What is the meaning of Ezekiel 27:19? Background Ezekiel 27 is a poetic “merchant’s catalogue” lamenting Tyre’s fall. Verse 19 sits in the middle of that list, highlighting how far-reaching Tyre’s trading partners were and how valuable the cargo was. The verse reads: “Dan and Javan paid for your wares with yarn from Uz; wrought iron, cassia, and sweet cane were exchanged for your merchandise.” The Holy Spirit catalogs specific goods to show the richness of Tyre’s commerce and, by contrast, the depth of its coming loss (cf. Ezekiel 26:17; Revelation 18:11-19). Casks of wine from Izal for your wares • Wine (or “yarn,” depending on the textual tradition) is a luxury item, signaling prosperity (Proverbs 3:10; Joel 3:18). • “Izal” (also “Uzal,” Genesis 10:26-27) was in southern Arabia, far from Tyre. The detail underscores Tyre’s global reach—people hundreds of miles away were eager to trade with her (1 Kings 10:22; Isaiah 60:6). • By recording the origin of the wine, God reminds us that He observes every marketplace and every transaction (Psalm 24:1). Nothing escapes His notice, and no empire is self-sustaining. Wrought iron • Iron was a strategic commodity for tools and weapons (Deuteronomy 8:9; 1 Samuel 13:19-21). Its mention hints at Tyre’s military alliances and economic strength. • Even iron, renowned for strength (Jeremiah 15:12), cannot preserve a nation God has decreed to fall (Ezekiel 28:18-19). • The verse shows that Tyre profited not merely from luxuries but from the building blocks of empires—further reason her downfall would shock the world (Ezekiel 27:35-36). Cassia • Cassia, a fragrant spice, formed part of the holy anointing oil (Exodus 30:23) and royal garments (Psalm 45:8). • Its use points to worship and royalty, meaning Tyre trafficked in goods associated with the sacred and the elite. • Yet the city’s heart was not set on the LORD; riches without obedience invite judgment (Deuteronomy 8:11-14; Ezekiel 28:5-10). Sweet cane were exchanged for your merchandise • Sweet cane (calamus) provided perfume and incense (Jeremiah 6:20; Isaiah 43:24). Worshippers offered it in the temple, making it another item tied to spiritual devotion. • Tyre treated what was meant for God’s glory as mere merchandise. This commercialization echoes Jesus’ cleansing of the temple, where worship had become marketplace business (Matthew 21:12-13). • The warning is clear: when the things of God become tools for profit, judgment follows (Revelation 18:11-13). summary Ezekiel 27:19 paints Tyre as the ultimate global trader, importing luxury wine, strategic iron, fragrant cassia, and sweet cane. Each item highlights God’s blessing poured out on nations willing to seek Him—yet Tyre used that blessing for pride and gain, not worship and righteousness. The verse therefore serves as both a snapshot of ancient commerce and a timeless caution: wealth and influence apart from obedience end in ruin. |
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