Lexical Summary ashoth: Foundations, bases, or supports Original Word: עָשׁוֹת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bright From ashath; shining, i.e. Polished -- bright. see HEBREW ashath NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ashath Definition perhaps smooth NASB Translation wrought (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs עָשׁוֺת adjective smooth ? — only ׳בַּרְוֶל ע Ezekiel 27:19 as merchandise of Tyre; Co עָשׁוּת, i.e. passive participle, from √ עשׁת forge, or walk skilfully; Toy iron skilfilly wrought; all dubious. Topical Lexicon Biblical Setting The single appearance of עָשׁוֹת occurs in Ezekiel 27:19, nested within the prophet’s lament over the commercial empire of Tyre. The verse reads: “Dan and Javan from Uzal paid you for your wares; wrought iron, cassia, and calamus were exchanged for your merchandise” (Berean Standard Bible). The oracle catalogs Tyre’s international trade partners, exposing the city’s dependence on global wealth just before divine judgment is pronounced (Ezekiel 26–28). The inclusion of עָשׁוֹת in this list contributes to the portrait of Tyre as a hub that gathered the finest products of the ancient world. Historical Background Ironworking was a highly prized craft in the first millennium B.C. Following widespread Hittite expertise, centers in Anatolia and the Levant refined the technology. The forged iron referenced in Ezekiel 27:19 reflects a mature metallurgical industry capable of producing tools, weapons, and luxury items. Dan, located in northern Israel, provided a land route to the Mediterranean, while Javan (Greece) supplied maritime connections. Uzal (often linked with Yemen’s capital region) connects the trade chain to South Arabia’s spice routes. Together these names frame a north–south corridor by which metallurgical goods, fragrant spices, and aromatic reeds flowed toward Tyre’s harbors. Trade Networks and Tyre Tyre’s economic genius lay in assembling commodities that spoke of power (iron), pleasure (cassia), and ritual (calamus used in sacred incense, Exodus 30:23). Ezekiel’s list underscores how the city knit together disparate cultures into a single marketplace. The prophet’s lament, however, places even the finest trade goods under the searching gaze of God, who measures nations not by wealth but by righteousness (Proverbs 14:34). Symbolic and Theological Insights 1. Transience of earthly riches. The prominence of עָשׁוֹת in a judgment oracle reminds readers that the most advanced technology and treasured resources cannot shield a society from divine retribution (Proverbs 11:4; Revelation 18:11–17). Implications for Ministry Today • Marketplace worldview. Modern believers engaging in trade or industry can glean from Ezekiel 27 that God observes supply chains, labor practices, and the motives that drive commerce (Colossians 3:23–24). Related Scriptures for Further Study Proverbs 27:17; Isaiah 23:1–18; Jeremiah 9:23–24; Daniel 2:40; Acts 19:24–27; James 4:13–16 Forms and Transliterations עָשׁוֹת֙ עשות ‘ā·šō·wṯ ‘āšōwṯ ashOtLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezekiel 27:19 HEB: נָתָ֑נּוּ בַּרְזֶ֤ל עָשׁוֹת֙ קִדָּ֣ה וְקָנֶ֔ה NAS: from Uzal; wrought iron, KJV: in thy fairs: bright iron, INT: paid iron wrought cassia and sweet 1 Occurrence |
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