Ezekiel 27:18

Damascus [was] thy merchant in the multitude of the wares of thy making, for the multitude of all riches; in the wine of Helbon, and white wool.

Damascus {H1834} was thy merchant {H5503} in the multitude {H7230} of the wares of thy making {H4639}, for the multitude {H7230} of all riches {H1952}; in the wine {H3196} of Helbon {H2463}, and white {H6713} wool {H6785}.

Because you were so wealthy, with such a variety of valuable merchandise, Dammesek traded wine from Helbon and white wool with you.

Because of your many products and your great wealth of goods, Damascus traded with you wine from Helbon, wool from Zahar,

Damascus was thy merchant for the multitude of thy handiworks, by reason of the multitude of all kinds of riches, with the wine of Helbon, and white wool.

Commentary

Ezekiel 27:18 is part of a vivid poetic lamentation (a dirge or funeral song) over the ancient Phoenician city of Tyre, described as a magnificent merchant ship. This chapter meticulously details Tyre's vast commercial network, listing its trading partners and the specific goods exchanged. This particular verse highlights Damascus as a key participant in Tyre's extensive trade activities.

Context

The prophet Ezekiel delivers a powerful prophecy against Tyre, a dominant maritime power of the ancient world. Chapter 27 paints a detailed picture of Tyre's immense wealth, global reach, and the elaborate nature of its commerce, likening it to a grand ship built from the finest materials and manned by skilled mariners. The chapter then lists various nations and regions that traded with Tyre, detailing the specific commodities involved. This verse focuses on the significant trade relationship between Tyre and Damascus. For the broader context of this lament, see Ezekiel 27:1.

Meaning and Key Themes

  • Extensive Commercial Network: The verse showcases Tyre's incredible reach, demonstrating how inland cities like Damascus were integral to its global trade empire. Damascus served as a vital hub, connecting Tyre to the rich resources of the Syrian interior.
  • Luxury Goods Trade: The mention of "wine of Helbon" and "white wool" points to the trade in high-value, specialized commodities. Helbon, near Damascus, was renowned for its superior wine, reportedly even favored by Persian kings. "White wool" likely signifies high-quality, fine wool, possibly used for luxurious textiles.
  • Tyre's Manufacturing Prowess: "The wares of thy making" emphasizes that Tyre was not merely a re-exporter but also a significant manufacturer of goods, which it traded for raw materials and other finished products from places like Damascus. This highlights Tyre's industrial capacity alongside its mercantile power.
  • Abundance and Riches: The repeated phrase "multitude of all riches" underscores the enormous wealth generated through these extensive trading relationships, contributing to Tyre's reputation as a city of unparalleled prosperity.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "wares of thy making" is ma'aseka (ΧžΧ’Χ©Χ™Χš), meaning "your works" or "your products," reinforcing Tyre's role as a producer. The term for "multitude" (rov, Χ¨Χ•Χ‘) emphasizes the sheer volume and abundance of the goods and wealth involved in these transactions. "White wool" (tzehuv lavan, Χ¦Χ—Χ•Χ¨ ΧœΧ‘ΧŸ) literally means "pure white," highlighting the quality and desirability of this commodity.

Historical & Cultural Significance

Damascus was one of the oldest continually inhabited cities and a crucial crossroads for ancient trade routes, connecting Mesopotamia to the Mediterranean and Egypt. Its strategic position made it an indispensable partner for Tyre. The specific mention of Helbon wine underscores the regional specialties and the sophistication of ancient commerce, where specific products from particular locales were highly prized and traded over long distances. This detailed list in Ezekiel provides valuable historical insight into the economic geography of the ancient Near East.

Spiritual Applications

While detailing earthly commerce, this passage is part of a larger divine judgment against Tyre, primarily due to its pride rooted in its vast wealth and perceived invincibility (see Ezekiel 28:2). The meticulous description of Tyre's prosperity ultimately serves to highlight the vanity and fleeting nature of worldly riches when disconnected from God. It reminds us that while trade and industry are legitimate human endeavors, placing ultimate trust in material wealth can lead to spiritual downfall. Believers are called to seek enduring treasures, as taught in Matthew 6:19-21.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 7:8

    For the head of Syria [is] Damascus, and the head of Damascus [is] Rezin; and within threescore and five years shall Ephraim be broken, that it be not a people.

  • Genesis 14:15

    And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which [is] on the left hand of Damascus.

  • Acts 9:2

    And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

  • Ezekiel 47:16

    Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim, which [is] between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath; Hazarhatticon, which [is] by the coast of Hauran.

  • Ezekiel 47:18

    And the east side ye shall measure from Hauran, and from Damascus, and from Gilead, and from the land of Israel [by] Jordan, from the border unto the east sea. And [this is] the east side.

  • Genesis 15:2

    ΒΆ And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house [is] this Eliezer of Damascus?

  • 1 Kings 11:24

    And he gathered men unto him, and became captain over a band, when David slew them [of Zobah]: and they went to Damascus, and dwelt therein, and reigned in Damascus.
← Back