Ezekiel 27:21

Context

Ezekiel 27 is a profound prophetic lamentation, or funeral dirge, concerning the magnificent Phoenician city of Tyre. This chapter vividly portrays Tyre as a grand, beautifully crafted ship, symbolizing its immense wealth, global reach, and unparalleled commercial power. The prophet Ezekiel meticulously details the various nations and regions that contributed to Tyre's prosperity, listing them as parts of the ship or as trading partners. Verse 21 specifically highlights the significant contribution of the Arabian tribes to Tyre's vast trade network, underscoring the city's economic interdependence with diverse peoples before its prophesied downfall. This detailed account sets the stage for understanding the depth of Tyre's influence and the magnitude of God's impending judgment upon it, as seen in Ezekiel 26:3.

Key Themes

• Tyre's Extensive Trade Network: This verse, along with others in Ezekiel 27, paints a comprehensive picture of Tyre's far-reaching commercial empire. It demonstrates how distant and seemingly disparate regions, like Arabia, were integral to its economic success, making Tyre a true hub of ancient global trade.
• Pastoral Wealth: The mention of "lambs, and rams, and goats" specifically identifies the nature of the goods traded by Arabia and Kedar. This highlights the importance of pastoral products in the ancient economy and the significant contribution of nomadic, livestock-rich regions to the wealth of urban centers like Tyre.
• Economic Interdependence: The passage illustrates a complex system of trade where different regions specialized in certain goods, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship. Tyre provided manufactured goods and served as a port, while its partners supplied raw materials or specific commodities, showcasing a sophisticated ancient supply chain.
• Divine Sovereignty Over Nations: While detailing human commerce, the underlying prophetic message reminds us that even the most powerful and interconnected human endeavors are ultimately subject to God's sovereign plan. The lament over Tyre serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and wealth, a theme echoed throughout prophetic literature.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Kedar" (Hebrew: קֵדָר, Qedar) refers to a prominent Arab tribal confederation, descendants of Ishmael (Genesis 25:13). Their name possibly means "dark" or "black," perhaps referencing their dark tents or complexion. They were known for their nomadic lifestyle and extensive flocks. The phrase "princes of Kedar" indicates their leadership and organized nature, even as nomadic peoples. Their inclusion underscores the vast and varied network of Tyre, extending even to the desert tribes known for their pastoral wealth, which is also alluded to in Isaiah 60:7.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 27:21, within the broader context of Tyre's rise and fall, offers several timeless lessons:

• The Fleeting Nature of Earthly Riches: Tyre's immense wealth and extensive trade network, built through partnerships like that with Arabia and Kedar, ultimately could not save it from divine judgment. This serves as a potent reminder that true security and lasting prosperity are not found in material accumulation or vast human connections alone. For a deeper understanding of this principle, consider Matthew 6:19-21.
• Interconnectedness of Humanity: Just as ancient Tyre depended on various peoples for its commerce, modern societies are deeply interconnected. This verse can encourage us to appreciate the diverse contributions of different cultures and regions to global well-being, fostering a sense of shared humanity.
• God's Unwavering Word: The detailed prophecies against Tyre, including its specific trading partners, highlight the precision and reliability of God's prophetic word. This bolsters faith in the Bible's accuracy and its ultimate message of God's control over history and nations.