The merchants of Sheba and Raamah, they [were] thy merchants: they occupied in thy fairs with chief of all spices, and with all precious stones, and gold.
The merchants {H7402} of Sheba {H7614} and Raamah {H7484}, they were thy merchants {H7402}: they occupied {H5414} in thy fairs {H5801} with chief {H7218} of all spices {H1314}, and with all precious {H3368} stones {H68}, and gold {H2091}.
The traders of Sh'va and Ra'mah exchanged the best quality spices, all kinds of precious stones and gold for your goods.
The merchants of Sheba and Raamah traded with you; for your wares they exchanged gold, the finest of all spices, and precious stones.
The traffickers of Sheba and Raamah, they were thy traffickers; they traded for thy wares with the chief of all spices, and with all precious stones, and gold.
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Genesis 10:7
And the sons of Cush; Seba, and Havilah, and Sabtah, and Raamah, and Sabtecha: and the sons of Raamah; Sheba, and Dedan. -
Isaiah 60:6
The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD. -
Psalms 72:10
The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. -
2 Chronicles 9:1
¶ And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to prove Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem, with a very great company, and camels that bare spices, and gold in abundance, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart. -
2 Chronicles 9:12
And king Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside [that] which she had brought unto the king. So she turned, and went away to her own land, she and her servants. -
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? -
Genesis 43:11
¶ And their father Israel said unto them, If [it must be] so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:
Commentary on Ezekiel 27:22 (KJV)
Ezekiel 27:22 is part of a detailed and poetic lamentation (a funeral dirge) against the ancient Phoenician city of Tyre, described as a magnificent ship destined for destruction. This chapter meticulously catalogues Tyre's vast commercial network, highlighting its immense wealth and the diverse goods it acquired through trade with numerous nations.
Historical and Cultural Context
In the ancient world, Tyre was a dominant maritime power, a wealthy city-state known for its extensive trade routes and naval prowess. This verse specifically names two significant trading partners:
These "merchants" from Sheba and Raamah brought premium commodities to Tyre's bustling "fairs" or markets. The mention of "chief of all spices, and with all precious stones, and gold" underscores the incredibly high value and luxury nature of the goods being traded. Spices were not only used for culinary purposes but also for perfumes, incense, and medicinal applications, making them extremely valuable.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The KJV phrase "they occupied in thy fairs" uses the verb 'occupied' in an older sense, meaning 'to trade' or 'to do business.' The Hebrew word 'azar (עָזַר) here refers to active participation in commerce, emphasizing the bustling activity and significant volume of trade occurring in Tyre's markets. It highlights the active engagement of these foreign merchants in Tyre's economy.
Practical Application
Ezekiel's lament over Tyre, including this verse, serves as a powerful reminder about the transient nature of material wealth and worldly power. While prosperity is not inherently wrong, the Bible often warns against the pride and self-sufficiency that can accompany it. Tyre's eventual destruction, despite its immense riches and extensive trade, underscores that true security and lasting value are not found in possessions or commercial empires but in a right relationship with God. This passage encourages reflection on what we place our trust in and the ultimate source of our security, echoing principles found in the New Testament about not storing up treasures on earth (e.g., Matthew 6:19-21).