Chilmad is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Ezekiel. It appears in a passage that describes the extensive trade networks and commercial relationships of the ancient city of Tyre. The reference to Chilmad is found in Ezekiel 27:23, where it is listed among the trading partners of Tyre: "Haran, Canneh, Eden, the merchants of Sheba, Asshur, and Chilmad traded with you."

Geographical and Historical Context

The exact location of Chilmad is not definitively known, and it is not frequently mentioned in ancient texts outside of the Bible. However, it is generally considered to be a place of some significance in the ancient Near Eastern trade routes. The context in Ezekiel suggests that Chilmad was part of a network of cities and regions involved in commerce with Tyre, a major Phoenician port city renowned for its wealth and trade.

Some scholars have speculated that Chilmad might have been located in Mesopotamia, possibly near the region of Assyria, given its association with Asshur in the biblical text. Others suggest it could have been in the vicinity of Haran or Canneh, which are also mentioned in the same verse. The lack of additional historical or archaeological evidence makes it difficult to pinpoint its exact location or the nature of its trade goods.

Biblical Significance

In the context of Ezekiel 27, Chilmad is part of a larger lamentation over Tyre, which is depicted as a once-mighty trading empire that will face destruction due to its pride and iniquity. The mention of Chilmad, along with other trading partners, serves to highlight the extensive reach and influence of Tyre's commercial activities. This passage underscores the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations through trade and the economic dependencies that existed among them.

Theologically, the passage in Ezekiel serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly wealth and power. Tyre's downfall, despite its vast network of trade and riches, illustrates the biblical theme that human pride and reliance on material prosperity are ultimately futile without a foundation in righteousness and obedience to God.

Cultural and Economic Insights

The inclusion of Chilmad in the list of Tyre's trading partners provides insight into the economic landscape of the ancient Near East. It suggests a complex web of trade routes that facilitated the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas across significant distances. The mention of various regions and cities in Ezekiel 27 reflects the diversity of products and resources that were available and sought after in the ancient world.

While the specific goods traded by Chilmad are not detailed in the biblical text, the broader context of Tyre's trade includes items such as textiles, metals, spices, and luxury goods. This indicates that Chilmad, like other trading partners, likely contributed to the rich tapestry of commerce that characterized the era.

In summary, Chilmad's mention in the Bible, though brief, provides a glimpse into the historical and economic dynamics of the ancient world, as well as serving as a narrative element in the prophetic message of Ezekiel.Chilmad

teaching or learning

Chilmad

(enclosure), a place or country mentioned in conjunction with Sheba and Asshur. (Ezekiel 27:23)

A place or country unknown which, along with Sheba and Asshur, traded with Tyre (Ezek. 27:23). CHILMAD

kil'-mad (kilmadh; Charman): A city or district mentioned after Sheba and Asshur as supplying merchandise to Tyre (Ezekiel 27:23). By changing "m" into "w" (common in Assytoprian-Babylonian) this has been compared with Kalwadha near Bagdad (G. Smith, Transactions of the Society of Biblical Archaeology, I, 61; Delitzsch, Paradies, 206), but the identification seems improbable. Though regarded as the name of a country in the Septuagint and the Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) (Charman; Chelmad), there is some doubt whether this view of the word is correct. The Targum substitutes Madhai, "Media," and on this account Mez (Stadt Harran, 24) amends to Kol Madhai, "all Media." The absence of the copula "and" has caused others to further modify the vocalization, and by reading kelimmudh instead of Chilmad, the sense "Asshur was as the apprentice of thy trading" (Qimchi, Hitzig, Cornill) is obtained, but is not satisfactory. Probably both text and translation are susceptible of improvement.

T. G. Pinches

3638. Kilmad -- a place of unc. location
... a place of unc. location. Transliteration: Kilmad Phonetic Spelling: (kil-mawd')
Short Definition: Chilmad. ... location NASB Word Usage Chilmad (1). Chilmad. ...
/hebrew/3638.htm - 5k

Ezekiel's Discourse
... stones, and gold. Haran and Canneh and Eden, the traffickers of Sheba,
Asshur and Chilmad, were thy traffickers. These were thy ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/vii ezekiels discourse.htm

Chilmad (1 Occurrence)
... Ezek. 27:23). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CHILMAD. kil ... improvement. TG Pinches.
Multi-Version Concordance Chilmad (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel ...
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Chimham (4 Occurrences)

/c/chimham.htm - 10k

Kilmad (1 Occurrence)
... Kilmad (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 27:23 Haran and Canneh and Eden, the traffickers
of Sheba, Asshur and Chilmad, were your traffickers. (See NIV). ...
/k/kilmad.htm - 6k

Traffic (12 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Ezekiel 27:23 Haran and Canneh and Eden, the traffickers of Sheba, Asshur
and Chilmad, were your traffickers. (Root in WEB JPS ASV). ...
/t/traffic.htm - 12k

Traded (16 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV NAS RSV NIV). Ezekiel 27:23 Haran, and Canneh, and Eden, the merchants
of Sheba, Asshur, and Chilmad traded with thee: (DBY NAS RSV NIV). ...
/t/traded.htm - 11k

Traffickers (9 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV DBY). Ezekiel 27:23 Haran and Canneh and Eden, the traffickers of
Sheba, Asshur and Chilmad, were your traffickers. (WEB JPS ASV). ...
/t/traffickers.htm - 9k

Canneh (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Canneh (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 27:23 Haran and Canneh
and Eden, the traffickers of Sheba, Asshur and Chilmad, were your traffickers. ...
/c/canneh.htm - 8k

Chilion's (1 Occurrence)

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Apprentice (1 Occurrence)
... Apprentice (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 27:23 Haran and Canneh and Eden, the traffickers
of Sheba, Asshur and Chilmad, were thy traffickers. (See JPS). ...
/a/apprentice.htm - 7k

Merchants (34 Occurrences)
... (KJV DBY WBS YLT NIV). Ezekiel 27:23 Haran, and Canneh, and Eden, the merchants
of Sheba, Asshur, and Chilmad, were thy merchants. (KJV DBY WBS YLT NIV). ...
/m/merchants.htm - 16k

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