Ezekiel 27:17
Judah and the land of Israel traded with you; they exchanged wheat from Minnith, cakes and honey, oil and balm for your merchandise.
Judah and Israel
This phrase highlights the two distinct yet interconnected kingdoms of the Hebrew people. Historically, after the reign of Solomon, the united kingdom of Israel split into the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah). This division is significant in understanding the political and economic dynamics of the region. In the context of Ezekiel, both kingdoms are depicted as engaging in trade, emphasizing their economic activities and the interconnectedness of their destinies despite their political separation. Theologically, this unity in commerce can be seen as a foreshadowing of the eventual reunification and restoration of God's people.

were your merchants
The term "merchants" here is derived from the Hebrew word "סֹחֲרִים" (socharim), which refers to traders or those engaged in commerce. This indicates that Judah and Israel were not just passive participants but active players in the bustling trade networks of the ancient Near East. The role of merchants was crucial in the ancient world, as they facilitated the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas. Spiritually, this can be seen as a metaphor for the exchange of spiritual truths and the spreading of God's influence through His people.

they traded with you
This phrase underscores the active engagement and mutual benefit in the trade relationships. The Hebrew root "עָשָׂה" (asah) implies doing or making, suggesting that trade was a deliberate and significant activity. This reflects the importance of economic relationships in maintaining peace and prosperity among nations. From a spiritual perspective, it can be seen as a call for believers to engage actively and purposefully in their communities, contributing to the common good.

in wheat from Minnith
Minnith is mentioned in Judges 11:33 as a location east of the Jordan River, known for its fertile lands and agricultural produce. Wheat was a staple food and a symbol of sustenance and blessing. The mention of Minnith highlights the quality and desirability of the produce, indicating the wealth and abundance that God provided to His people. Spiritually, wheat can symbolize the Word of God, which sustains and nourishes the soul.

meal, honey, oil, and balm
Each of these commodities holds significant value both economically and symbolically. Meal, or flour, was essential for daily sustenance. Honey, often seen as a luxury, symbolizes sweetness and delight. Oil, particularly olive oil, was used for cooking, anointing, and as a source of light, representing the Holy Spirit's presence and blessing. Balm, a resin used for healing, signifies restoration and comfort. Together, these items reflect the richness of God's provision and the holistic nature of His blessings—meeting physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Judah and Israel
These are the two kingdoms that comprised the people of God after the division of the united monarchy. Judah was the southern kingdom, and Israel was the northern kingdom. Both were involved in trade with Tyre, indicating their economic activities and interactions with surrounding nations.

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

3. Minnith
A location known for its wheat, mentioned in the context of trade. It is believed to be in the region of Ammon, east of the Jordan River.

4. Trade Goods
The passage lists wheat, meal, honey, oil, and balm as commodities traded by Judah and Israel. These goods were essential for sustenance and medicinal purposes, reflecting the agricultural and economic activities of the Israelites.

5. Ezekiel
The prophet who conveyed God's messages, including the lamentation over Tyre's fall. His prophecies often included vivid imagery and detailed descriptions of nations and their interactions.
Teaching Points
Economic Interdependence
The passage highlights the interconnectedness of nations through trade. Believers can reflect on how economic relationships can influence cultural and spiritual exchanges.

God's Sovereignty in Nations
Despite the prosperity of Tyre, Ezekiel's prophecy reminds us that God is sovereign over all nations and their destinies. We should trust in God's ultimate plan and justice.

Stewardship of Resources
The variety of goods traded by Judah and Israel underscores the importance of managing resources wisely. Christians are called to be good stewards of what God has provided.

Cultural Engagement
The trade between Israel and Tyre suggests a level of cultural engagement. Believers are encouraged to engage with the world while maintaining their distinct identity in Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the trade relationship between Judah, Israel, and Tyre reflect the economic practices of ancient times, and what can we learn from this about our own economic interactions today?

2. In what ways does the prophecy against Tyre in Ezekiel 27 demonstrate God's sovereignty over nations, and how should this influence our view of current global events?

3. Considering the goods traded by Judah and Israel, how can we apply the principle of stewardship in our personal and communal lives?

4. How can Christians engage with the broader culture in a way that reflects the trade interactions between Israel and Tyre, while still maintaining a distinct Christian identity?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision through economic means. How can you use your resources to bless others and further God's kingdom?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 37:25
This verse mentions the trade of balm and other goods by the Ishmaelites, showing the historical significance of these commodities in the region.

1 Kings 5:11
Describes the trade between Solomon and Hiram, king of Tyre, highlighting the long-standing economic relationships between Israel and Tyre.

Jeremiah 8:22
Refers to balm in Gilead, emphasizing its healing properties and symbolic significance in Israelite culture.
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
Balm, Balsam, Bartered, Cakes, Confections, Early, Exchanged, Figs, Goods, Grain, Honey, Judah, Market, Merchandise, Merchants, Minnith, Oil, Olives, Paid, Pannag, Perfume, Sweet, Traded, Traders, Traffickers, Wares, Wheat
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 27:17

     4408   balm
     4456   grain
     4488   oil
     4542   wheat

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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