and Moschi, in the mountain region between the Black and Caspian Seas.
persons of men--that is, as slaves. So the Turkish harems are supplied with female slaves from Circassia and Georgia.
vessels--all kinds of articles. Superior weapons are still manufactured in the Caucasus region.
The Pulpit Commentary
Javan (father of Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim, and son of Japheth, Gen_10:2, Gen_10:4) stands generically for Greece, and probably represents Ionia. Tubal and Meshech are sons of Japheth in Gen_10:2, and are always grouped together, except in Psa_120:5, where Meshech appears alone, and in Isa_66:19, where Tubal is named, but not Meshech. In Eze_32:26 they are associated with Elam and Asshur (Assyria); in Eze_38:2, Eze_38:3 and Eze_39:1 with Gog. The two names probably represented the tribes on the southeast coast of the Black Sea. Here the chief traffic was in slaves, the Tyrian traders probably buying them in exchange for their manufactured goods, and selling them to the cities of Greece as well as Phoenicia. In Greek history the names appear as Tibaroni and Moschi (Herod; 3.94; Xenophon, 'Anab.,' 5.5. 2, etal.). In Joel 4:6 Tyriaus are represented as selling Israelites as slaves in Greek cities (Hebrew "sons of Javan"). Thrace and Scythia were at all times the chief countries from which Greece imported her slaves. Vessels of brass. Here, as throughout the Old Testament, we should read "copper," the mixed metal which we know as "brass" not Being known to ancient metallurgy. Copper-mines were found near the Caucasus, and Euboea was also famous for them. The region was also noted for its iron.
Javan (father of Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim, and son of Japheth, Gen_10:2, Gen_10:4) stands generically for Greece, and probably represents Ionia. Tubal and Meshech are sons of Japheth in Gen_10:2, and are always grouped together, except in Psa_120:5, where Meshech appears alone, and in Isa_66:19, where Tubal is named, but not Meshech. In Eze_32:26 they are associated with Elam and Asshur (Assyria); in Eze_38:2, Eze_38:3 and Eze_39:1 with Gog. The two names probably represented the tribes on the southeast coast of the Black Sea. Here the chief traffic was in slaves, the Tyrian traders probably buying them in exchange for their manufactured goods, and selling them to the cities of Greece as well as Phoenicia. In Greek history the names appear as Tibaroni and Moschi (Herod; 3.94; Xenophon, 'Anab.,' 5.5. 2, etal.). In Joel 4:6 Tyriaus are represented as selling Israelites as slaves in Greek cities (Hebrew "sons of Javan"). Thrace and Scythia were at all times the chief countries from which Greece imported her slaves. Vessels of brass. Here, as throughout the Old Testament, we should read "copper," the mixed metal which we know as "brass" not Being known to ancient metallurgy. Copper-mines were found near the Caucasus, and Euboea was also famous for them. The region was also noted for its iron.
14They of the house of Togarmah traded in thy fairs with horses and horsemen and mules.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
14. Togarmah--Armenia: descended from Gomer (Ge 10:3). Their mountainous region south of the Caucasus was celebrated for horses.
horsemen--rather, "riding-horses," as distinct from "horses" for chariots [Fairbairn].
14. Togarmah--Armenia: descended from Gomer (Ge 10:3). Their mountainous region south of the Caucasus was celebrated for horses.
horsemen--rather, "riding-horses," as distinct from "horses" for chariots [Fairbairn].
The Pulpit Commentary
Togarmah. The name appears in Eze_38:6 as an ally of Gog, in Gen_10:3 as a son of Gomer. Jerome identifies it with Phrygia, others with Cappadocia, but there is a wider consensus for Armenia, which was famous for its horses and mules (Xenophon, ' Anab.,' 5. 34; Strabo, 11.14. 9; Herod; 1.194).
Togarmah. The name appears in Eze_38:6 as an ally of Gog, in Gen_10:3 as a son of Gomer. Jerome identifies it with Phrygia, others with Cappadocia, but there is a wider consensus for Armenia, which was famous for its horses and mules (Xenophon, ' Anab.,' 5. 34; Strabo, 11.14. 9; Herod; 1.194).
15The 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
15. Dedan--near the Persian Sea: thus an avenue to the commerce of India. Not the Dedan in Arabia (Eze 27:20), as the names in the context here prove, but the Dedan sprung from Cush [Bochart], (Ge 10:7).
merchandise of thine hand--that is, were dependent on thee for trade [Fairbairn]; came to buy the produce of thy hands [Grotius].
a present--literally, "a reward in return"; a price paid for merchandise.
horns of ivory--Ivory is so termed from its resemblance to horns. The Hebrew word for "ivory" means "tooth"; so that they cannot have mistaken ivory as if coming from the horns of certain animals, instead of from the tusks of the elephant.
15. Dedan--near the Persian Sea: thus an avenue to the commerce of India. Not the Dedan in Arabia (Eze 27:20), as the names in the context here prove, but the Dedan sprung from Cush [Bochart], (Ge 10:7).
merchandise of thine hand--that is, were dependent on thee for trade [Fairbairn]; came to buy the produce of thy hands [Grotius].
a present--literally, "a reward in return"; a price paid for merchandise.
horns of ivory--Ivory is so termed from its resemblance to horns. The Hebrew word for "ivory" means "tooth"; so that they cannot have mistaken ivory as if coming from the horns of certain animals, instead of from the tusks of the elephant.
The Pulpit Commentary
The men of Dedan. The name occurs again in Eze_27:20, and has already met us in Eze_25:13 (where see note). Here the words probably refer to the many isles of the Persian Gulf or the Red Sea. So the ships of Solomon and Hiram—ships of Tarshish (name used generically for merchant-vessels)—brought ivory among their other imports, starting from Ezion-Geber (1Ki_9:26; 1Ki_10:22). Ebony came from Ethiopia and India. Virgil, indeed, names the latter country as the only region which produced it ('Georg.,' 2.115). Ceylon is at present one of the chief sources of supply. The LXX. curiously enough gives Rhodians, the Hebrew letters for d and r being easily mistaken by copyists.
The men of Dedan. The name occurs again in Eze_27:20, and has already met us in Eze_25:13 (where see note). Here the words probably refer to the many isles of the Persian Gulf or the Red Sea. So the ships of Solomon and Hiram—ships of Tarshish (name used generically for merchant-vessels)—brought ivory among their other imports, starting from Ezion-Geber (1Ki_9:26; 1Ki_10:22). Ebony came from Ethiopia and India. Virgil, indeed, names the latter country as the only region which produced it ('Georg.,' 2.115). Ceylon is at present one of the chief sources of supply. The LXX. curiously enough gives Rhodians, the Hebrew letters for d and r being easily mistaken by copyists.
16Syria 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
16. "Syria was thy mart for the multitude," &c. For "Syria" the Septuagint reads "Edom." But the Syrians were famed as merchants.
occupied--old English for "traded"; so in Lu 19:13.
agate--Others translate, "ruby," "chalcedony," or "pearls."
16. "Syria was thy mart for the multitude," &c. For "Syria" the Septuagint reads "Edom." But the Syrians were famed as merchants.
occupied--old English for "traded"; so in Lu 19:13.
agate--Others translate, "ruby," "chalcedony," or "pearls."
The Pulpit Commentary
Syria; Hebrew, Aram. The LXX. which gives ἀνθρώπους, seems to have read Adam (equivalent to "man"), another instance of the fact just referred to. And this has led many commentators (Michaelis, Ewald, Hitzig, Furst) to conjecture, following the Peshito Version, that Edom must have been the true reading. As regards the products named, we know too little of the commerce of Edom to say whether it included them in its exports, and the fact that the broidered work of Babylon had been famous from of old (Jos_7:21), and that it was also the oldest emporium for precious stones, may be urged in favor of the present reading, and of taking Aram in its widest sense as including Mesopotamia. On the other hand, the mention of onyx, sapphire, coral, pearls, topaz, in Job_28:16-19, the local coloring of which is essentially Idumaean, supports the conjectural emendation. Emeralds (comp. Exo_28:18). Some writers identify it with the carbuncle. It meets us again in Eze_28:13. The fine linen (butz) is different from that of Eze_28:7 (shesh) and appears only in the later books of the Old Testament (1Ch_4:21; 2Ch_3:14; Est_1:6, etal.). It was probably the byssus of the Greeks, made of cotton, while the Egyptian fabric was of flax. Coral. The Hebrew (ramoth) occurs only here and in Job_28:18. "Coral" is the traditional Jewish interpretation, but the LXX. transliterates, and the Vulgate gives secure. Agate is found here and in Isa_54:12, and has been identified with the ruby or carbuncle. In Exo_28:19 and Exo_39:12 the English represents a different Hebrew word.
Syria; Hebrew, Aram. The LXX. which gives ἀνθρώπους, seems to have read Adam (equivalent to "man"), another instance of the fact just referred to. And this has led many commentators (Michaelis, Ewald, Hitzig, Furst) to conjecture, following the Peshito Version, that Edom must have been the true reading. As regards the products named, we know too little of the commerce of Edom to say whether it included them in its exports, and the fact that the broidered work of Babylon had been famous from of old (Jos_7:21), and that it was also the oldest emporium for precious stones, may be urged in favor of the present reading, and of taking Aram in its widest sense as including Mesopotamia. On the other hand, the mention of onyx, sapphire, coral, pearls, topaz, in Job_28:16-19, the local coloring of which is essentially Idumaean, supports the conjectural emendation. Emeralds (comp. Exo_28:18). Some writers identify it with the carbuncle. It meets us again in Eze_28:13. The fine linen (butz) is different from that of Eze_28:7 (shesh) and appears only in the later books of the Old Testament (1Ch_4:21; 2Ch_3:14; Est_1:6, etal.). It was probably the byssus of the Greeks, made of cotton, while the Egyptian fabric was of flax. Coral. The Hebrew (ramoth) occurs only here and in Job_28:18. "Coral" is the traditional Jewish interpretation, but the LXX. transliterates, and the Vulgate gives secure. Agate is found here and in Isa_54:12, and has been identified with the ruby or carbuncle. In Exo_28:19 and Exo_39:12 the English represents a different Hebrew word.
17Judah, 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
17. Minnith ... Pannag--names of places in Israel famed for good wheat, wherewith Tyre was supplied (1Ki 5:9, 11; Ezr 3:7; Ac 12:20); Minnith was formerly an Ammonite city (Jud 11:33). "Pannag" is identified by Grotius with "Phenice," the Greek name for "Canaan." "They traded ... wheat," that is, they supplied thy market with wheat.
balm--or, "balsam."
17. Minnith ... Pannag--names of places in Israel famed for good wheat, wherewith Tyre was supplied (1Ki 5:9, 11; Ezr 3:7; Ac 12:20); Minnith was formerly an Ammonite city (Jud 11:33). "Pannag" is identified by Grotius with "Phenice," the Greek name for "Canaan." "They traded ... wheat," that is, they supplied thy market with wheat.
balm--or, "balsam."
The Pulpit Commentary
Judah and the land of Israel. The narrow strip of land occupied by the Phoenicians was unable to supply its crowded population. It was dependent on Israel for its corn and oil and the like in the days of Solomon (1Ki_5:9-11) and continued to be so to those of Herod Agrippa (Act_12:20). Minnith appears in Jdg_11:33 as a city of the Ammonites near Heshbon, and the region of Ammon was famous for its wheat (2Ch_27:5). Minnith wheat probably fetched the highest price in the Tyrian markets. Pannag is found here only. The versions, Targum, LXX; give "ointments" (μύροι), Vulgate, balsam. Most modern commentators take it as meaning sweetmeats, the syrup of grape-juice, possibly something like the modern rahat-la-koum of Turkish commerce. Possibly, like Minnith, it may have been a proper name the significance of which is lost to us. Honey was at all times one of the famous products of Palestine (Jdg_14:8; 1Sa_14:27; Psa_19:10; Exo_33:3).
Judah and the land of Israel. The narrow strip of land occupied by the Phoenicians was unable to supply its crowded population. It was dependent on Israel for its corn and oil and the like in the days of Solomon (1Ki_5:9-11) and continued to be so to those of Herod Agrippa (Act_12:20). Minnith appears in Jdg_11:33 as a city of the Ammonites near Heshbon, and the region of Ammon was famous for its wheat (2Ch_27:5). Minnith wheat probably fetched the highest price in the Tyrian markets. Pannag is found here only. The versions, Targum, LXX; give "ointments" (μύροι), Vulgate, balsam. Most modern commentators take it as meaning sweetmeats, the syrup of grape-juice, possibly something like the modern rahat-la-koum of Turkish commerce. Possibly, like Minnith, it may have been a proper name the significance of which is lost to us. Honey was at all times one of the famous products of Palestine (Jdg_14:8; 1Sa_14:27; Psa_19:10; Exo_33:3).
18Damascus 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
18. Helbon--or Chalybon, in Syria, now Aleppo; famed for its wines; the Persian monarchs would drink no other.
18. Helbon--or Chalybon, in Syria, now Aleppo; famed for its wines; the Persian monarchs would drink no other.
The Pulpit Commentary
Damascus. The chief expert of the great capital of Syria was the wine of Helbon. The name occurs only here in the Old Testament. The LXX. gives Chel-ben; the Vulgate, as if it described the quality of the wine, vinum pingue. It has been identified with Aleppo and with Chaly-ben, but both of these places are too remote from Damascus, and Mr. J. R. Porter ('Dict. Bible,' s.v.) finds it in a place a few miles from Damascus, still bearing the name, and famous as producing the finest grapes in Syria. Strabo names the wine of Chalybon as the favorite drink of the Persian kings, and Athenaeus (Eze_1:22) says the same of the wine of Damascus. The name appears in Egyptian monuments in conjunction with Kedes, as a Hittite city, and Brugsch ('Geogr. AEgypt.,' 2:45) agrees with Porter as to its position. White wool. The adjective has been taken as a proper name (Smend) "wool of Zachar,' the region being identified with Nabatheaea, which was famous for its sheep. The LXX. gives "wool of Miletus," the city most famous in Greek commerce for its woollen fabrics.
Damascus. The chief expert of the great capital of Syria was the wine of Helbon. The name occurs only here in the Old Testament. The LXX. gives Chel-ben; the Vulgate, as if it described the quality of the wine, vinum pingue. It has been identified with Aleppo and with Chaly-ben, but both of these places are too remote from Damascus, and Mr. J. R. Porter ('Dict. Bible,' s.v.) finds it in a place a few miles from Damascus, still bearing the name, and famous as producing the finest grapes in Syria. Strabo names the wine of Chalybon as the favorite drink of the Persian kings, and Athenaeus (Eze_1:22) says the same of the wine of Damascus. The name appears in Egyptian monuments in conjunction with Kedes, as a Hittite city, and Brugsch ('Geogr. AEgypt.,' 2:45) agrees with Porter as to its position. White wool. The adjective has been taken as a proper name (Smend) "wool of Zachar,' the region being identified with Nabatheaea, which was famous for its sheep. The LXX. gives "wool of Miletus," the city most famous in Greek commerce for its woollen fabrics.
19Dan also and Javan going to and fro occupied in thy fairs: bright iron, cassia, and calamus, were in thy market.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
19. Dan also--None of the other places enumerated commence with the copula ("also"; Hebrew, ve). Moreover, the products specified, "cassia, calamus," apply rather to places in Arabia. Therefore, Fairbairn translates, "Vedan"; perhaps the modern Aden, near the straits of Bab-el-man-deb. Grotius refers it to Dana, mentioned by Ptolemy.
Javan--not the Greeks of Europe or Asia Minor, but of a Greek settlement in Arabia.
going to and fro--rather, as Hebrew admits, "from Uzal." This is added to "Javan," to mark which Javan is meant (Ge 10:27). The metropolis of Arabia Felix, or Yemen; called also Sanaa [Bochart]. English Version gives a good sense, thus: All peoples, whether near as the Israelite "Dan," or far as the Greeks or "Javan," who were wont to "go to and fro" from their love of traffic, frequented thy marts, bringing bright iron, &c., these products not being necessarily represented as those of Dan or Javan.
bright iron--Yemen is still famed for its sword blades.
calamus--aromatic cane.
19. Dan also--None of the other places enumerated commence with the copula ("also"; Hebrew, ve). Moreover, the products specified, "cassia, calamus," apply rather to places in Arabia. Therefore, Fairbairn translates, "Vedan"; perhaps the modern Aden, near the straits of Bab-el-man-deb. Grotius refers it to Dana, mentioned by Ptolemy.
Javan--not the Greeks of Europe or Asia Minor, but of a Greek settlement in Arabia.
going to and fro--rather, as Hebrew admits, "from Uzal." This is added to "Javan," to mark which Javan is meant (Ge 10:27). The metropolis of Arabia Felix, or Yemen; called also Sanaa [Bochart]. English Version gives a good sense, thus: All peoples, whether near as the Israelite "Dan," or far as the Greeks or "Javan," who were wont to "go to and fro" from their love of traffic, frequented thy marts, bringing bright iron, &c., these products not being necessarily represented as those of Dan or Javan.
bright iron--Yemen is still famed for its sword blades.
calamus--aromatic cane.
The Pulpit Commentary
Dan also; Hebrew, Vedan. The Authorized Version, following the Vulgate, takes the first syllable as the common conjunction "and;" but no other verse in the chapter begins in this way, and the Revised Version is probably right in giving the Hebrew word as its stands. Dan, it may be added, was hardly likely to have been singled out of all the tribes after the mention of Judah and Israel, especially as it had shared in the exile of the ten tribes. Smend identifies it with Waddan, between Mecca and Medina, or with Aden. Javan, too. already named in Eze_27:13, can scarcely here be Greece, though it may possibly refer to Greek traders. It also has been identified conjecturally with an Arabian city. The words, going to and fro, have been rendered "from Uzal" (Gen_10:27), the ancient name of the capital of Yemen, in Arabia; or, as in the Revised Version, with yarn. The bright iron describes the steel used for sword-blades, for which Yemen was famous. Cassia (Exo_30:24; Psa_45:8) and calamus (Exo_30:23; So Exo_4:14) both belong to the class of perfumes for which Arabia was famous. It is probably the Acorns fragraas, the "sweet cane" of Isa_43:24; Jer_6:20.
Dan also; Hebrew, Vedan. The Authorized Version, following the Vulgate, takes the first syllable as the common conjunction "and;" but no other verse in the chapter begins in this way, and the Revised Version is probably right in giving the Hebrew word as its stands. Dan, it may be added, was hardly likely to have been singled out of all the tribes after the mention of Judah and Israel, especially as it had shared in the exile of the ten tribes. Smend identifies it with Waddan, between Mecca and Medina, or with Aden. Javan, too. already named in Eze_27:13, can scarcely here be Greece, though it may possibly refer to Greek traders. It also has been identified conjecturally with an Arabian city. The words, going to and fro, have been rendered "from Uzal" (Gen_10:27), the ancient name of the capital of Yemen, in Arabia; or, as in the Revised Version, with yarn. The bright iron describes the steel used for sword-blades, for which Yemen was famous. Cassia (Exo_30:24; Psa_45:8) and calamus (Exo_30:23; So Exo_4:14) both belong to the class of perfumes for which Arabia was famous. It is probably the Acorns fragraas, the "sweet cane" of Isa_43:24; Jer_6:20.
20Dedan was thy merchant in precious clothes for chariots.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
20. Dedan--in Arabia; distinct from the Dedan in Eze 27:15 (see on Eze 27:15). Descended from Abraham and Keturah (Ge 25:3) [Bochart].
precious clothes--splendid coverlets.
20. Dedan--in Arabia; distinct from the Dedan in Eze 27:15 (see on Eze 27:15). Descended from Abraham and Keturah (Ge 25:3) [Bochart].
precious clothes--splendid coverlets.
The Pulpit Commentary
Dedan (see Eze_27:15). Here probably we have another portion of the same race. The precious clothes for riding (Revised Version) were probably of the nature of the carpets used then as now as saddle-cloths—the ephippia of the Greeks—in Persia and other parts of Asia. Compare "ye that sit on rich carpels," in Jdg_5:10 (Revised Version). So the Vulgate, tapetibus ad sedendum. The LXX. gives κτήνη ἔκλετα, as though it referred to horses.
Dedan (see Eze_27:15). Here probably we have another portion of the same race. The precious clothes for riding (Revised Version) were probably of the nature of the carpets used then as now as saddle-cloths—the ephippia of the Greeks—in Persia and other parts of Asia. Compare "ye that sit on rich carpels," in Jdg_5:10 (Revised Version). So the Vulgate, tapetibus ad sedendum. The LXX. gives κτήνη ἔκλετα, as though it referred to horses.
21Arabia, and all the princes of Kedar, they occupied with thee in lambs, and rams, and goats: in these were they thy merchants.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
21. Arabia--the nomadic tribes of Arabia, among which Kedar was pre-eminent.
occupied with thee--literally, "of thy hand," that is, they traded with thee for wares, the product of thy hand (see on Eze 27:15, 16).
21. Arabia--the nomadic tribes of Arabia, among which Kedar was pre-eminent.
occupied with thee--literally, "of thy hand," that is, they traded with thee for wares, the product of thy hand (see on Eze 27:15, 16).
The Pulpit Commentary
Arabia. The word, commonly in connection with Dedan, is used in the limited sense which attaches to it in the Old Testament (2Ch_9:14; Isa_21:13; Jer_25:24)for the tribes of what in Greek and Roman geography were known as Arabia Deserts. Kedar. The name (equivalent to "black-skinned") appears as that of the second son of Ishmael (Gen_25:13). The black tents of Kedar (Psa_120:5; So Psa_1:5) indicate a nomadic tribe of the Bedouin type, famous, as in Isa_60:7 and Jer_49:28, Jer_49:29, for their flocks of sheep and camels. They appear, also, as having cities and villages in Isa_42:11. The name is used in later rabbinic writings for all the inhabitants of Arabia.
Arabia. The word, commonly in connection with Dedan, is used in the limited sense which attaches to it in the Old Testament (2Ch_9:14; Isa_21:13; Jer_25:24)for the tribes of what in Greek and Roman geography were known as Arabia Deserts. Kedar. The name (equivalent to "black-skinned") appears as that of the second son of Ishmael (Gen_25:13). The black tents of Kedar (Psa_120:5; So Psa_1:5) indicate a nomadic tribe of the Bedouin type, famous, as in Isa_60:7 and Jer_49:28, Jer_49:29, for their flocks of sheep and camels. They appear, also, as having cities and villages in Isa_42:11. The name is used in later rabbinic writings for all the inhabitants of Arabia.
22The 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
22. Sheba ... Raamah--in Arabia.
chief of ... spices--that is, best spices (De 33:15). Obtained from India and conveyed in caravans to Tyre.
22. Sheba ... Raamah--in Arabia.
chief of ... spices--that is, best spices (De 33:15). Obtained from India and conveyed in caravans to Tyre.
The Pulpit Commentary
Sheba. The Sabaea of the Greeks. It is applied, in Gen_10:7 and 1Ch_1:9, to a grandson of Cush; in Gen_10:28 and 1Ch_1:22, to a son of Joktan; and in Gen_25:3 and 1Ch_1:32, to a grandson of Abraham. Geographically, in Ezekiel's time it probably included the South-Arabian region, that of Yemen, or Arabia Felix, and was famous, as in the history of the Queen of Sheba, for its gold, gems, and spices (1Ki_10:1, 1Ki_10:2; Psa_72:10, Psa_72:15). Raamah. Named in Gen_10:7 as father of the Cushite Sheba, and probably, therefore, connected with it ethnologically and geographically. The chief of all spices had probably a technical name, like the "principal spices" of Exo_30:23 and So Exo_4:14 for the genuine balsam, the product of the Amyris opobalsamum, which is found between Mecca and Medina. The precious stones includes onyx, rubies, agates, and cornelians found in the mountains of Hadramant, and the jaspers and crystals of Yemen. In the Rhammanitae, mentioned by Strabo as a Sabaean tribe (16:782), we have, perhaps, a survival of the old name.
Sheba. The Sabaea of the Greeks. It is applied, in Gen_10:7 and 1Ch_1:9, to a grandson of Cush; in Gen_10:28 and 1Ch_1:22, to a son of Joktan; and in Gen_25:3 and 1Ch_1:32, to a grandson of Abraham. Geographically, in Ezekiel's time it probably included the South-Arabian region, that of Yemen, or Arabia Felix, and was famous, as in the history of the Queen of Sheba, for its gold, gems, and spices (1Ki_10:1, 1Ki_10:2; Psa_72:10, Psa_72:15). Raamah. Named in Gen_10:7 as father of the Cushite Sheba, and probably, therefore, connected with it ethnologically and geographically. The chief of all spices had probably a technical name, like the "principal spices" of Exo_30:23 and So Exo_4:14 for the genuine balsam, the product of the Amyris opobalsamum, which is found between Mecca and Medina. The precious stones includes onyx, rubies, agates, and cornelians found in the mountains of Hadramant, and the jaspers and crystals of Yemen. In the Rhammanitae, mentioned by Strabo as a Sabaean tribe (16:782), we have, perhaps, a survival of the old name.
23Haran, and Canneh, and Eden, the merchants of Sheba, Asshur, and Chilmad, were thy merchants.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
23. Haran--the dwelling-place of Abraham in Mesopotamia, after he moved from Ur (Ge 11:31).
Canneh--Calneh, an Assyrian city on the Tigris; the Ctesiphon of the Greeks (Ge 10:10).
Eden--probably a region in Babylonia (see Ge 2:8).
Chilmad--a compound; the place designated by Ptolemy "Gaala of Media." The Chaldee version interprets it of Media. Henderson refers it to Carmanda, which Xenophon describes as a large city beyond the Euphrates.
23. Haran--the dwelling-place of Abraham in Mesopotamia, after he moved from Ur (Ge 11:31).
Canneh--Calneh, an Assyrian city on the Tigris; the Ctesiphon of the Greeks (Ge 10:10).
Eden--probably a region in Babylonia (see Ge 2:8).
Chilmad--a compound; the place designated by Ptolemy "Gaala of Media." The Chaldee version interprets it of Media. Henderson refers it to Carmanda, which Xenophon describes as a large city beyond the Euphrates.
The Pulpit Commentary
Haran and Canaeh, etc. From Arabia we pass to Mesopotamia. Haran (Gen_11:31) stands for the Carrhae of the Romans, situated at the point where the old military and commercial roads bifurcated Cowards Babylon and the Delta of the Persian Gulf in the one direction, and Canaan in the other. It appears in Gen_24:10 and Gen_29:4 as the city of Nahor, in Mesopotamia (Aram-Naharaim, equivalent to "Syria of the two rivers"), or, more definitely, in Parian-Atom, which lies below Mount Masius, between the Khabour and the Euphrates. It is famous in Roman history for the defeat of Crassus by the Parthians. Caaneh. The eastern of the two roads just mentioned ran on to Calneh (of which Cauneh is a variant), named in Gen_10:10 as one of the cities built by Nimrod. It is probably represented by the modern Niffer, about sixty miles southeast of Babylon. It is named in Isa_10:9 in connection with Carehemish, in Amo_6:2 with Hamath the great, as conquered by the Assyrians. It has been conjecturally identified by the Targum and other ancient writers with Ctesiphon, but (?). Eden; spelt differently in the Hebrew from the Eden of Gen_2:8. It is probably identical with the Eden near Thelassar (Td. Assar) of Isa_37:12 and 2Ki_19:12, where, as here, it is connected with Haran as among the Assyrian conquests. Its site has not been determined, and it has been placed by some geographers in the hill-country above the Upper Mesopetamian plains; by others near the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates. The position of the Eden of Amo_1:5, near Damascus, points to a Syrian town of the same name. The merchants of Sheba. The recurrence of the name after the full mention of the people in Verse 22 arises probably from the fact that they were the carriers in the commerce between the Mesopotamian cities just named and Tyre. Asshur. The name may stand (Smend), as it commonly does, for Assyria as a country; but its juxtaposition with the names of cities has led some geographers to identify with a city Sum (Essurieh) on the west bank of the Euphrates, above Thapsacus (the Tiphsah of 1Ki_4:24), and on the caravan-route which runs from Palmyra (the Tadmor of 2Ch_8:4) to Haran. Chilmad. The name is not found elsewhere. The LXX. gives Charman, a town near the Euphrates, mentioned in Xenophon, 'Anab.,' 1.5. 10, as Charmaude. It can scarcely have been a place of much general note, but may have had some special reputation which made it prominent in Tyrian commerce.
Haran and Canaeh, etc. From Arabia we pass to Mesopotamia. Haran (Gen_11:31) stands for the Carrhae of the Romans, situated at the point where the old military and commercial roads bifurcated Cowards Babylon and the Delta of the Persian Gulf in the one direction, and Canaan in the other. It appears in Gen_24:10 and Gen_29:4 as the city of Nahor, in Mesopotamia (Aram-Naharaim, equivalent to "Syria of the two rivers"), or, more definitely, in Parian-Atom, which lies below Mount Masius, between the Khabour and the Euphrates. It is famous in Roman history for the defeat of Crassus by the Parthians. Caaneh. The eastern of the two roads just mentioned ran on to Calneh (of which Cauneh is a variant), named in Gen_10:10 as one of the cities built by Nimrod. It is probably represented by the modern Niffer, about sixty miles southeast of Babylon. It is named in Isa_10:9 in connection with Carehemish, in Amo_6:2 with Hamath the great, as conquered by the Assyrians. It has been conjecturally identified by the Targum and other ancient writers with Ctesiphon, but (?). Eden; spelt differently in the Hebrew from the Eden of Gen_2:8. It is probably identical with the Eden near Thelassar (Td. Assar) of Isa_37:12 and 2Ki_19:12, where, as here, it is connected with Haran as among the Assyrian conquests. Its site has not been determined, and it has been placed by some geographers in the hill-country above the Upper Mesopetamian plains; by others near the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates. The position of the Eden of Amo_1:5, near Damascus, points to a Syrian town of the same name. The merchants of Sheba. The recurrence of the name after the full mention of the people in Verse 22 arises probably from the fact that they were the carriers in the commerce between the Mesopotamian cities just named and Tyre. Asshur. The name may stand (Smend), as it commonly does, for Assyria as a country; but its juxtaposition with the names of cities has led some geographers to identify with a city Sum (Essurieh) on the west bank of the Euphrates, above Thapsacus (the Tiphsah of 1Ki_4:24), and on the caravan-route which runs from Palmyra (the Tadmor of 2Ch_8:4) to Haran. Chilmad. The name is not found elsewhere. The LXX. gives Charman, a town near the Euphrates, mentioned in Xenophon, 'Anab.,' 1.5. 10, as Charmaude. It can scarcely have been a place of much general note, but may have had some special reputation which made it prominent in Tyrian commerce.
24These 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
24. all sorts of things--Hebrew, "perfections"; exquisite articles of finery [Grotius].
clothes--rather, "mantles" or "cloaks"; literally, "wrappings." For "blue," Henderson translates, "purple."
chests of rich apparel, bound with cords--treasures or repositories of damask stuffs, consisting of variegated threads woven together in figures [Henderson].
cedar--The "chests" were made of cedar, in order to last the longer; and it also keeps off decay and has a sweet odor.
24. all sorts of things--Hebrew, "perfections"; exquisite articles of finery [Grotius].
clothes--rather, "mantles" or "cloaks"; literally, "wrappings." For "blue," Henderson translates, "purple."
chests of rich apparel, bound with cords--treasures or repositories of damask stuffs, consisting of variegated threads woven together in figures [Henderson].
cedar--The "chests" were made of cedar, in order to last the longer; and it also keeps off decay and has a sweet odor.
The Pulpit Commentary
In all sorts of things; better, with the Revised Version, in choice wares. Hebrew, articles of beauty; or, as in margin of the Authorized Version, "excellent things." The words have been variously interpreted,
(1) by Ewald, as "suits of armor;"
(2) by Keil, as "stately dresses;"
by Havernick, as "works of art" generally. The description in detail that follows is so vivid as to give the impression that Ezekiel had seen the merchants of Sheba unloading their camels and bringing out their treasures as they arrived at Tyro. The blue clothes (wrappings of blue, as in the Revised Version) were the purple robes of Babylon, which were famous all over the world. The words that follow are somewhat obscure, but are probably rightly translated by Keil, "embroidered of twisted yarn, in-wound, and strong cords for thy wares." The yarn may have been used for the cordage of the Tyrian ships. The words, made of cedar, are in this rendering taken as an adjective, equivalent to "firm" or "strong" (so Furst).
In all sorts of things; better, with the Revised Version, in choice wares. Hebrew, articles of beauty; or, as in margin of the Authorized Version, "excellent things." The words have been variously interpreted,
(1) by Ewald, as "suits of armor;"
(2) by Keil, as "stately dresses;"
by Havernick, as "works of art" generally. The description in detail that follows is so vivid as to give the impression that Ezekiel had seen the merchants of Sheba unloading their camels and bringing out their treasures as they arrived at Tyro. The blue clothes (wrappings of blue, as in the Revised Version) were the purple robes of Babylon, which were famous all over the world. The words that follow are somewhat obscure, but are probably rightly translated by Keil, "embroidered of twisted yarn, in-wound, and strong cords for thy wares." The yarn may have been used for the cordage of the Tyrian ships. The words, made of cedar, are in this rendering taken as an adjective, equivalent to "firm" or "strong" (so Furst).
25The ships of Tarshish did sing of thee in thy market: and thou wast replenished, and made very glorious in the midst of the seas.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
25. sing of thee--personification; thy great merchant ships were palpable proofs of thy greatness. Others translate from a different Hebrew root, "were thy (mercantile) travellers." Fairbairn translates, "Were thy walls." But the parallelism to "thou wast glorious" favors English Version, "sing of thee."
25. sing of thee--personification; thy great merchant ships were palpable proofs of thy greatness. Others translate from a different Hebrew root, "were thy (mercantile) travellers." Fairbairn translates, "Were thy walls." But the parallelism to "thou wast glorious" favors English Version, "sing of thee."
The Pulpit Commentary
The verse beaus a new section, and glides back into the original metaphor of the ship, as in Eze_27:4-9. The ships of Tarshish are used generically for merchant-ships. The catalogue of the commerce ends with Eze_27:24, and the more poetic imagery reappears. It was, as centering in herself all that they brought to her that the merchant-city was very glorious in the midst of the waters. For sing of thee, read, the ships of Tarshish were thy caravans (Revised Version). The word has also the sense of "wall," as in Jer_5:10 and Job_24:11; and this, describing the ships as the "wooden wails" of Tyre, gives a tenable sense here.
The verse beaus a new section, and glides back into the original metaphor of the ship, as in Eze_27:4-9. The ships of Tarshish are used generically for merchant-ships. The catalogue of the commerce ends with Eze_27:24, and the more poetic imagery reappears. It was, as centering in herself all that they brought to her that the merchant-city was very glorious in the midst of the waters. For sing of thee, read, the ships of Tarshish were thy caravans (Revised Version). The word has also the sense of "wall," as in Jer_5:10 and Job_24:11; and this, describing the ships as the "wooden wails" of Tyre, gives a tenable sense here.
The East Wind Hath Broken Thee
26Thy rowers have brought thee into great waters: the east wind hath broken thee in the midst of the seas.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
26. In contrast to her previous greatness, her downfall is here, by a sudden transition, depicted under the image of a vessel foundering at sea.
east wind--blowing from Lebanon, the most violent wind in the Mediterranean (Psa 48:7). A Levanter, as it is called. Nebuchadnezzar is meant. The "sea" is the war with him which the "rowers," or rulers of the state vessel, had "brought" it into, to its ruin.
26. In contrast to her previous greatness, her downfall is here, by a sudden transition, depicted under the image of a vessel foundering at sea.
east wind--blowing from Lebanon, the most violent wind in the Mediterranean (Psa 48:7). A Levanter, as it is called. Nebuchadnezzar is meant. The "sea" is the war with him which the "rowers," or rulers of the state vessel, had "brought" it into, to its ruin.
The Pulpit Commentary
Thy rowers have brought thee. The metaphor goes on its course. The state-ship is in the open sea, and the east wind, the Euroclydon of the Mediterranean (Act_27:14), blows and threatens it with destruction (comp. Psa_48:7). In that destruction all who contributed to her prosperity were involved. The picture reminds us of the description of the ship of Tarshish in Jon_1:4, Jon_1:5. The city shall be left, in that terrible day, in the heart of the seas (Revised Version).
Thy rowers have brought thee. The metaphor goes on its course. The state-ship is in the open sea, and the east wind, the Euroclydon of the Mediterranean (Act_27:14), blows and threatens it with destruction (comp. Psa_48:7). In that destruction all who contributed to her prosperity were involved. The picture reminds us of the description of the ship of Tarshish in Jon_1:4, Jon_1:5. The city shall be left, in that terrible day, in the heart of the seas (Revised Version).
27Thy 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
27. The detailed enumeration implies the utter completeness of the ruin.
and in all thy company--"even with all thy collected multitude" [Henderson].
27. The detailed enumeration implies the utter completeness of the ruin.
and in all thy company--"even with all thy collected multitude" [Henderson].
28The suburbs shall shake at the sound of the cry of thy pilots.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
28. The suburbs--the buildings of Tyre on the adjoining continent.
28. The suburbs--the buildings of Tyre on the adjoining continent.
The Pulpit Commentary
The suburbs. The word is so translated in Eze_45:2, and Eze_48:17, and is used of the pasture-lands round the cities of refuge in Num_35:2. Here it is probably used in a wider sense for the coast-lands of Phoenicia, or even for the "waves" that washed the shores of the island-city. The Vulgate gives classes (equivalent to "fleets").
The suburbs. The word is so translated in Eze_45:2, and Eze_48:17, and is used of the pasture-lands round the cities of refuge in Num_35:2. Here it is probably used in a wider sense for the coast-lands of Phoenicia, or even for the "waves" that washed the shores of the island-city. The Vulgate gives classes (equivalent to "fleets").
29And 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;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
29. So on the downfall of spiritual Babylon (Re 18:17, &c.).
shall stand upon ... land--being cast out of their ships in which heretofore they prided themselves.
29. So on the downfall of spiritual Babylon (Re 18:17, &c.).
shall stand upon ... land--being cast out of their ships in which heretofore they prided themselves.
30And 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:
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
30. against thee--rather, "concerning thee."
30. against thee--rather, "concerning thee."
31And 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
31. utterly bald--literally, "bald with baldness." The Phoenician custom in mourning; which, as being connected with heathenish superstitions, was forbidden to Israel (De 14:1).
31. utterly bald--literally, "bald with baldness." The Phoenician custom in mourning; which, as being connected with heathenish superstitions, was forbidden to Israel (De 14:1).
The Lamentation Raised Over Tyre
32And 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?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
32. take up--lift up.
the destroyed--a destroyed one. Literally, (as opposed to its previous bustle of thronging merchants and mariners, Eze 27:27), "one brought to death's stillness."
in ... midst of ... sea--insular Tyre.
32. take up--lift up.
the destroyed--a destroyed one. Literally, (as opposed to its previous bustle of thronging merchants and mariners, Eze 27:27), "one brought to death's stillness."
in ... midst of ... sea--insular Tyre.
The Pulpit Commentary
And all that handle the oar, etc. The picture is, perhaps, figurative. As Tyre itself was the great state-ship, so the other ships may stand for the other Phoenician cities that beheld her downfall. Looking to the picture itself, it presents the rowers and others as feeling that, if the great ship had been wrecked, there was little hope of safety for them, and so they leave their ships and stand on the coast wailing. (For casting dust, as a sign of mourning, see Jos_7:6; 1Sa_4:12; Job_2:12, et al.; for "wallowing in the dust," Jer_6:26; Jer_25:34; Mic_1:10-16. For the "baldness" and "sackcloth" of Verse 31, see Eze_7:18.)
As in other instances of extreme sorrow, the inarticulate signs of grief pass after a time into spoken words. What city is like Tyrus, etc.? What parallel can be found in the world's history, either for her magnificence or her fall? The shipwreck of her fortunes (we are still in the region of the prophet's metaphors) would be utter and irretrievable.
And all that handle the oar, etc. The picture is, perhaps, figurative. As Tyre itself was the great state-ship, so the other ships may stand for the other Phoenician cities that beheld her downfall. Looking to the picture itself, it presents the rowers and others as feeling that, if the great ship had been wrecked, there was little hope of safety for them, and so they leave their ships and stand on the coast wailing. (For casting dust, as a sign of mourning, see Jos_7:6; 1Sa_4:12; Job_2:12, et al.; for "wallowing in the dust," Jer_6:26; Jer_25:34; Mic_1:10-16. For the "baldness" and "sackcloth" of Verse 31, see Eze_7:18.)
As in other instances of extreme sorrow, the inarticulate signs of grief pass after a time into spoken words. What city is like Tyrus, etc.? What parallel can be found in the world's history, either for her magnificence or her fall? The shipwreck of her fortunes (we are still in the region of the prophet's metaphors) would be utter and irretrievable.
33When 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
33. out of the seas--brought on shore out of the ships.
filledst--didst supply plentifully with wares.
enrich ... kings--with the custom dues levied on the wares.
33. out of the seas--brought on shore out of the ships.
filledst--didst supply plentifully with wares.
enrich ... kings--with the custom dues levied on the wares.
34In 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
34. In the time when ... shall ... shall--Now that thou art broken (wrecked) ... thy merchandise ... are fallen [Maurer].
34. In the time when ... shall ... shall--Now that thou art broken (wrecked) ... thy merchandise ... are fallen [Maurer].
35All the inhabitants of the isles shall be astonished at thee, and their kings shall be sore afraid, they shall be troubled in their countenance.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
35. isles--seacoasts.
35. isles--seacoasts.
36The merchants among the people shall hiss at thee; thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt be any more.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
36. hiss--with astonishment; as in 1Ki 9:8.
36. hiss--with astonishment; as in 1Ki 9:8.
THE HOLY BIBLE
Ezekiel
Chapter 27
Translated out of the original tongues, and with the former translations diligently compared and revised.
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