Ezekiel 27:16
Aram was your customer because of your many products; they exchanged turquoise, purple, embroidered work, fine linen, coral, and rubies for your wares.
Aram was your customer
The term "Aram" refers to a region and people located in what is now modern-day Syria. Historically, Aram was known for its trade and commerce, often engaging with neighboring nations. The Hebrew root for Aram is "אֲרָם" (Aram), which signifies a highland or elevated region. This highlights the geographical and strategic importance of Aram in ancient trade routes. The phrase indicates the extensive reach of Tyre's trade network, as Aram was a significant trading partner, showcasing the prosperity and influence of Tyre.

because of your many products
This phrase underscores the vast array of goods that Tyre had to offer, which attracted various nations to trade with them. The Hebrew word for "products" is "מַעֲשֵׂיךָ" (ma'aseikha), meaning works or deeds, emphasizing the craftsmanship and industrious nature of Tyre's economy. Tyre was renowned for its skilled artisans and diverse merchandise, making it a hub of economic activity in the ancient world.

They exchanged turquoise, purple, embroidered work, fine linen, coral, and rubies for your wares
This list of goods highlights the luxury and high value of the items traded with Tyre. Each item has its own significance:

Turquoise
Known for its vibrant blue-green color, turquoise was highly prized in the ancient world. The Hebrew word "תְּכֵלֶת" (techelet) often refers to a blue dye or fabric, symbolizing wealth and status.

Purple
The color purple was associated with royalty and nobility, derived from the costly dye made from the murex snail. The Hebrew "אַרְגָּמָן" (argaman) signifies this prestigious color, reflecting the opulence of Tyre's trade.

Embroidered work
This refers to intricately designed textiles, showcasing the artistry and skill of Tyre's craftsmen. The Hebrew "רִקְמָה" (rikmah) indicates detailed needlework, a luxury item in ancient commerce.

Fine linen
Linen was a valuable textile in the ancient Near East, known for its quality and durability. The Hebrew "שֵׁשׁ" (shesh) denotes this high-quality fabric, often used in garments for the elite.

Coral
Valued for its beauty and rarity, coral was used in jewelry and decoration. The Hebrew "כֹּרָל" (koral) reflects its desirability and the wealth it represented.

Rubies
Precious stones like rubies were symbols of wealth and power. The Hebrew "אָדָם" (adam) can refer to red stones, highlighting the luxurious nature of the trade goods.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Aram
A region often associated with the Arameans, located in present-day Syria. Known for its trade and commerce, Aram was a significant trading partner with Tyre.

2. Tyre
An ancient Phoenician city known for its wealth and extensive trade networks. Tyre is the primary subject of Ezekiel 27, which describes its grandeur and eventual downfall.

3. Trade Goods
The verse lists items such as turquoise, purple, embroidered work, fine linen, coral, and rubies, highlighting the wealth and variety of goods exchanged in ancient trade.

4. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who delivered messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. His prophecies often included vivid imagery and symbolic language.

5. Commerce and Trade
The broader context of Ezekiel 27 is a lamentation over Tyre, emphasizing the city's role as a hub of international trade and its eventual destruction due to pride and sin.
Teaching Points
The Temporary Nature of Earthly Wealth
Tyre's wealth and splendor were ultimately fleeting. Believers are reminded to store up treasures in heaven rather than relying on material wealth.

The Dangers of Pride
Tyre's downfall serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and self-reliance. Humility and dependence on God are essential virtues.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The judgment of Tyre illustrates God's control over the rise and fall of nations. Believers can trust in God's ultimate plan and justice.

The Importance of Righteousness in Commerce
Ethical practices in business and trade are vital. Christians are called to conduct their affairs with integrity and fairness.

The Role of Prophecy in Scripture
Ezekiel's prophecies remind us of the importance of heeding God's warnings and the fulfillment of His word throughout history.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the description of Tyre's trade in Ezekiel 27:16 reflect the city's wealth and influence in the ancient world?

2. In what ways can the fall of Tyre serve as a warning to modern societies that prioritize wealth and commerce over righteousness?

3. How does the theme of God's sovereignty in Ezekiel 27:16 provide comfort and assurance to believers today?

4. What practical steps can Christians take to ensure that their business practices align with biblical principles of integrity and fairness?

5. How can the prophetic messages in Ezekiel, such as the one about Tyre, deepen our understanding of God's justice and mercy?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 23
This chapter also speaks of the fall of Tyre, emphasizing the temporary nature of human wealth and the sovereignty of God over nations.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon in Revelation parallels the fall of Tyre, illustrating the theme of divine judgment on prideful and sinful cities.

Proverbs 11:28
This verse warns against trusting in riches, a theme echoed in the downfall of Tyre due to its reliance on wealth and trade.
The Beauty, Glory, and Replenishment of the City of TyreJ.R. Thomson Ezekiel 27:1-25
A Celebration of Remarkable ProsperityW. Jones Ezekiel 27:1-36
A Proud CityW. Greenhill, M. A.Ezekiel 27:1-36
God's Observation of Our Business HoursEzekiel 27:1-36
Responsibility of City RulersT. De Witt Talmage.Ezekiel 27:1-36
The Fate of TyreJ. Parker, D. D.Ezekiel 27:1-36
The Position of Tyre on Land and SeaT. De Witt Talmage.Ezekiel 27:1-36
The Sin of TyreJohn Skinner, M. A.Ezekiel 27:1-36
Wreck of a Stately ShipJ.D. Davies Ezekiel 27:1-36
Great Fairs UniversalT. De Witt Talmage.Ezekiel 27:12-23
Home Industries to be EncouragedEzekiel 27:12-23
The Fairs of TyreT. De Witt Talmage.Ezekiel 27:12-23
A Picture of Extensive Commercial RelationsW. Jones Ezekiel 27:12-25
People
Aram, Ashurites, Dan, Dedan, Elishah, Ezekiel, Haran, Javan, Kedar, Kittim, Kittites, Lud, Lydia, Meshech, Phut, Tarshish, Togarmah, Tubal, Uzal, Zidon
Places
Arabia, Arvad, Asshur, Bashan, Canneh, Chilmad, Cyprus, Damascus, Dedan, Egypt, Elishah, Gamad, Gebal, Haran, Helbon, Helech, Javan, Kedar, Lebanon, Lud, Meshech, Minnith, Persia, Put, Sahar, Senir, Sheba, Sidon, Syria, Tarshish, Tigris-Euphrates Region, Tubal, Tyre, Uzal
Topics
Abundance, Abundant, Agate, Aram, Best, Broidered, Business, Carbuncles, Coral, Corals, Customer, Dealt, Edom, Embroidered, Embroidery, Emerald, Emeralds, Exchanged, Fabric, Fairs, Fine, Goods, Handiworks, Linen, Making, Markets, Merchandise, Merchant, Multitude, Needlework, Occupied, Paid, Products, Purple, Reason, Remnants, Richly, Rubies, Syria, Traded, Trafficked, Turquoise, Wares, Wealth, Works, Woven
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 27:16

     4306   minerals
     4342   jewels
     5304   embroidery
     5392   linen

Ezekiel 27:1-25

     5407   merchants

Ezekiel 27:1-36

     5587   trade

Ezekiel 27:2-36

     5899   lament

Library
Third Circuit of Galilee. The Twelve Instructed and Sent Forth.
^A Matt. IX. 35-38; X. 1, 5-42; XI. 1; ^B Mark VI. 6-13; ^C Luke IX. 1-6. ^b 6 And he ^a Jesus ^b went about ^a all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner sickness and all manner of sickness. [In the first circuit of Galilee some of the twelve accompanied Jesus as disciples (see [3]Section XXXIII.); in the second the twelve were with him as apostles; in the third they, too, are sent forth as evangelists to supplement
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Humility is the Root of Charity, and Meekness the Fruit of Both. ...
Humility is the root of charity, and meekness the fruit of both. There is no solid and pure ground of love to others, except the rubbish of self-love be first cast out of the soul; and when that superfluity of naughtiness is cast out, then charity hath a solid and deep foundation: "The end of the command is charity out of a pure heart," 1 Tim. i. 5. It is only such a purified heart, cleansed from that poison and contagion of pride and self-estimation, that can send out such a sweet and wholesome
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Second Great Group of Parables.
(Probably in Peræa.) Subdivision F. Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. ^C Luke XVI. 19-31. [The parable we are about to study is a direct advance upon the thoughts in the previous section. We may say generally that if the parable of the unjust steward teaches how riches are to be used, this parable sets forth the terrible consequences of a failure to so use them. Each point of the previous discourse is covered in detail, as will be shown by the references in the discussion of the parable.]
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Ezekiel
To a modern taste, Ezekiel does not appeal anything like so powerfully as Isaiah or Jeremiah. He has neither the majesty of the one nor the tenderness and passion of the other. There is much in him that is fantastic, and much that is ritualistic. His imaginations border sometimes on the grotesque and sometimes on the mechanical. Yet he is a historical figure of the first importance; it was very largely from him that Judaism received the ecclesiastical impulse by which for centuries it was powerfully
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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