Ezekiel 27:19

KJV

Dan also and Javan going to and fro occupied in thy fairs: bright iron, cassia, and calamus, were in thy market.

KJV (with Strong's)

Dan {H2051}{H1835} also and Javan {H3120} going to and fro {H235} occupied {H5414} in thy fairs {H5801}: bright {H6219} iron {H1270}, cassia {H6916}, and calamus {H7070}, were in thy market {H4627}.

Complete Jewish Bible

V'dan and Yavan from Uzal traded ironwork, cassia and aromatic cane for your goods.

Berean Standard Bible

and casks of wine from Izal for your wares. Wrought iron, cassia, and sweet cane were exchanged for your merchandise.

American Standard Version

Vedan and Javan traded with yarn for thy wares: bright iron, cassia, and calamus, were among thy merchandise.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 27:19 is a specific detail within the prophet's lamentation over Tyre, a powerful Phoenician city-state, portraying it as a grand merchant ship whose destruction is imminent. This verse meticulously lists key trading partners—Dan and Javan—and valuable commodities—bright iron, cassia, and calamus—that flowed through Tyre's bustling markets, underscoring the city's vast commercial reach and immense material wealth, which ultimately fueled its pride and led to its prophetic downfall.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 27 is a poignant lamentation, likening the city of Tyre to a magnificent ship, built and adorned with the finest materials and manned by skilled sailors from various nations. This chapter is part of a larger prophetic oracle against Tyre (chapters 26-28), which begins with a declaration of God's judgment against the city for its pride and gloating over Jerusalem's fall (see [Ezekiel 26:2](/ezekiel/26-2 "Ezekiel 26:2 - Tyre's Gloating Over Jerusalem")). Chapter 27 specifically details Tyre's vast commercial network, describing its construction, crew, and extensive trade partners and goods, setting the stage for its dramatic sinking and utter ruin. Verse 19, therefore, functions as a precise inventory within this elaborate metaphor, highlighting the specific contributions of certain regions and the exotic nature of the goods that constituted Tyre's unparalleled prosperity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was a dominant Phoenician city, renowned for its maritime prowess, trade, and purple dye industry. Situated on an island, it was considered impregnable, fostering a deep sense of self-sufficiency and pride among its inhabitants, which is a recurring theme in Ezekiel's prophecy against it (e.g., [Ezekiel 28:2](/ezekiel/28-2 "Ezekiel 28:2 - The Prince of Tyre's Pride")). "Dan" likely refers to the Israelite tribe of Dan, or more broadly, the northern region of Israel where they settled, suggesting trade routes extending inland. "Javan" is widely understood to represent the Ionian Greeks, indicating Tyre's extensive commercial ties across the Mediterranean to the Aegean world. The phrase "going to and fro" vividly captures the constant movement of merchants and goods characteristic of Tyre's vibrant economy. The commodities mentioned—"bright iron," "cassia," and "calamus"—were highly valued. Iron was essential for tools, weapons, and construction, and "bright" or polished iron suggests refined, high-quality metal. Cassia and calamus were aromatic spices, prized for perfumes, incense, and medicinal purposes, often imported from distant lands, symbolizing the luxury and exotic nature of Tyre's trade.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Ezekiel's prophecy against Tyre. Firstly, it emphasizes Tyre's **extensive trade network**, illustrating its role as a central hub connecting diverse regions from the Levant to Greece, and even further east for spices. This global reach was the foundation of its power. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **material wealth and luxury**, as evidenced by the specific mention of valuable commodities like refined iron and exotic spices. Tyre's opulence was a direct result of its commercial success. Lastly, the meticulous detail in listing partners and goods showcases **God's omniscient knowledge** of human affairs, even the intricate details of international commerce. This precision lends immense weight to the subsequent prophecies of judgment, demonstrating that God is intimately aware of the sources of human pride and the extent of their worldly achievements before bringing them to nothing, as seen in the broader context of [Ezekiel 27](/ezekiel/27 "Ezekiel 27 - The Lamentation for Tyre").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Javan (Hebrew, _Yâvân'_):** This term, probably from the same root as the Hebrew word for wine (effervescing, i.e., hot and active), refers to Javan, a son of Joktan, and by extension, the race descended from him—the Ionians, or Greeks. Its inclusion here signifies Tyre's far-reaching trade relations with the Hellenic world, highlighting the city's status as a major international trading hub connecting the Near East with the West.
* **iron (Hebrew, _barzel'_):** Perhaps from a root meaning "to cut," this word denotes iron, a fundamental metal in the ancient world. "Bright iron" (with `H6219 (ʻâshôwth)` meaning "shining, polished") suggests high-quality, refined, or even finished iron goods, indicating a trade in manufactured items or premium raw materials rather than just crude ore. Iron was crucial for tools, weapons, and construction, making it a valuable commodity in Tyre's markets.
* **fairs (Hebrew, _ʻizzâbôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to let go for a price" (i.e., selling), this term signifies trade, a place of trade (a mart), or even the payment/revenue derived from it. Its use here underscores the bustling commercial activity of Tyre, serving as a central market where goods from diverse regions were exchanged, bought, and sold, contributing to the city's immense revenue and economic power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Dan also and Javan going to and fro occupied in thy fairs:"** This clause identifies two significant trading partners of Tyre. "Dan" likely refers to a northern region of Israel or the tribe of Dan, indicating terrestrial or coastal trade routes within the Levant. "Javan" denotes the Ionian Greeks, representing Tyre's extensive maritime trade with the Aegean world. The phrase "going to and fro" vividly describes the constant, dynamic movement of merchants and goods, emphasizing the ceaseless commercial activity that characterized Tyre's "fairs" or markets. The verb "occupied" (from `nâthan`, "to give, put, make, etc.") here implies active engagement in trade, contributing or providing goods.
* **"bright iron,"** This specifies one of the valuable commodities traded. "Bright iron" suggests refined, polished, or high-quality iron, indicating its value for tools, weapons, or other finished products. Its presence highlights Tyre's role in the trade of essential and sophisticated manufactured goods.
* **"cassia, and calamus,"** These are two distinct aromatic spices. Cassia (related to cinnamon) and calamus (sweet cane) were highly prized luxury items, often used for perfumes, incense, and anointing oils (as seen in [Exodus 30:23-24](/exodus/30-23 "Exodus 30:23-24 - Ingredients for Holy Anointing Oil")). Their inclusion signifies Tyre's engagement in the lucrative trade of exotic and high-value commodities, likely sourced from distant Eastern lands and distributed through Tyre's network.
* **"were in thy market."** This concluding phrase reiterates that these specific goods and trading partners were integral to Tyre's central commercial hub, underscoring the city's immense wealth derived from its role as a global entrepôt. The "market" (from `maʻărâb`, meaning "traffic" or "merchandise") was the nexus of this vast economic activity.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 27:19 employs several powerful literary devices to convey Tyre's commercial grandeur and the prophet's detailed knowledge of it. **Enumeration** is prominent, as the verse meticulously lists specific trading partners (Dan, Javan) and valuable commodities (bright iron, cassia, calamus). This detailed listing creates a sense of authenticity and precision, emphasizing the vastness and intricacy of Tyre's trade network. **Imagery** is also vividly used, conjuring mental pictures of merchants "going to and fro" in bustling "fairs" filled with exotic goods, contributing to the overall metaphor of Tyre as a magnificent, richly laden ship. Furthermore, the very act of such detailed knowledge being revealed through prophecy suggests **Divine Omniscience**, where God demonstrates His intimate awareness of even the most minute details of human commerce, thereby validating the authority of the judgment pronounced against Tyre.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 27:19, by detailing Tyre's vast commercial empire and its specific goods, serves as a powerful testament to the city's earthly glory and the sources of its immense pride. Theologically, it highlights the transient nature of material wealth and human achievement when not aligned with God's purposes. Tyre's prosperity, while impressive, ultimately became a snare, fostering a spirit of self-sufficiency and arrogance that led to its downfall, as described in subsequent verses. This passage underscores God's sovereignty over all nations and economies, demonstrating that even the most powerful and seemingly impregnable cities are subject to His divine judgment. It reminds us that God sees not only the outward display of wealth but also the heart's disposition towards it, and that true security is found not in accumulated riches but in relationship with the divine.

* [Proverbs 11:28](/proverbs/11-28 "Proverbs 11:28 - Trust in Riches")
* [Isaiah 23:1-18](/isaiah/23 "Isaiah 23 - The Burden of Tyre")
* [Revelation 18:11-19](/revelation/18-11 "Revelation 18:11-19 - Merchants Lament Over Babylon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed description of Tyre's trade in Ezekiel 27:19 invites us to reflect on the nature of prosperity and its potential pitfalls. While wealth and international connections can be blessings, Tyre's example serves as a stark warning against allowing material success to breed pride, self-reliance, and a forgetfulness of God. The city's focus on accumulating earthly treasures ultimately led to its spiritual and physical ruin. For us today, this passage challenges us to examine our own relationship with material possessions and worldly achievements. Are we building our lives on transient earthly foundations, or are we investing in eternal values? Do we acknowledge God as the ultimate source of all blessings, or do we attribute our success solely to our own efforts and ingenuity? This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of humility and gratitude, recognizing that true and lasting security is found not in the fleeting abundance of this world, but in a steadfast relationship with the Creator, who holds all things in His hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might the pursuit of wealth and worldly connections become a source of spiritual pride in our own lives or communities?**
* **What are some "bright iron, cassia, and calamus" in our modern society—valuable commodities or achievements that can distract us from eternal priorities?**
* **How can we maintain a healthy perspective on material prosperity, acknowledging God's provision while guarding against the dangers of covetousness and self-sufficiency?**

### FAQ
**Who were 'Dan' and 'Javan' in this context, and why are they significant?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 27:19, "Dan" likely refers to a region associated with the Israelite tribe of Dan, possibly indicating trade routes extending into the northern parts of Israel or even further north. Their presence suggests Tyre's commercial reach into the Levant's interior. "Javan" is widely understood to refer to the Ionian Greeks, representing the Aegean world. The inclusion of Javan underscores Tyre's extensive maritime trade across the Mediterranean, connecting the Near East with European lands. Their significance lies in demonstrating the vast and diverse network of Tyre's commercial empire, which spanned both land and sea, bringing immense wealth and influence to the city.

**Why are specific trade goods like 'bright iron, cassia, and calamus' mentioned in such detail?**

Answer: The detailed mention of "bright iron, cassia, and calamus" serves several purposes. Firstly, it highlights the immense **material wealth and luxury** that defined Tyre. "Bright iron" (polished or refined) indicates high-quality metal, essential for tools, weapons, and construction, signifying a trade in valuable manufactured goods. Cassia and calamus were exotic aromatic spices, highly prized luxury items used for perfumes, incense, and anointing oils (as mentioned in [Exodus 30:24](/exodus/30-24 "Exodus 30:24 - Cassia and Calamus in Anointing Oil")). Secondly, this specificity emphasizes the **vastness and diversity** of Tyre's trade network, showing that it dealt in both essential commodities and rare luxury goods sourced from distant lands. Finally, the prophet Ezekiel's ability to list such precise details demonstrates **God's intimate knowledge** of human affairs, even the intricacies of international commerce, reinforcing the divine authority behind the prophecy of Tyre's impending judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 27:19, with its vivid portrayal of Tyre's earthly splendor and commercial prowess, ultimately points to the transient nature of all worldly kingdoms and their treasures, thereby highlighting the enduring and incomparable value of Christ and His eternal kingdom. Tyre, in its pursuit of material wealth and self-sufficiency, exemplifies humanity's tendency to find security and identity in fleeting earthly achievements. However, as the lamentation unfolds, this magnificent "ship" of Tyre is destined to sink, its riches lost to the depths, revealing that earthly prosperity, no matter how vast, cannot ultimately save or satisfy.

In stark contrast, Jesus Christ offers a kingdom "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), where true and lasting riches are stored up. He calls His followers to "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal" ([Matthew 6:19-20](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-20 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). The "bright iron, cassia, and calamus" of Tyre, though valuable in their time, are mere shadows compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ ([Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul's Gain is Loss for Christ")). He is the ultimate "market" where all true spiritual necessities are found, freely given. The rise and fall of Tyre serve as a powerful Old Testament type, illustrating that reliance on human enterprise and material gain ultimately leads to ruin, while reliance on Christ leads to eternal life and an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). In Him, we find the true abundance and security that no earthly trade network could ever provide.

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

Exodus 30:23

Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred [shekels], and of sweet cinnamon half so much, [even] two hundred and fifty [shekels], and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty [shekels],

Exodus 30:24

And of cassia five hundred [shekels], after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive an hin:

Judges 18:29

And they called the name of the city Dan, after the name of Dan their father, who was born unto Israel: howbeit the name of the city [was] Laish at the first.

Song Of Solomon 4:13

Thy plants [are] an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard,

Song Of Solomon 4:14

Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:

Psalms 45:8

All thy garments [smell] of myrrh, and aloes, [and] cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.