Ezekiel 27:22
The merchants of Sheba and Raamah traded with you; for your wares they exchanged gold, the finest of all spices, and precious stones.
The merchants of Sheba and Raamah
The mention of "Sheba and Raamah" refers to ancient regions known for their wealth and trade. Sheba is often associated with the southwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula, possibly modern-day Yemen. The Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon (1 Kings 10:1-13) highlights the region's fame for wealth and wisdom. Raamah, mentioned in Genesis 10:7 as a descendant of Cush, is believed to be located in the same general area. These regions were known for their trade routes, which connected the East with the Mediterranean world, facilitating the exchange of luxury goods. The historical context underscores the extensive trade networks and the prosperity of Tyre, the city addressed in this chapter.

traded with you
The phrase "traded with you" indicates the commercial relationships that Tyre had established. Tyre was a major Phoenician port city renowned for its maritime prowess and trade. The Hebrew root for "traded" (סָחַר, sachar) implies a bustling exchange of goods, emphasizing Tyre's role as a central hub in ancient commerce. This reflects the city's economic strength and its ability to attract merchants from distant lands, showcasing the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations through trade.

for your wares they exchanged
The term "wares" refers to the goods and merchandise that Tyre offered. The Hebrew word (מַעֲרָב, ma'arab) suggests a variety of products, indicating the diversity and desirability of Tyre's exports. The act of exchanging goods highlights the barter system prevalent in ancient economies, where goods were often traded directly without the use of currency. This system required mutual trust and established relationships, which Tyre evidently maintained with its trading partners.

the finest of all kinds of spices
"Spices" were highly valued in the ancient world for their use in cooking, medicine, and religious rituals. The phrase "the finest of all kinds" suggests the superior quality of the spices traded, which would have been a significant draw for merchants. Spices like frankincense and myrrh, often associated with Sheba, were prized for their fragrance and preservative qualities. The trade in such luxury items underscores the wealth and opulence of Tyre and its ability to procure and distribute high-demand goods.

and all precious stones and gold
"Precious stones and gold" symbolize wealth and status. The inclusion of "all" indicates a wide variety of gemstones, each with its own value and significance. Gold, a universal symbol of wealth, was used in jewelry, currency, and religious artifacts. The Hebrew word for "precious stones" (אֶבֶן יְקָרָה, even yeqarah) conveys the idea of rarity and beauty. This part of the verse highlights the luxurious nature of the trade goods and the affluence of Tyre, which was able to attract and deal in such high-value commodities.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Sheba
An ancient kingdom, often associated with wealth and trade, located in the region of modern-day Yemen. Known for its spices and precious goods, Sheba is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of prosperity and commerce.

2. Raamah
A region or tribe mentioned in the Bible, likely located in the Arabian Peninsula. Raamah was known for its trading activities, particularly in luxury goods.

3. Merchants
Traders who engaged in commerce with Tyre, the city being addressed in this chapter. These merchants were instrumental in the exchange of goods and wealth, contributing to Tyre's prosperity.

4. Tyre
A prominent ancient Phoenician city known for its wealth and trade. In Ezekiel 27, Tyre is depicted as a powerful maritime trading hub, engaging with various nations and regions.

5. Trade Goods
The passage mentions spices, precious stones, and gold, highlighting the luxurious and valuable nature of the goods exchanged. These items symbolize wealth and the extensive trade networks of the time.
Teaching Points
The Transience of Earthly Wealth
The passage highlights the wealth and prosperity of Tyre through its trade with Sheba and Raamah. However, it serves as a reminder that earthly riches are temporary and can lead to pride and downfall, as seen in Tyre's eventual destruction.

The Importance of Righteous Trade
Engaging in commerce and trade is not inherently wrong, but it should be conducted with integrity and fairness. Christians are called to be honest in their dealings, reflecting God's righteousness in all aspects of life.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The extensive trade networks and wealth of Tyre demonstrate the interconnectedness of nations. Yet, God is sovereign over all, and He can raise or bring down nations according to His will. Believers should trust in God's ultimate control over world affairs.

The Allure of Materialism
The luxurious goods mentioned in the passage can tempt individuals to prioritize material wealth over spiritual riches. Christians are encouraged to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, rather than being consumed by the pursuit of material possessions.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the wealth and trade of Tyre, as described in Ezekiel 27:22, compare to modern-day economic systems? What lessons can we learn about the pursuit of wealth?

2. In what ways can Christians ensure that their business practices reflect integrity and righteousness, as opposed to the potentially corrupt practices of ancient Tyre?

3. How does the account of the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon (1 Kings 10:1-2) enhance our understanding of the significance of Sheba in Ezekiel 27:22?

4. What are some practical steps believers can take to guard against the allure of materialism in their own lives?

5. How does the eventual downfall of Tyre serve as a warning to nations and individuals who place their trust in wealth and power rather than in God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Kings 10:1-2
The Queen of Sheba visits King Solomon, bringing spices, gold, and precious stones, illustrating the wealth and trade connections of Sheba.

Genesis 10:7
Raamah is listed as a descendant of Cush, indicating its early establishment and significance in trade.

Revelation 18:11-13
The lament over Babylon's fall includes a list of luxury goods, similar to those traded by Tyre, showing the transient nature of earthly 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
Best, Chief, Choice, Exchanged, Fairs, Finest, Furnished, Gold, Goods, Kinds, Markets, Merchandise, Merchants, Occupied, Paid, Precious, Price, Raamah, Ra'amah, Remnants, Sheba, Sorts, Spices, Stone, Stones, Trade, Traded, Traders, Traffickers, Wares
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 27:22

     4303   metals
     4333   gold
     4342   jewels
     4466   herbs and spices

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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