Ezekiel 27 is a lament over the downfall of the city of Tyre, a major Phoenician port and trade center. The chapter paints a vivid picture of Tyre's vast wealth and its extensive trade network. Verse 18 specifically describes Damascus's role in this network. Let's break it down:
"Damascus was your merchant...": This establishes Damascus as a key trading partner of Tyre. Damascus, located inland, had different resources and access to different markets than coastal Tyre.
"...for the multitude of your handiworks...": Tyre was famous for its skilled artisans and manufactured goods. This indicates that Damascus traded for these goods, meaning they bought them from Tyre.
"...by reason of the multitude of all kinds of riches...": This further emphasizes the scale of the trade. Damascus had access to a wide variety of resources that made them valuable trading partners.
"...with the wine of Helbon, and white wool.": This specifies two particular commodities that Damascus traded to Tyre.
"The wine of Helbon": Helbon (modern Halbun in Syria) was renowned for its high-quality wine. This was likely a luxury item that Tyre traded for or re-exported to other regions.
"White wool": White wool was a valuable commodity, especially for dyeing. Tyre was famous for its purple dye (Tyrian purple), and high-quality white wool would have been essential for producing vibrant and lasting colors.
In essence, the verse means:
Damascus was a significant trading partner of Tyre, buying large quantities of Tyre's manufactured goods because they had access to many different kinds of riches. In particular, Damascus supplied Tyre with fine wine from Helbon and high-quality white wool.
Significance in the Context of the Lament:
This verse contributes to the overall picture of Tyre's economic power and its global reach. By listing specific trade partners like Damascus and specific commodities, Ezekiel highlights the vast network that supported Tyre's prosperity. The lament implies that the loss of this trade network, and the resources it provided, would be a major blow to Tyre's economy and a contributing factor to its downfall. It serves as a reminder of Tyre's dependence on others and the fragility of its wealth.
Ezekiel 27 is a lament over the downfall of the city of Tyre, a major Phoenician port and trade center. The chapter paints a vivid picture of Tyre's vast wealth and its extensive trade network. Verse 18 specifically describes Damascus's role in this network. Let's break it down:
"Damascus was your merchant...": This establishes Damascus as a key trading partner of Tyre. Damascus, located inland, had different resources and access to different markets than coastal Tyre.
"...for the multitude of your handiworks...": Tyre was famous for its skilled artisans and manufactured goods. This indicates that Damascus traded for these goods, meaning they bought them from Tyre.
"...by reason of the multitude of all kinds of riches...": This further emphasizes the scale of the trade. Damascus had access to a wide variety of resources that made them valuable trading partners.
"...with the wine of Helbon, and white wool.": This specifies two particular commodities that Damascus traded to Tyre.
"The wine of Helbon": Helbon (modern Halbun in Syria) was renowned for its high-quality wine. This was likely a luxury item that Tyre traded for or re-exported to other regions.
"White wool": White wool was a valuable commodity, especially for dyeing. Tyre was famous for its purple dye (Tyrian purple), and high-quality white wool would have been essential for producing vibrant and lasting colors.
In essence, the verse means:
Damascus was a significant trading partner of Tyre, buying large quantities of Tyre's manufactured goods because they had access to many different kinds of riches. In particular, Damascus supplied Tyre with fine wine from Helbon and high-quality white wool.
Significance in the Context of the Lament:
This verse contributes to the overall picture of Tyre's economic power and its global reach. By listing specific trade partners like Damascus and specific commodities, Ezekiel highlights the vast network that supported Tyre's prosperity. The lament implies that the loss of this trade network, and the resources it provided, would be a major blow to Tyre's economy and a contributing factor to its downfall. It serves as a reminder of Tyre's dependence on others and the fragility of its wealth.