Ezekiel 27:25

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Tarshish" ships transported your imports and exports. "'So you were full, loaded down, surrounded by the sea.

Berean Standard Bible

The ships of Tarshish carried your merchandise. And you were filled with heavy cargo in the heart of the sea.

American Standard Version

The ships of Tarshish were thy caravans for thy merchandise: and thou wast replenished, and made very glorious in the heart of the seas.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 27:25 serves as the climactic portrayal of Tyre's unparalleled commercial might and opulent splendor, depicting the city at the zenith of its global influence. Through vivid poetic language, the verse illustrates how Tyre, as a dominant maritime power, was abundantly supplied and celebrated by the vast network of international trade, particularly by the grand "ships of Tarshish," symbolizing its immense wealth and esteemed reputation before its prophesied downfall.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 27 is a meticulously crafted lament, or dirge, pronounced by the prophet Ezekiel against the city of Tyre. The entire chapter employs the extended metaphor of a magnificent, seaworthy vessel to symbolize Tyre, detailing its construction, its diverse crew, and its extensive trading network that spanned the known world. Verse 25 functions as the dramatic high point within this elaborate description, showcasing Tyre's seemingly unassailable position and immense wealth. It immediately precedes the stark prophecy of its catastrophic destruction, which begins in [Ezekiel 27:26](/ezekiel/27-26 "Ezekiel 27:26 - Tyre's Downfall Begins") and continues through the chapter, setting up a powerful contrast between peak prosperity and impending ruin. The preceding verses, such as [Ezekiel 27:12-24](/ezekiel/27-12 "Ezekiel 27:12-24 - Tyre's Vast Trading Partners"), meticulously detail the vast array of goods and trading partners that contributed to Tyre's immense prosperity, making its glory in verse 25 all the more pronounced.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was a prominent Phoenician city-state, strategically located on an island off the coast of modern-day Lebanon. Its geographical position made it a natural hub for maritime trade, allowing it to develop into a formidable naval and commercial empire. The "ships of Tarshish" were renowned large, ocean-going vessels, likely originating from a distant, wealthy port in the western Mediterranean (possibly modern-day Spain), known for transporting valuable metals like silver, iron, tin, and lead. Their presence in Tyre's "market" (referring to its bustling harbors, docks, and commercial districts) was a clear indicator of Tyre's global reach and economic dominance. The city's wealth was built on its sophisticated trading networks, its skilled mariners, and its production of highly prized goods, including its famous Tyrian purple dye. This verse captures the essence of Tyre's cultural identity as a proud, self-sufficient, and outwardly glorious commercial power.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to Ezekiel's prophecies against Tyre and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Unparalleled Commercial Glory**, portraying Tyre as the undisputed queen of the seas, overflowing with wealth and resources due to its vast trade empire. The city's "replenished" state signifies its abundant supply of goods and riches, while being "made very glorious" speaks to its immense reputation and opulent display of power among nations. Secondly, it subtly introduces the theme of **Pride in Self-Sufficiency**. The poetic phrase "did sing of thee" suggests that Tyre's success was so evident and overwhelming that the very ships and markets proclaimed its greatness, hinting at a dangerous self-adulation where Tyre attributed its prosperity solely to its own wisdom and strength, rather than acknowledging any divine hand. This theme of hubris is explicitly developed in [Ezekiel 28:2](/ezekiel/28-2 "Ezekiel 28:2 - The Prince of Tyre's Pride"), where the prince of Tyre is condemned for his pride. Finally, by placing this description of peak glory immediately before the detailed account of its ruin in [Ezekiel 27:26-36](/ezekiel/27-26 "Ezekiel 27:26-36 - The Fall of Tyre"), the prophet emphasizes the **Transient Nature of Earthly Power**. It serves as a powerful reminder that even the greatest human achievements and wealth are temporary and subject to God's ultimate sovereignty, echoing the principle that [pride goes before destruction](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before a Fall") and a haughty spirit before a fall.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **replenished (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ'_):** From H4390, this word signifies being "filled" or "full of" in a wide application, both literally and figuratively. In the context of Tyre, it denotes an overflowing abundance of goods, resources, and wealth, indicating a state of extreme prosperity and complete supply. It suggests that Tyre lacked nothing, being fully stocked and satisfied by its extensive trade.
* **very (Hebrew, _mᵉʼôd'_):** From H3966, this term functions as an intensive or superlative. It properly means "vehemence" and is used to emphasize the degree or extent of something. When paired with "glorious," it underscores that Tyre's glory was not merely significant but exceedingly, overwhelmingly, and profoundly magnificent, reaching a pinnacle of splendor.
* **glorious (Hebrew, _kâbad'_):** From H3513, this root word primarily means "to be heavy," but it extends to convey honor, richness, and weightiness, leading to the idea of "glory" or "splendor." Here, it describes Tyre's esteemed reputation, its majestic appearance, and the profound respect or awe it commanded among nations due to its immense wealth and power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The ships of Tarshish did sing of thee in thy market:"** This clause vividly personifies the large, distant trading vessels. They are not literally singing, but their constant arrival, laden with valuable goods and representing vast commercial networks, served as a perpetual, resounding declaration of Tyre's economic might, fame, and central role in global trade. The "market" refers to Tyre's bustling harbors and commercial districts, the very heart of its prosperity.
* **"and thou wast replenished,"** This phrase highlights the direct result of Tyre's extensive trade. The city was not merely prosperous but was "filled" to overflowing with all manner of goods, resources, and wealth. It signifies a state of complete abundance, where every need was met, and luxuries were plentiful, indicating an unprecedented level of material prosperity.
* **"and made very glorious in the midst of the seas."** This final clause emphasizes Tyre's elevated status and magnificent reputation. Situated as an island city, its glory was intrinsically linked to its maritime dominance. The phrase "very glorious" underscores the superlative degree of its splendor and honor, recognized by all who navigated the seas, solidifying its image as the undisputed queen of the maritime world.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 27:25 is rich with poetic imagery, primarily employing **Personification** and **Hyperbole**. The most striking example of personification is "The ships of Tarshish did sing of thee." This imbues inanimate objects (ships) with human qualities (singing), vividly conveying that Tyre's commercial success was so undeniable and overwhelming that it was proclaimed by the very vessels that frequented its ports. It's a powerful way to express the city's fame and the constant flow of wealth that celebrated its existence. **Hyperbole** is also evident in the description of Tyre being "made very glorious." While Tyre was undoubtedly wealthy and powerful, the use of "very glorious" suggests an exaggeration to emphasize the peak of its splendor, creating a dramatic contrast with its impending downfall. This literary technique amplifies the sense of Tyre's immense, almost unbelievable, prosperity just before its ruin is detailed, making the subsequent judgment all the more impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 27:25 serves as a profound theological statement, illustrating the intoxicating allure and inherent dangers of earthly glory and material prosperity when divorced from divine acknowledgment. Tyre's "very glorious" state, achieved through human ingenuity and vast commercial enterprise, became a source of self-adulation and pride, leading to a spiritual blindness concerning God's ultimate sovereignty. This narrative arc underscores the biblical truth that all human achievements, regardless of their magnitude, are transient and ultimately subject to God's judgment. It challenges us to consider where our true security and glory lie, warning against the idolatry of wealth and self-sufficiency, and calling for a humble recognition of God as the ultimate source of all blessing and the one who determines the rise and fall of nations.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"): "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud"): "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
* [1 Timothy 6:17](/1_timothy/6-17 "1 Timothy 6:17 - Warning Against Riches"): "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 27:25 presents a powerful mirror for contemporary society, which often measures success and glory by material accumulation, economic power, and global influence. Like ancient Tyre, modern individuals and nations can become "replenished" and "very glorious" in their own eyes, attributing prosperity solely to human ingenuity, hard work, or strategic advantage. This verse serves as a sober reminder that such earthly glory, however impressive, is inherently fleeting and vulnerable to a higher divine will. It calls us to examine the sources of our pride and security. Are we placing our trust in our "ships of Tarshish"—our careers, investments, reputation, or achievements—or in the unchanging sovereignty of God? True wisdom lies in recognizing that all blessings flow from God and that genuine, lasting glory is found not in what we accumulate or achieve for ourselves, but in humble dependence on Him and in living for His eternal kingdom. The story of Tyre compels us to cultivate humility, practice generous stewardship of resources, and maintain an eternal perspective, understanding that only what is built on Christ will endure.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "ships of Tarshish" in my life or in our society today—the sources of wealth, power, or influence that we might be tempted to "sing" about or place our ultimate trust in?**
* **How does the pursuit of worldly glory and material "replenishment" potentially lead to pride and a disconnect from God's sovereignty?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a heart of humility and gratitude, acknowledging God as the true source of all blessings, even amidst personal or collective prosperity?**
* **How does the transient nature of Tyre's glory challenge my own long-term priorities and definition of true success?**

### FAQ
**What does "ships of Tarshish did sing of thee" truly mean?**

Answer: This is a powerful poetic device known as personification. It does not mean the ships literally sang. Instead, it vividly conveys that the constant arrival and presence of these large, prestigious merchant vessels from distant Tarshish, laden with valuable goods, served as a continuous, resounding declaration of Tyre's immense economic power, global fame, and central role in international trade. The sheer volume of commerce and the grandeur of these ships were a perpetual anthem to Tyre's unparalleled success and glory in its bustling "market" or harbor.

**Why does Ezekiel focus so much on the destruction of a seemingly powerful city like Tyre?**

Answer: Ezekiel's detailed prophecy against Tyre, culminating in its destruction, serves multiple theological purposes. Firstly, it demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and empires, regardless of their perceived strength or wealth. Tyre's downfall illustrates that no earthly power can stand against God's judgment, especially when that power is built on pride, materialism, and exploitation. Secondly, it serves as a cautionary tale against hubris and the idolatry of wealth. Tyre's self-adulation and belief in its own invincibility led to its spiritual downfall, a theme echoed throughout Scripture (e.g., [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction")). Finally, it underscores God's justice, as Tyre had often acted against God's people, Israel, and its commercial practices were marked by greed and oppression. The prophecy against Tyre, therefore, is a profound theological statement about divine judgment, human accountability, and the transient nature of all earthly glory compared to the enduring kingdom of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The transient glory of Tyre, so vividly depicted in Ezekiel 27:25, finds its ultimate contrast and fulfillment in the enduring, eternal glory of Jesus Christ. While Tyre's "replenishment" and "glory" were derived from earthly commerce and fleeting human achievements, Christ's glory is inherent, divine, and everlasting. He is the [image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God"), in whom all things hold together. The "ships of Tarshish" sang of Tyre's material wealth, but the entire cosmos, both visible and invisible, sings of the glory of Christ, who [humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience"), and was subsequently [highly exalted and given the name that is above every name](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Christ's Exaltation"). Unlike Tyre, whose pride led to its catastrophic fall, Christ's humility led to His exaltation and the establishment of an eternal kingdom that will never be shaken. For believers, true "replenishment" is not found in earthly riches but in being [filled with the Spirit](/ephesians/5-18 "Ephesians 5:18 - Be Filled with the Spirit") and having [all our needs met according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Supplies All Needs"). The ultimate "market" where true and lasting glory is exchanged is not a bustling harbor but the cross, where Christ's sacrifice purchased our redemption and granted us access to His eternal glory. We are called to count all earthly gains as loss for the [surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord](/philippians/3-7 "Philippians 3:7 - Valuing Christ Above All"), for in Him alone is true and eternal glory found. The New Jerusalem, the ultimate city of God, has [no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Glory of the New Jerusalem"), a stark contrast to the fleeting, sea-dependent glory of Tyre.

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

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.