Ezekiel 27:14
The men of Beth-togarmah exchanged horses, war horses, and mules for your wares.
The men of Beth-togarmah
This phrase refers to a people or region known as Beth-togarmah, which is often associated with the descendants of Togarmah, a grandson of Noah through Japheth, as mentioned in Genesis 10:3. Historically, Beth-togarmah is believed to be located in what is now modern-day Turkey or Armenia. The mention of these men highlights the extensive trade networks of ancient times, where distant regions were interconnected through commerce. This reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Noah that his descendants would spread across the earth, engaging in various enterprises.

exchanged
The act of exchanging signifies a mutual agreement and a thriving trade relationship. In ancient times, barter was a common practice, and the exchange of goods was essential for survival and prosperity. This word underscores the interconnectedness of different cultures and economies, illustrating how God’s providence allowed for the flourishing of civilizations through trade.

horses, war horses, and mules
These animals were highly valued in ancient societies. Horses and war horses were crucial for military strength and mobility, symbolizing power and prestige. Mules, known for their endurance and strength, were essential for transportation and labor. The mention of these animals indicates the wealth and strategic importance of Beth-togarmah, as well as the high value placed on the goods they received in exchange. This reflects the biblical theme of stewardship, where resources are to be used wisely for the benefit of society.

for your wares
The term "wares" refers to the goods or merchandise that Tyre, the subject of Ezekiel 27, offered in trade. Tyre was a prominent Phoenician city known for its wealth and extensive trade networks. The exchange of valuable animals for wares indicates the high quality and desirability of Tyre's products. This highlights the prosperity that comes from diligent work and the blessings of God upon those who engage in honest and fruitful commerce.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. He is the author of the book of Ezekiel, which contains prophecies and visions concerning Israel and the nations.

2. Beth-togarmah
A region or people group mentioned in the Bible, often associated with the descendants of Togarmah, a son of Gomer, who was a grandson of Noah. It is believed to be located in what is now modern-day Turkey or Armenia.

3. Tyre
A significant ancient Phoenician city known for its wealth and trade. Ezekiel 27 is a lamentation over Tyre, describing its extensive trade network and eventual downfall.

4. Horses, War Horses, and Mules
These animals were valuable commodities in ancient times, used for transportation, agriculture, and warfare. Their mention highlights the wealth and trade connections of Tyre.

5. Trade and Commerce
The context of this verse is a description of Tyre's extensive trade network, showcasing its economic power and the variety of goods exchanged.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Materialism
Tyre's wealth and reliance on trade highlight the danger of placing trust in material possessions rather than in God. Christians are called to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.

The Transience of Earthly Wealth
The eventual downfall of Tyre serves as a reminder that earthly wealth is temporary. Believers should store up treasures in heaven, where they are eternal.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The prophecy against Tyre demonstrates God's control over nations and their destinies. Christians can trust in God's sovereignty and His plans for the world.

The Importance of Righteous Trade
While trade and commerce are not inherently wrong, they should be conducted with integrity and fairness, reflecting God's justice and righteousness.

The Role of Prophecy in Scripture
Ezekiel's prophecy serves as a warning and a call to repentance, emphasizing the importance of heeding God's word and aligning our lives with His will.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the trade relationship between Tyre and Beth-togarmah reflect the economic practices of ancient times, and what lessons can we learn about our own economic practices today?

2. In what ways does the downfall of Tyre serve as a warning against the dangers of materialism and reliance on wealth?

3. How can we apply the principle of storing up treasures in heaven in our daily lives, especially in a materialistic society?

4. What does the prophecy against Tyre teach us about God's sovereignty over nations and His control over history?

5. How can Christians ensure that their business and trade practices reflect God's justice and righteousness in today's world?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 10:3
Togarmah is listed as a descendant of Noah, providing a genealogical connection to Beth-togarmah.

Revelation 18:11-13
This passage describes the fall of Babylon and its trade, drawing a parallel to the lament over Tyre's downfall due to its reliance on wealth and commerce.

Isaiah 2:7
This verse speaks of the abundance of horses and chariots, similar to the wealth described in Tyre, warning against placing trust in material wealth.
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
Beasts, Beth, Beth-togarmah, Beth-togar'mah, Exchanged, Fairs, Furnished, Goods, Horsemen, Horses, Markets, Merchandise, Mules, Remnants, Riding, Steeds, Togarmah, Traded, Transport, War, Wares, War-horses
Dictionary of Bible Themes
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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