Ezekiel 27 19

Ezekiel 27:19 kjv

Dan also and Javan going to and fro occupied in thy fairs: bright iron, cassia, and calamus, were in thy market.

Ezekiel 27:19 nkjv

Dan and Javan paid for your wares, traversing back and forth. Wrought iron, cassia, and cane were among your merchandise.

Ezekiel 27:19 niv

and casks of wine from Izal in exchange for your wares: wrought iron, cassia and calamus.

Ezekiel 27:19 esv

and casks of wine from Uzal they exchanged for your wares; wrought iron, cassia, and calamus were bartered for your merchandise.

Ezekiel 27:19 nlt

Greeks from Uzal came to trade for your merchandise. Wrought iron, cassia, and fragrant calamus were bartered for your wares.

Ezekiel 27 verses

Ezekiel 27 19 Meaning

Ezekiel 27:19 vividly illustrates the expansive commercial network of Tyre, detailing specific trade partners and the high-value commodities exchanged. The verse lists Vedan, Javan from Uzal, wrought iron, cassia, and calamus as elements of this trade. It portrays Tyre not merely as a local market but as an international hub, connecting distant lands and specialized producers, facilitating the exchange of both essential industrial materials and exotic aromatic spices, underscoring its immense wealth and far-reaching influence built on shrewd mercantile enterprise.

Ezekiel 27 19 Context

Ezekiel 27 is a powerful lamentation over the great maritime city of Tyre, depicted as a magnificent ship built for splendor and global commerce. The chapter, coming from the prophet Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, systematically describes Tyre's vast wealth, elaborate construction, widespread trade networks, and diverse trading partners. This particular verse (27:19) is part of a longer section (verses 12-25) that itemizes the specific nations, regions, and goods that contributed to Tyre's unparalleled commercial might. The prophet’s detailed portrayal of Tyre’s economic strength serves to magnify the shock and scale of its impending destruction, revealed as divine judgment for its pride and exploitation (Eze 28). The original audience, captive Israelites, would understand this as God’s sovereign power extending even to the seemingly unassailable Gentile empires, reinforcing His control over world events and providing hope for Judah’s eventual restoration. The lament functions as a polemic against the hubris and self-sufficiency often associated with extreme material wealth, highlighting that even the most impressive human enterprises are subject to divine will and judgment.

Ezekiel 27 19 Word analysis

• Vedan (וְדָ֖ן wə·ḏān): A specific trade partner. While some interpret it as a region in Arabia or a variant of Dedan (mentioned in Ez 27:15, 20 for different goods), its precise identification is debated among scholars. Its inclusion highlights the wide geographical reach of Tyre's trading empire, likely pointing to an Arabian or North Mesopotamian origin for the goods. The varied spelling (often transliterated "Vedan") suggests a particular identity distinct from other named locations, reinforcing the meticulous detail of Ezekiel’s inventory.

• and Javan (וְיָוָ֖ן wə·yā·wān): Commonly refers to Ionia, the Greek world, or Greeks more generally (as in Gen 10:2; Isa 66:19; Joel 3:6). This name indicates Tyre's connection with the Western world and maritime powers of the Mediterranean, highlighting the breadth of its influence and trade routes, spanning from the Near East to the Mediterranean Sea. The goods sourced via Javan (if specific to it) or the connection to Uzal indicates a specialization of certain regions in providing goods.

• from Uzal (מֵאוּזָל֙ mê·ʼū·zāl): A location often identified with a region in southern Arabia, possibly modern Sana'a in Yemen, or a general ancient Arabian locality. Uzal is listed as a descendant of Joktan in Genesis 10:27, associated with the Arabian Peninsula. Its connection here suggests that Javan may have traded through or sourced goods from the sphere of Uzal's influence, particularly relating to specialized metalwork. This composite "Javan from Uzal" might point to a specific trade route or group, highlighting the complexity and multi-stage nature of ancient commerce where goods from distant lands were transported by different intermediaries.

• traded with you (עֲשֶׂ֖וֶךְ ʻāśe·wäk): This Hebrew verb ('āśah) means "to make, do," but in a mercantile context like this, it implies "to transact," "to engage in commerce," or "to acquire for oneself," denoting an active, reciprocal commercial relationship. It underscores direct commercial interaction and partnership. Tyre was not merely a passive recipient but an active participant in this vast network of exchange, orchestrating intricate supply chains.

• wrought iron (בַּרְזֶל֙ עֲשׂ֔וּי barzel ʻāśūy): Literally "iron made" or "fashioned iron." This signifies not raw iron ore, but finished or semi-finished products—articles or implements already shaped by skilled smiths. Iron was a critical strategic commodity in the ancient world for tools, weapons, and construction. Its mention points to the importance of practical, heavy-industry goods alongside luxuries, showcasing Tyre's need for and distribution of essential durable materials. This specific mention suggests the source (perhaps Uzal) was known for its high-quality metalworking.

• cassia (קִדָּ֖ה qid·dāh): An aromatic spice, a fragrant bark similar to cinnamon (Exod 30:24; Psa 45:8). While less expensive than true cinnamon, it was highly valued in antiquity for perfumes, ceremonial anointing oils, and sometimes embalming. Its presence denotes luxury goods and highlights the demand for exotic scents and materials used in status symbols, religious rites, and personal adornment. Its inclusion illustrates Tyre's role in distributing precious, non-essential goods.

• and calamus (וְקָנֶ֥ה wə·qā·neh): A fragrant reed or cane (Exod 30:23; Song 4:14). It refers to aromatic cane, prized for its sweet smell. Like cassia, calamus was a significant component in the holy anointing oil in the Mosaic law and used in perfumes. Its inclusion signifies the trade in luxury aromatics for personal use, religious ceremonies, and social status. Its mention along with cassia underscores the trade in valuable exotic spices.

• were among your merchandise (בְּמַעֲרָבֶֽךְ bə·maʻ·ă·ra·veḵ): The term maʻărāb (from ʻārāḇ "to mix, exchange") refers to "trading goods," "merchandise," or the "place of exchange." This phrase collectively labels the mentioned items as integral to Tyre's commerce, forming the bulk of what it offered or acquired. It signifies that these were central to Tyre's identity as a trading power, symbolizing its vast accumulation of valuable goods obtained from across its wide-ranging network.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "Vedan and Javan from Uzal traded with you": This phrase highlights the interconnected and complex nature of ancient global trade routes. It points to a three-way, potentially indirect, exchange: Vedan (an Arabian connection), Javan (a Greek/Ionian connection), and Uzal (a South Arabian center) contributing specific goods to Tyre. This indicates not just bilateral trade but a sophisticated network where goods could pass through multiple hands and regions, making Tyre the central hub. The specification of from Uzal could suggest Javan acted as a broker for goods originating from Uzal or from its trade influence.

• "wrought iron, cassia, and calamus": This grouping showcases the diverse types of commodities Tyre handled. It includes essential strategic materials (wrought iron) necessary for infrastructure and military, alongside exotic luxury goods (cassia and calamus) prized for their aroma and ceremonial uses. This mixture demonstrates the breadth of Tyre's market appeal and its capacity to supply both basic and indulgent needs, further amplifying its economic stature and importance. The specific mention of spices also draws an ironic connection to their use in Israelite holy oil, implicitly critiquing Tyre's desacralized commercialization of even religiously significant substances.

Ezekiel 27 19 Bonus section

• The highly specific list of trading partners and goods in Ezekiel 27, including verse 19, provides invaluable insights into ancient geopolitics and economic geography, offering a window into the interconnected world of the 6th century BCE.
• The commodities listed, especially cassia and calamus, appear as ingredients for the holy anointing oil in Exodus 30. This creates an implicit theological tension: substances associated with holiness in Israel's worship are treated as mere commodities in Tyre's secular trade. This underscores Tyre's worldview, where everything is valued by market price rather than sacred worth, subtly criticizing its materialistic perspective.
• The meticulous detail in Ezekiel's lament functions not merely as historical record but as a literary device. By building up the image of an invincible trading power, the prophecy magnifies the impending downfall of Tyre, demonstrating the overwhelming sovereignty of God even over the most powerful and seemingly self-sufficient nations of the ancient world.

Ezekiel 27 19 Commentary

Ezekiel 27:19 serves as a precise catalog of Tyre's international trading partnerships and commodities, foundational to its reputation as the mercantile "mistress of the seas." By identifying specific entities like Vedan and Javan from Uzal, the prophet unveils a meticulously mapped and extensively operated trade empire. The inclusion of wrought iron points to Tyre's role in acquiring and distributing vital industrial and military resources, essential for any thriving ancient civilization. Juxtaposed with this practicality are the aromatic spices, cassia and calamus, which were prized for luxury, perfumes, and even sacred anointing oils in other cultures. This dual aspect of Tyre's trade — basic necessity alongside extravagant luxury — encapsulates the city's comprehensive economic dominance. The verse subtly underscores Tyre's materialistic pride, as its identity and glory were deeply rooted in this vast acquisition of material goods, ultimately a transient foundation in the eyes of God. It presents a stark contrast to a faith-based trust, serving as a cautionary tale of placing ultimate security in earthly prosperity.