The ships of Tarshish did sing of thee in thy market: and thou wast replenished, and made very glorious in the midst of the seas.
The ships {H591} of Tarshish {H8659} did sing {H7788} of thee in thy market {H4627}: and thou wast replenished {H4390}, and made very {H3966} glorious {H3513} in the midst {H3820} of the seas {H3220}.
"Tarshish" ships transported your imports and exports. "'So you were full, loaded down, surrounded by the sea.
The ships of Tarshish carried your merchandise. And you were filled with heavy cargo in the heart of the sea.
The ships of Tarshish were thy caravans for thy merchandise: and thou wast replenished, and made very glorious in the heart of the seas.
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Isaiah 2:16
And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures. -
Psalms 48:7
Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind. -
Isaiah 23:14
Howl, ye ships of Tarshish: for your strength is laid waste. -
Isaiah 60:9
¶ Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee. -
1 Kings 10:22
For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.
Ezekiel 27:25 is part of a vivid and elaborate lamentation (or dirge) over the ancient city of Tyre, a powerful Phoenician maritime empire. This particular verse captures Tyre at the absolute zenith of its commercial power and splendor, just before the detailed prophecy of its catastrophic downfall begins.
Context of Ezekiel 27:25
Chapter 27 of Ezekiel uses the extended metaphor of a magnificent ship to represent Tyre, highlighting its construction, crew, and vast trading network. The city, situated on an island, was a central hub for international trade, drawing goods and merchants from across the known world. The "ships of Tarshish" refer to large, ocean-going vessels from a distant, wealthy trading port (possibly in modern-day Spain), known for carrying valuable metals like silver, iron, tin, and lead. Their presence in Tyre's "market" (its bustling harbors and commercial districts) was a testament to Tyre's global reach and economic dominance.
This verse serves as a dramatic high point, illustrating the city's seemingly unassailable position and immense wealth. It sets the stage for the stark contrast of its impending judgment, prophesied throughout the rest of the chapter and in Ezekiel chapters 26-28. The detailed description of Tyre's luxury and extensive trade in previous verses (e.g., Ezekiel 27:12-24) underscores the sheer magnitude of its prosperity.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "ships of Tarshish did sing of thee" is a powerful piece of poetic personification. It doesn't mean the ships literally sang, but that their arrival and presence, laden with exotic goods and vast wealth, served as a constant, resounding declaration of Tyre's economic might and fame. The sheer volume of trade and the grandeur of the vessels themselves were a continuous anthem to Tyre's success.
"Replenished" (Hebrew: mala') means to be filled, completed, or abundant, indicating that Tyre was overflowing with all that was necessary and desirable, a sign of extreme prosperity. "Glorious" (Hebrew: hadar) refers to its splendor, majesty, and honor, underscoring its revered status among nations.
Practical Application
Ezekiel 27:25 offers enduring lessons for all generations: