Ezekiel 27:12

KJV

Tarshish [was] thy merchant by reason of the multitude of all [kind of] riches; with silver, iron, tin, and lead, they traded in thy fairs.

KJV (with Strong's)

Tarshish {H8659} was thy merchant {H5503} by reason of the multitude {H7230} of all kind of riches {H1952}; with silver {H3701}, iron {H1270}, tin {H913}, and lead {H5777}, they traded {H5414} in thy fairs {H5801}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Tarshish did business with you because of the quantity and variety of your resources; they exchanged silver, iron, tin and lead for your goods.

Berean Standard Bible

Tarshish was your merchant because of your great wealth of goods; they exchanged silver, iron, tin, and lead for your wares.

American Standard Version

Tarshish was thy merchant by reason of the multitude of all kinds of riches; with silver, iron, tin, and lead, they traded for thy wares.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 27:12 is a pivotal detail within a comprehensive prophetic lament over the city of Tyre, vividly illustrating its immense economic power and global reach. This verse specifically identifies Tarshish as a primary trading partner, highlighting the vast quantities of precious metals—silver, iron, tin, and lead—that flowed into Tyre's markets. This detailed enumeration underscores the city's unparalleled wealth and the intricate network of ancient commerce that contributed to its splendor, ultimately setting the stage for the pronouncement of divine judgment against its pride and self-sufficiency.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 27 is a meticulously crafted dirge, or funeral lament, for the city of Tyre, following a series of prophecies against various nations in [Ezekiel 25-32](/ezekiel/25 "Ezekiel 25-32 - Prophecies Against Nations"). This chapter employs an elaborate **metaphor** of Tyre as a magnificent ship, built and outfitted by numerous nations, symbolizing its vast international trade network and maritime prowess. Verse 12 fits into a detailed catalog of Tyre's trading partners and the specific goods they supplied. This meticulous enumeration serves to magnify Tyre's grandeur and economic invincibility, thereby intensifying the shock and devastation of its prophesied downfall, which is the overarching theme of [Ezekiel 26](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre") and [Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Prophecy Against the Prince of Tyre"). The detailed description of Tyre's wealth and connections in this chapter is not merely informative but serves to underscore the magnitude of its pride and the severity of God's judgment against it.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was a powerful Phoenician city-state, strategically located on the Mediterranean coast, renowned for its extensive maritime trade, purple dye production, and skilled craftsmanship. Its commercial empire stretched across the known world, making it one of the wealthiest and most influential cities of its time. Tarshish, mentioned in this verse, is generally identified with Tartessus in modern-day Spain, a distant port known for its rich mineral deposits. The metals listed—silver, iron, tin, and lead—were crucial commodities in the ancient world. Silver was a primary form of currency and valuable material, iron was essential for tools and weaponry, and tin was vital for producing bronze (an alloy of copper and tin), which was indispensable for implements, weapons, and art. Lead had various uses, including weights, plumbing, and even as a component in glazes. This verse illustrates the sophisticated global supply chains of the ancient Near East, where raw materials from distant lands were transported to commercial hubs like Tyre for processing, distribution, and further trade.

* **Key Themes:** The detailed description of Tyre's trade in [Ezekiel 27](/ezekiel/27 "Ezekiel 27 - A Lament for Tyre") contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. One prominent theme is **Global Trade and Economic Power**, highlighting the extensive and sophisticated trade routes that interconnected ancient nations, with Tyre at the commercial epicenter. This verse also underscores the theme of **Material Wealth and its Dangers**, as the immense riches flowing into Tyre ultimately fueled its pride and self-sufficiency, leading to its judgment. Despite its power, Tyre's reliance on other nations like Tarshish for essential raw materials demonstrates the theme of **Interdependence**, even among seemingly dominant powers. Most profoundly, the broader context reveals the **Divine Perspective on Nations**, where even the most formidable human achievements and economic empires are temporary and ultimately subject to God's ultimate sovereignty and justice. The detailed account of Tyre's splendor serves to magnify the extent of its fall, reinforcing the principle that pride goes before destruction, as seen in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **merchant (Hebrew, _çâchar'_):** From H5503, a primitive root meaning "to travel round (specifically as a pedlar); intensively, to palpitate." This word describes one who goes about for traffic, a trader. In the context of Ezekiel 27:12, it emphasizes Tarshish's role as an active participant in Tyre's extensive commercial network, not merely a supplier but a partner engaged in the movement and exchange of goods. The root's sense of "traveling around" perfectly captures the itinerant nature of ancient trade.
* **riches (Hebrew, _hôwn'_):** From H1952, meaning "wealth; by implication, enough." This term signifies not just a collection of goods but substantial material possessions, indicating prosperity and abundance. The phrase "multitude of all kind of riches" highlights the sheer volume and variety of valuable commodities that Tarshish supplied, making it clear that Tyre's wealth was built upon a diverse and plentiful influx of resources.
* **traded (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** From H5414, a primitive root meaning "to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)." While a very broad term, in this commercial context, it specifically denotes the act of exchanging goods. It emphasizes the active transaction occurring between Tarshish and Tyre, where valuable metals were "given" or exchanged for other goods or currency within Tyre's bustling "fairs" or markets. This highlights the reciprocal nature of the trade relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Tarshish [was] thy merchant by reason of the multitude of all [kind of] riches;":** This clause identifies Tarshish as a key trading partner of Tyre, emphasizing its role as a supplier rather than a consumer of Tyre's finished goods. The phrase "by reason of the multitude of all kind of riches" specifies the nature of Tarshish's contribution to Tyre's economy—it was a source of abundant and diverse wealth, primarily consisting of raw materials. The emphasis on "multitude" conveys the vast scale of these transactions, indicating that Tarshish was not a minor supplier but a significant contributor to Tyre's prosperity.
* **"with silver, iron, tin, and lead, they traded in thy fairs.":** This second clause provides the specific details of the "riches" mentioned previously. It lists four essential metals: silver (a precious metal and form of currency), iron (crucial for tools and weapons), tin (vital for making bronze), and lead (used for various purposes). The phrase "they traded in thy fairs" indicates that these transactions occurred within Tyre's established markets or trading centers, underscoring Tyre's role as a commercial hub where goods from distant lands were exchanged. This detail paints a vivid picture of the bustling economic activity that defined Tyre.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 27:12, while a specific detail, functions within a larger tapestry of literary devices found in [Ezekiel 27](/ezekiel/27 "Ezekiel 27 - A Lament for Tyre"). The most prominent is the extended **Metaphor** of Tyre as a magnificent ship, which frames the entire chapter. Within this verse, the detailed listing of commodities exemplifies **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**, a common prophetic device used to create a sense of comprehensive detail and emphasize the vastness of Tyre's economic reach. The phrase "multitude of all kind of riches" employs **Hyperbole** to underscore the extraordinary abundance and diversity of goods flowing into Tyre, amplifying the impression of its immense wealth. The very act of describing Tyre's global trade network through such specific details also serves as a form of **Symbolism**, where the city's material wealth and commercial prowess represent its pride and self-sufficiency, which ultimately lead to its downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 27:12, by meticulously detailing Tyre's vast commercial network and the immense material wealth it accumulated, serves as a powerful illustration of the dangers inherent in placing ultimate trust in earthly prosperity. While trade and economic activity are not inherently evil, the prophet highlights how Tyre's unparalleled success led to an inflated sense of self-sufficiency and pride, overshadowing its dependence on God. This verse, therefore, contributes to the broader biblical theme that material riches, though appearing to offer security and power, are fleeting and can become an idol that blinds nations and individuals to divine sovereignty. It underscores the prophetic warning that human achievements, no matter how grand, are ultimately subject to God's judgment when they lead to arrogance and injustice.

* [Proverbs 11:28](/proverbs/11-28 "Proverbs 11:28 - Trusting in Riches") - "He that trusts in his riches shall fall: but he that is righteous shall flourish as a branch."
* [Jeremiah 9:23-24](/jeremiah/9-23-24 "Jeremiah 9:23-24 - Boasting in God Alone") - "Thus says the Lord, 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the mighty man boast in his might, nor the rich man boast in his riches; but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me...'"
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven") - "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven..."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 27:12 offers profound insights for contemporary reflection. It reminds us that economic interconnectedness, while fostering prosperity, also creates vulnerabilities and ethical responsibilities. Just as ancient Tyre relied on distant lands for its resources, modern global economies are deeply intertwined, highlighting our mutual dependence. This verse challenges us to consider the sources of our own prosperity and the ethical implications of global commerce, urging us to examine whether our pursuit of wealth is just and sustainable. More importantly, it serves as a powerful cautionary tale against the spiritual dangers of materialism and pride. When wealth becomes an end in itself, rather than a means to serve God and neighbor, it can lead to a false sense of security and an arrogant disregard for divine authority. The ultimate message is a call to humility, recognizing that all earthly achievements and riches are transient and that true security and lasting value are found not in material accumulation but in a right relationship with God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed description of Tyre's wealth challenge or affirm your own understanding of prosperity and its role in society?**
* **In what ways might modern nations or individuals exhibit a similar pride in their economic achievements as ancient Tyre?**
* **What ethical responsibilities do we have in a globally interconnected economy, considering the lessons from Tyre's trade network?**
* **How can we cultivate a heart that trusts in God's provision rather than in the fleeting security of material riches?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Tarshish in relation to Tyre?**

Answer: Tarshish was a highly significant trading partner for Tyre, primarily acting as a major source of raw materials, specifically valuable metals like silver, iron, tin, and lead. Its importance is underscored by the vast "multitude of all kind of riches" it supplied, making it a crucial contributor to Tyre's immense wealth and its status as a dominant commercial hub in the ancient world. The relationship highlights the extensive reach of Tyre's trade network, stretching to what is believed to be Tartessus in modern-day Spain, demonstrating the truly global nature of ancient commerce for a city like Tyre, as described in [Ezekiel 27](/ezekiel/27 "Ezekiel 27 - A Lament for Tyre").

**Why are specific metals like silver, iron, tin, and lead mentioned?**

Answer: The specific mention of silver, iron, tin, and lead is crucial because these were highly valuable and essential commodities in the ancient economy. Silver served as a primary form of currency and a precious metal, often used for adornment and wealth storage. Iron was indispensable for tools, weapons, and construction, marking a significant technological advancement. Tin was vital for the production of bronze, an alloy that was central to ancient technology for implements, weapons, and art before the widespread use of iron. Lead had various industrial applications, including weights, plumbing, and even as a component in glazes. Their enumeration emphasizes the practical and strategic importance of the raw goods Tyre acquired, showcasing the foundational elements of its economic power and its role in supplying the necessities for ancient civilization, as well as the breadth of its trade, as detailed throughout [Ezekiel 27](/ezekiel/27 "Ezekiel 27 - A Lament for Tyre").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The detailed account of Tyre's earthly splendor and its reliance on material wealth, as seen in [Ezekiel 27:12](/ezekiel/27-12 "Ezekiel 27:12 - Tyre's Trade with Tarshish"), finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament's reorientation of values from earthly treasures to heavenly realities. While Tyre amassed silver, iron, tin, and lead, the ultimate "riches" are found in Christ, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures in Christ")). Jesus himself taught against laying up "treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal," urging His followers instead to "store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal" ([Matthew 6:19-20](/matthew/6-19-20 "Matthew 6:19-20 - Heavenly Treasures")). The true merchant, in a spiritual sense, is Christ, who offers spiritual wealth far surpassing any earthly commodity—the "unsearchable riches of Christ" ([Ephesians 3:8](/ephesians/3-8 "Ephesians 3:8 - Unsearchable Riches")). His sacrifice on the cross, the ultimate act of giving, purchased our redemption not with "perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect" ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Blood")). Thus, the transient glory of Tyre's material trade points forward to the eternal, incorruptible kingdom of God, where righteousness dwells and Christ is the ultimate and everlasting treasure, the true light of the New Jerusalem, which "does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp" ([Revelation 21:23-27](/revelation/21-23-27 "Revelation 21:23-27 - No Temple in New Jerusalem")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 10:4

And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.

1 Kings 10:22

For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.

Isaiah 23:10

Pass through thy land as a river, O daughter of Tarshish: [there is] no more strength.

Ezekiel 38:13

Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?

Isaiah 23:6

Pass ye over to Tarshish; howl, ye inhabitants of the isle.

Jeremiah 10:9

Silver spread into plates is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the workman, and of the hands of the founder: blue and purple [is] their clothing: they [are] all the work of cunning [men].

Isaiah 2:16

And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures.