What is the meaning of Ezekiel 27:16? Aram was your customer Ezekiel singles out Aram (also known as Syria) as one of Tyre’s trading partners. This highlights Tyre’s extensive commercial reach and the recognition it enjoyed among powerful neighbors. • Cross references: 1 Kings 20:1 shows Aram’s prominence; Isaiah 23:2 speaks of Sidon’s merchants, tying into Tyre’s trade network; Amos 1:9 notes Tyre’s dealings with neighboring nations. because of your many products Tyre’s abundance of goods attracted foreign markets. The city’s prosperity came from its strategic harbor and skillful craftsmen, illustrating how earthly wealth can draw nations together. • Cross references: Revelation 18:11–13 lists diverse cargo in another wealthy port, echoing Tyre’s variety; Proverbs 11:28 warns that trusting in riches can fail. they exchanged turquoise Precious stones like turquoise were highly prized. Their inclusion reveals Aram’s willingness to trade valuable resources for Tyre’s merchandise. • Cross references: Exodus 28:17–18 describes gemstones set in the high priest’s breastplate, underscoring their value; Job 28:18 mentions coral and crystal being worth less than wisdom, reminding us of spiritual priorities. purple Purple dye, extracted from murex shells along the Phoenician coast, symbolized royalty and wealth. Aram sought this luxurious fabric from Tyre’s skilled dyers. • Cross references: Judges 8:26 notes purple garments of Midianite kings; Acts 16:14 introduces Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. embroidered work Intricate needlework showcased Tyre’s artistic excellence. Such craftsmanship commanded high prices and spread the city’s reputation. • Cross references: Exodus 26:36 speaks of embroidered curtains for the tabernacle; Psalm 45:14 pictures a royal bride in embroidered garments. fine linen Linen from Egypt or local looms offered unmatched quality. Tyre’s merchants met elite demand with superior textiles. • Cross references: Genesis 41:42 records Pharaoh clothing Joseph in fine linen; Revelation 19:8 describes the bride of Christ clothed in fine linen, pure and bright. coral Coral, harvested from the Mediterranean, served as jewelry and ornamentation. Its rarity added to Tyre’s lucrative trade portfolio. • Cross references: Job 28:18 pairs coral with wisdom’s surpassing worth; Proverbs 3:15 compares wisdom’s value above precious stones. and rubies for your wares Rubies—or similarly prized gems—rounded out the list of luxury items. Aram spared no expense, confirming Tyre’s status as a premier marketplace. • Cross references: Proverbs 31:10 praises a virtuous wife as worth far more than rubies; Lamentations 4:7 depicts princes whose appearance was once like rubies, linking wealth and honor. summary Ezekiel 27:16 paints Tyre as a bustling commercial hub whose wealth enticed powerful neighbors like Aram to barter treasures—turquoise, purple cloth, embroidered work, fine linen, coral, and rubies—for its diverse products. The verse underlines God’s awareness of human trade and prosperity while foreshadowing the danger of pride in material success. Through cross references, Scripture consistently reminds us that earthly riches, however dazzling, pale beside the surpassing worth of righteousness and wisdom found in the Lord. |
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