Ezekiel 27:33

When thy wares went forth out of the seas, thou filledst many people; thou didst enrich the kings of the earth with the multitude of thy riches and of thy merchandise.

When thy wares {H5801} went forth {H3318} out of the seas {H3220}, thou filledst {H7646} many {H7227} people {H5971}; thou didst enrich {H6238} the kings {H4428} of the earth {H776} with the multitude {H7230} of thy riches {H1952} and of thy merchandise {H4627}.

When your wares came forth from the seas, you satisfied many peoples; with your vast wealth and variety of goods you enriched the kings of the earth.

When your wares went out to sea, you satisfied many nations. You enriched the kings of the earth with your abundant wealth and merchandise.

When thy wares went forth out of the seas, thou filledst many peoples; thou didst enrich the kings of the earth with the multitude of thy riches and of thy merchandise.

Commentary

Context

Ezekiel 27 is a profound lamentation, a funeral dirge sung by the prophet Ezekiel over the ancient city of Tyre. This chapter vividly describes Tyre's immense wealth, maritime power, and extensive trade networks before its prophesied downfall. Verse 33 specifically highlights the peak of Tyre's commercial success, illustrating how its vast international trade made it a central economic hub, enriching not only its own citizens but also rulers across the known world. The prophecy against Tyre, spanning Ezekiel chapters 26-28, serves as a powerful warning against pride and reliance on earthly prosperity.

Key Themes

  • Unparalleled Commercial Prosperity: The verse paints a picture of Tyre as the dominant trading power of its era. Its "wares went forth out of the seas," signifying a global reach through its advanced shipping and naval capabilities. Tyre was a true ancient superpower, facilitating the exchange of goods and resources across continents.
  • Global Economic Influence: Tyre "filledst many people" and "didst enrich the kings of the earth." This emphasizes its pivotal role in the ancient world's economy, supplying diverse goods and accumulating immense wealth that had widespread impact. It was not just a recipient of riches but a dispenser, making other nations and their leaders prosperous through its merchandise.
  • The Allure and Danger of Riches: While celebrating Tyre's economic prowess, this verse also subtly sets the stage for its subsequent judgment. The vastness of its "riches and of thy merchandise" became a source of pride and self-sufficiency, ultimately leading to its ruin, as detailed in the surrounding chapters. It serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of earthly wealth when not aligned with divine principles.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrases "wares," "riches," and "merchandise" accurately translate the Hebrew terms that convey the full scope of Tyre's commercial success. The term for "wares" (ืžึทืขึฒืจึธื‘, ma'arav) can refer to goods for trade, or even the act of trading itself, emphasizing the city's identity as a commercial center. The Hebrew for "riches" (ื”ื•ึนืŸ, hon) and "merchandise" (ืžึทืขึฒืจึธื‘, ma'arav, again, or ืกึฐื—ื•ึนืจึธื”, s'chorah in other contexts) collectively highlight the sheer volume and value of the goods and capital flowing through Tyre.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 27:33 offers timeless lessons for individuals and nations:

  • Beware of Pride in Prosperity: Tyre's downfall, despite its incredible wealth, warns against allowing material success to foster arrogance or self-reliance apart from God. True security and lasting prosperity come from divine blessing, not merely human enterprise.
  • The Transience of Earthly Empires: This verse, part of a prophecy of destruction, underscores that even the most powerful economic empires and wealthiest nations are ultimately temporary. It reminds us to invest in eternal values rather than placing ultimate trust in fleeting worldly possessions or systems.
  • God's Sovereignty Over Nations: The detailed description of Tyre's rise and fall, orchestrated by God, demonstrates His ultimate control over the destinies of nations and the flow of global commerce. Daniel 4:17 reinforces this truth, stating that "the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will."
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 18:19

    And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.

  • Isaiah 23:3

    And by great waters the seed of Sihor, the harvest of the river, [is] her revenue; and she is a mart of nations.

  • Isaiah 23:8

    Who hath taken this counsel against Tyre, the crowning [city], whose merchants [are] princes, whose traffickers [are] the honourable of the earth?

  • Ezekiel 27:12

    Tarshish [was] thy merchant by reason of the multitude of all [kind of] riches; with silver, iron, tin, and lead, they traded in thy fairs.

  • Ezekiel 27:36

    The merchants among the people shall hiss at thee; thou shalt be a terror, and never [shalt be] any more.

  • Ezekiel 28:16

    By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.

  • Ezekiel 28:4

    With thy wisdom and with thine understanding thou hast gotten thee riches, and hast gotten gold and silver into thy treasures:
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