Ezekiel 27:21 - “‘“Arabia, and all the princes of Kedar were the merchants of your hand; in lambs, rams, and goats. In these, they were your merchants.

Generated Verse: Ezekiel 27:21

What does "Ezekiel 27:21" mean?


This verse, Ezekiel 27:21, is part of a larger prophecy concerning the city of Tyre, a wealthy and powerful port city in ancient Phoenicia. The prophecy details Tyre's decline and eventual destruction, presented as a lament over a magnificent ship sinking. The verse specifically focuses on Tyre's trade relationships and the sources of its wealth. Let's break it down:

"Arabia, and all the princes of Kedar..." Arabia refers to the Arabian Peninsula. Kedar was a powerful nomadic tribe within Arabia, known for their skill in archery and their herding of flocks. The mention of "princes" indicates that trade occurred with the ruling elite of Kedar, suggesting significant volume and importance.

"...were the merchants of your hand..." This means that the Arabians and the princes of Kedar were trading partners with Tyre, not merchants who were controlled by Tyre. It suggests they were active participants in the trade, buying and selling goods from Tyre. The "hand" imagery represents commerce and transactions. Tyre likely provided manufactured goods, finished products, or other commodities in exchange for what it received.

"...in lambs, rams, and goats. In these, they were your merchants." This specifies the commodities that Arabia and Kedar traded to Tyre. Lambs, rams, and goats were valuable livestock, crucial for food (meat and milk), clothing (wool and hides), and potentially religious sacrifices. "In these, they were your merchants" reinforces that these animals were the primary goods Arabia and Kedar provided in exchange for whatever goods Tyre offered.

Therefore, the verse indicates that Arabia (including the princes of Kedar) traded livestock—lambs, rams, and goats—with Tyre. These animals were a significant commodity that contributed to Tyre's wealth and commercial success.

In the context of the larger prophecy, this verse serves to highlight Tyre's extensive trading network and the diverse sources of its wealth. The prophecy uses the lament over the loss of Tyre to symbolize the fleeting nature of earthly power and prosperity. The verse also emphasizes how a diverse network of trading partners supported that power.

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