Ezekiel 27:23

KJV

Haran, and Canneh, and Eden, the merchants of Sheba, Asshur, [and] Chilmad, [were] thy merchants.

KJV (with Strong's)

Haran {H2771}, and Canneh {H3656}, and Eden {H5729}, the merchants {H7402} of Sheba {H7614}, Asshur {H804}, and Chilmad {H3638}, were thy merchants {H7402}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The merchants of Haran, Kaneh and 'Eden, who traded also with Sh'va, Ashur and Kilmad,

Berean Standard Bible

Haran, Canneh, and Eden traded with you, and so did the merchants of Sheba, Asshur, and Chilmad.

American Standard Version

Haran and Canneh and Eden, the traffickers of Sheba, Asshur and Chilmad, were thy traffickers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 27:23 is a meticulous component of a prophetic lamentation over Tyre, a powerful Phoenician city renowned for its vast maritime trade and immense wealth. This verse specifically enumerates key regions and peoples—Haran, Canneh, Eden, Sheba, Asshur, and Chilmad—who served as integral merchants within Tyre's expansive commercial network. It highlights the astonishing global reach and economic significance of Tyre in the ancient world, meticulously detailing the intricate web of trade that underpinned its prosperity, thereby setting the stage for the subsequent divine pronouncements of its inevitable downfall.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 27 forms part of a series of oracles against foreign nations, specifically targeting the city of Tyre (chapters 26-28). This chapter is a funeral dirge, a lamentation that personifies Tyre as a magnificent ship, built and outfitted by various nations, sailing the seas of international commerce. Verses 1-25 meticulously detail the city's unparalleled splendor, its vast array of trading partners, the specific goods exchanged, and the diverse peoples who contributed to its immense wealth and power. Verse 23, therefore, functions as a specific listing within this broader catalog of Tyre's commercial allies, underscoring the breadth and depth of its economic influence before the prophetic pivot to its catastrophic destruction in verses 26-36. The detailed portrayal of Tyre's commercial glory serves as a stark prelude to its prophesied downfall, emphasizing that even the most powerful human enterprises are subject to divine judgment, as elaborated upon in subsequent verses and chapters (e.g., [Ezekiel 28:17](/ezekiel/28-17 "Ezekiel 28:17 - Tyre's Pride and Downfall")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city-state located on the Mediterranean coast (modern-day Lebanon), was a dominant maritime power from the 10th to the 6th centuries BCE. Its strategic location, natural harbors, and advanced shipbuilding capabilities enabled it to establish an extensive network of colonies and trading posts across the Mediterranean and beyond. The cities and regions mentioned in Ezekiel 27:23—Haran, Canneh, Eden, Sheba, Asshur, and Chilmad—represent a vast geographical expanse, stretching from Mesopotamia (Haran, Canneh, Eden, Asshur, Chilmad) to the Arabian Peninsula (Sheba). This verse vividly illustrates the highly interconnected nature of ancient Near Eastern economies, where major cities like Tyre served as central hubs for the exchange of goods, technologies, and cultural influences across vast distances. The wealth generated from this trade was immense, making Tyre a symbol of human ingenuity, power, and often, the pride that accompanies such prosperity, which ultimately drew divine attention and judgment.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, embedded within Ezekiel's oracle against Tyre, contributes to several overarching themes. Primarily, it underscores the **Extensive Commercial Network** of Tyre, showcasing its unparalleled global reach and economic dominance through the specific naming of diverse trading partners. This detailed enumeration also highlights the **Historical Accuracy and Precision of Prophecy**, demonstrating God's intimate knowledge of earthly affairs and the tangible reality of Tyre's power before its destruction. Furthermore, the meticulous description of Tyre's wealth and commercial prowess sets the stage for the theme of **Divine Judgment on Human Pride and Materialism**. The prosperity detailed here ultimately fueled Tyre's arrogance, as seen in [Ezekiel 28:2](/ezekiel/28-2 "Ezekiel 28:2 - The Prince of Tyre's Arrogance"), leading to its downfall. Thus, the verse, while descriptive, serves as a foundational element in the broader narrative of God's sovereignty over nations and His righteous judgment against those who place their trust in fleeting earthly grandeur rather than in Him, a message echoed in the broader prophetic literature concerning the fall of great empires (e.g., [Isaiah 23](/isaiah/23 "Isaiah 23 - The Oracle Against Tyre")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Haran (Hebrew, _Chârân'_):** From a root meaning "parched," Haran was an ancient city in northwestern Mesopotamia, a significant trading post and a crucial stop on the caravan routes connecting Assyria with the Mediterranean coast. Its mention here underscores Tyre's deep commercial ties inland, reaching into the heart of Mesopotamia, and highlights its historical significance as a crossroads of trade, as seen in Abraham's journey (e.g., [Genesis 11:31](/genesis/11-31 "Genesis 11:31 - Abraham's Sojourn in Haran")).
* **Eden (Hebrew, _ʻEden'_):** Meaning "pleasure" or "delight," this refers not to the primordial Garden of Eden but to a specific region or city in Mesopotamia, possibly related to Beth Eden or a fertile plain known for its produce and trade. Its inclusion points to Tyre's diverse sourcing of goods, likely luxurious or agricultural products from fertile Mesopotamian lands, contributing to the city's reputation for opulence.
* **Merchants (Hebrew, _râkal'_):** A primitive root meaning "to travel for trading," this term emphasizes the active, mobile, and extensive nature of Tyre's commercial activities. It signifies not just passive exchange but the dynamic movement of traders and goods across vast distances, highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit and far-reaching influence of Tyre's commercial agents.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Haran, and Canneh, and Eden,"**: This opening clause immediately lists three significant geographical locations in Mesopotamia. Haran, a well-known ancient city, served as a vital trade hub. Canneh, possibly identifiable with Calneh (mentioned in [Genesis 10:10](/genesis/10-10 "Genesis 10:10 - Nimrod's Kingdom")), was another Mesopotamian city. Eden refers to a specific region or city in Mesopotamia, distinct from the Garden of Eden, likely known for its valuable commodities. The enumeration of these places establishes the extensive reach of Tyre's trade routes into the heartland of the ancient Near East.
* **"the merchants of Sheba,"**: This phrase introduces a distinct group of traders from Sheba, an ancient kingdom located in modern-day Yemen, renowned for its luxurious goods such as spices, gold, and precious stones (as exemplified by the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon in [1_Kings/10](/1_kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - The Queen of Sheba's Visit")). The inclusion of Sheba demonstrates Tyre's commercial connections extending far south into the Arabian Peninsula, indicating the vastness of its supply chain for high-value exotic merchandise.
* **"Asshur, and Chilmad,"**: This clause continues the list of trading partners, naming Asshur (Assyria), a major Mesopotamian empire and political power, and Chilmad, a less certain location but likely another trading center within Mesopotamia or the broader Assyrian sphere of influence. Their presence confirms Tyre's engagement with powerful political entities and their associated commercial networks, further illustrating the city's central role in regional and inter-regional trade.
* **"[were] thy merchants."**: This concluding phrase succinctly summarizes the relationship between all the previously named entities and Tyre. It explicitly states that these regions and peoples were not merely suppliers but active "merchants" for Tyre, implying a reciprocal and dynamic commercial partnership. This reiterates Tyre's position as the central hub, drawing in goods and services from a vast and diverse network of trading partners, solidifying its reputation as a global commercial powerhouse.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 27:23 employs several literary devices to enhance its descriptive power within the broader lamentation. The primary device is **Enumeration**, a detailed listing of names and places (Haran, Canneh, Eden, Sheba, Asshur, Chilmad). This meticulous cataloging serves to emphasize the sheer scale and geographical breadth of Tyre's commercial empire, making its eventual downfall all the more impactful. The specific naming of these diverse entities also functions as **Verisimilitude**, lending an air of historical accuracy and concrete reality to the prophecy, grounding the divine word in tangible, recognizable details of the ancient world. Furthermore, the verse contributes to the overarching **Personification** of Tyre as a magnificent, richly outfitted ship, with these named regions representing various parts of its cargo, crew, or destinations, all contributing to its perceived invincibility and splendor before its prophesied wreck.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 27:23, while seemingly a mere list of names, profoundly contributes to the theological message of God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and economies. It demonstrates that even the most intricate and powerful human enterprises, like Tyre's vast commercial network, operate under the divine gaze and ultimate control. The meticulous detail with which God describes Tyre's global reach underscores His intimate knowledge of human affairs, setting the stage for His righteous judgment against the city's pride and self-sufficiency. This serves as a timeless reminder that all worldly grandeur is fleeting and subject to the will of the Almighty, challenging humanity to recognize the transient nature of material wealth and to place ultimate trust in the eternal God rather than in the ephemeral achievements of man.

* [Isaiah 23:8](/isaiah/23-8 "Isaiah 23:8 - Tyre, the Crowning City")
* [Revelation 18:11](/revelation/18-11 "Revelation 18:11 - Lament Over Fallen Babylon")
* [Proverbs 11:28](/proverbs/11-28 "Proverbs 11:28 - Trust in Riches vs. Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 27:23, within the larger lament over Tyre, offers profound lessons for contemporary life. It challenges us to critically examine where we place our ultimate trust and derive our sense of security and identity. Just as Tyre's immense wealth and global connections ultimately proved insufficient to save it from divine judgment, so too are our modern achievements, economic systems, and material possessions ultimately transient. This verse calls us to reflect on the fleeting nature of worldly grandeur and to cultivate a perspective rooted in eternal values. It reminds us that true security and lasting significance are found not in the accumulation of wealth or power, but in a humble recognition of God's sovereignty over all things and in aligning our lives with His purposes. It prompts us to consider whether our pursuits are driven by a spirit of pride and self-sufficiency, or by a recognition that all blessings come from God and are to be stewarded for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to place my trust in worldly achievements or material possessions rather than in God's provision and sovereignty?**
* **How does the detailed description of Tyre's fall challenge my own assumptions about security and success in a rapidly changing world?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart that is less reliant on worldly prosperity and more focused on eternal values and God's kingdom?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the cities and regions mentioned in Ezekiel 27:23?**

Answer: The cities and regions—Haran, Canneh, Eden, Sheba, Asshur, and Chilmad—were strategically important trading partners for Tyre, representing its vast commercial network. Haran, Canneh, Eden, Asshur, and Chilmad were located in Mesopotamia or its surrounding regions, indicating Tyre's extensive overland trade routes into the heart of the ancient Near East. Sheba, located in modern-day Yemen, was famous for luxury goods like spices and gold, signifying Tyre's connections to distant, high-value markets. Their mention highlights Tyre's unparalleled economic reach and its central role as a hub for international commerce, drawing goods and wealth from across a wide geographical area. This detailed enumeration underscores the scale of Tyre's prosperity, which ultimately contributed to its pride and subsequent divine judgment, as outlined in [Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Prophecy Against the Prince of Tyre").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 27:23 directly describes the commercial might of ancient Tyre, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the stark contrast it presents between the fleeting nature of earthly kingdoms built on material wealth and the eternal, unshakable Kingdom established by Christ. Tyre's fall, detailed in subsequent verses, foreshadows the ultimate judgment of all human systems and empires that exalt themselves apart from God, particularly those characterized by pride and materialism, as depicted in the fall of "Babylon the Great" in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon the Great"). In contrast to Tyre's reliance on a vast network of earthly merchants, Christ is the true and eternal "merchant" who offers riches that do not perish—spiritual treasures like righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (cf. [Matthew 13:45-46](/matthew/13-45 "Matthew 13:45-46 - The Parable of the Pearl of Great Value")). He is the Lamb of God whose sacrifice purchased for us an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven (cf. [1_Peter/1-4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). The detailed account of Tyre's earthly glory ultimately serves to magnify the surpassing and everlasting glory of Christ's kingdom, which is not built on perishable goods or human ingenuity but on divine love, grace, and eternal truth, inviting all to exchange the fleeting treasures of this world for the immeasurable and enduring wealth found in Him (cf. [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul's Gain in Christ")).

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

2 Kings 19:12

Have the gods of the nations delivered them which my fathers have destroyed; [as] Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden which [were] in Thelasar?

Isaiah 37:12

Have the gods of the nations delivered them which my fathers have destroyed, [as] Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden which [were] in Telassar?

Amos 1:5

I will break also the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the plain of Aven, and him that holdeth the sceptre from the house of Eden: and the people of Syria shall go into captivity unto Kir, saith the LORD.

Genesis 10:22

The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.

Genesis 11:31

And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there.

Genesis 11:32

And the days of Terah were two hundred and five years: and Terah died in Haran.

Numbers 24:22

Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive.