Ezekiel 27:21
Arabia and all the princes of Kedar were your customers, trading in lambs, rams, and goats.
Arabia
The term "Arabia" in this context refers to the vast desert region inhabited by nomadic tribes. Historically, Arabia was known for its trade routes and caravans that connected the East with the Mediterranean world. The Hebrew root for Arabia, "עֲרָב" (Arab), signifies a region of mixed peoples, highlighting the diverse and bustling nature of trade in this area. This reference underscores the extensive reach of Tyre's commerce, as even distant and nomadic regions were engaged in trade with this powerful city.

all the princes of Kedar
"Kedar" was a prominent Arabian tribe known for its wealth and trade in livestock. The "princes of Kedar" indicates the leaders or chieftains of this tribe, emphasizing their status and influence. The Hebrew word "קֵדָר" (Qedar) is associated with dark or swarthy, possibly referring to the tents made from black goat hair for which they were famous. This phrase highlights the importance of Kedar in the ancient economy and their role as significant trading partners with Tyre, showcasing the interconnectedness of ancient Near Eastern societies.

were your customers
The phrase "were your customers" indicates a commercial relationship where Arabia and Kedar engaged in regular trade with Tyre. The Hebrew root "סָחַר" (sachar) means to trade or barter, reflecting the bustling economic activity. This relationship illustrates Tyre's role as a major commercial hub, attracting diverse peoples and goods, and serving as a testament to its economic power and influence in the ancient world.

trading in lambs, rams, and goats
This phrase specifies the commodities exchanged, which were essential livestock in the ancient Near East. "Lambs, rams, and goats" were not only vital for sustenance but also for religious sacrifices and economic wealth. The Hebrew words "כֶּבֶשׂ" (keves) for lambs, "אַיִל" (ayil) for rams, and "עֵז" (ez) for goats, denote valuable livestock that were integral to the agrarian and pastoral lifestyle. This trade in livestock underscores the mutual dependence between Tyre and its trading partners, as well as the prosperity that such exchanges brought to the region.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Arabia
A region in the ancient Near East, often associated with the nomadic tribes and trading routes. In the context of Ezekiel, Arabia represents a significant trading partner with Tyre, known for its wealth and commerce.

2. Princes of Kedar
Kedar was a nomadic tribe descended from Ishmael, known for their skill in raising livestock. The "princes" indicate leaders or influential figures within this tribe, highlighting their role in trade and commerce.

3. Tyre
A prominent ancient Phoenician city known for its wealth and extensive trade networks. Ezekiel 27 is a lamentation over Tyre, illustrating its vast commercial connections and eventual downfall.

4. Lambs, Rams, and Goats
These animals were significant in ancient trade, representing wealth and resources. They were essential for food, clothing, and religious sacrifices.
Teaching Points
The Transience of Earthly Wealth
The trade relationships between Tyre and Arabia, including the princes of Kedar, illustrate the temporary nature of earthly wealth and prosperity. Believers are reminded to place their trust in eternal treasures rather than material possessions.

The Importance of Righteous Leadership
The mention of the "princes of Kedar" underscores the influence of leadership in economic and spiritual matters. Christian leaders are called to guide with integrity and righteousness, impacting their communities positively.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The interconnectedness of nations in trade and the eventual judgment upon Tyre and its partners reflect God's sovereignty over all nations. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is in control, even amidst global uncertainties.

The Role of Commerce in God's Plan
While commerce and trade are integral to society, they must be conducted ethically and with a heart aligned to God's purposes. Christians are encouraged to engage in business with honesty and a focus on serving others.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the relationship between Tyre and Arabia in Ezekiel 27:21 reflect the broader theme of reliance on material wealth? How can we apply this lesson to our lives today?

2. In what ways does the mention of the "princes of Kedar" challenge us to consider the impact of leadership in our communities and churches?

3. How do the prophecies against Tyre and Kedar in Ezekiel and other scriptures demonstrate God's sovereignty? How can this understanding influence our perspective on current global events?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our involvement in commerce and trade aligns with biblical principles?

5. How can we balance the pursuit of material success with the call to store up treasures in heaven, as taught in the New Testament?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 25:13
This passage lists the descendants of Ishmael, including Kedar, establishing the historical and genealogical background of the tribe mentioned in Ezekiel 27:21.

Isaiah 21:13-17
This prophecy against Arabia highlights the transient nature of wealth and security, similar to the themes in Ezekiel regarding Tyre's downfall.

Jeremiah 49:28-33
A prophecy against Kedar, emphasizing the vulnerability of even the most prosperous and powerful tribes, aligning with the message of judgment in Ezekiel.
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
Arabia, Business, Customers, Dealers, Favored, Goats, He-goats, Kedar, Lambs, Merchants, Occupied, Princes, Rams, Rulers, Sheep, Trade, Traders, Trafficked
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 27:21

     4651   goat
     4681   ram

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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