Ezekiel 27:7

Fine linen with broidered work from Egypt was that which thou spreadest forth to be thy sail; blue and purple from the isles of Elishah was that which covered thee.

Fine linen {H8336} with broidered work {H7553} from Egypt {H4714} was that which thou spreadest forth {H4666} to be thy sail {H5251}; blue {H8504} and purple {H713} from the isles {H339} of Elishah {H473} was that which covered {H4374} thee.

Richly woven linen from Egypt was used for your sail, which was also your banner. Blue and purple from the coasts of Elishah was used to cover your deck-tent.

Of embroidered fine linen from Egypt they made your sail, which served as your banner. Of blue and purple from the coasts of Elishah they made your awning.

Of fine linen with broidered work from Egypt was thy sail, that it might be to thee for an ensign; blue and purple from the isles of Elishah was thine awning.

Ezekiel 27:7 is part of a vivid poetic lamentation (a dirge) over the ancient city of Tyre, presented as a magnificent merchant ship. This chapter, found in the book of Ezekiel, details the immense wealth, global trade network, and ultimate downfall of this powerful Phoenician city-state. The verse highlights the unparalleled luxury and international sourcing of materials that contributed to Tyre's grandeur.

Context

The prophet Ezekiel delivers a series of prophecies against various nations, and chapters 26-28 focus on Tyre. Chapter 27 describes Tyre as a grand, beautifully constructed ship, with each part of its structure and adornment supplied by different nations, symbolizing its vast commercial empire. This particular verse details some of the most luxurious components used in its construction and decoration, emphasizing its splendor before its prophesied destruction. The entire chapter serves as a stark reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and riches.

Key Themes

  • Unparalleled Wealth and Luxury: The description of "fine linen with broidered work" and "blue and purple" materials underscores Tyre's extreme opulence and its ability to procure the most expensive goods from across the ancient world.
  • Global Trade Network: The mention of Egypt and the isles of Elishah illustrates Tyre's extensive commercial reach, drawing resources and luxury items from distant lands.
  • Pride and Grandeur: The elaborate description of Tyre's beauty and might foreshadows its eventual fall, often linked in prophetic literature to the pride that accompanies such prosperity. This serves as a warning against placing ultimate trust in material possessions.

Linguistic and Cultural Insights

The materials mentioned in this verse were among the most valuable in the ancient Near East:

  • Fine Linen from Egypt: Egypt was renowned for its high-quality linen, often used for royal garments, priestly vestments, and luxurious items. Its use as a "sail" for Tyre's ship suggests an extravagance far beyond mere utility.
  • Broidered Work: This refers to intricate embroidery, indicating highly skilled craftsmanship and significant expense, further emphasizing the luxury of the sail.
  • Blue and Purple from the Isles of Elishah: These dyes were exceptionally costly, extracted from specific murex snails. They were symbols of royalty, wealth, and divine favor across many ancient cultures. The "isles of Elishah" likely refers to Cyprus or other Aegean islands, known sources for these precious dyes. Their use to "cover" the ship implies lavish awnings or decorative coverings, highlighting Tyre's ostentatious display of wealth. This echoes the use of blue and purple in sacred and royal contexts.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 27:7, while describing ancient Tyre, offers timeless lessons for us today:

  • The Impermanence of Earthly Riches: This verse, within its larger context, reminds us that no amount of material wealth, luxury, or global influence can guarantee lasting security or prevent eventual decline. We are encouraged to consider laying up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.
  • Warning Against Pride: The grandeur of Tyre, detailed so elaborately, serves as a backdrop for its humbling fall. It cautions against the pride that often accompanies great prosperity, a theme echoed throughout Scripture (e.g., Proverbs 16:18).
  • God's Sovereignty: Ultimately, the lament over Tyre demonstrates God's sovereign control over nations and their destinies, regardless of their perceived power or wealth.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Exodus 25:4

    And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' [hair],

  • Jeremiah 10:9

    Silver spread into plates is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the workman, and of the hands of the founder: blue and purple [is] their clothing: they [are] all the work of cunning [men].

  • Isaiah 19:9

    Moreover they that work in fine flax, and they that weave networks, shall be confounded.

  • Genesis 10:4

    And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.

  • 1 Chronicles 1:7

    And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.

  • Proverbs 7:16

    I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved [works], with fine linen of Egypt.

  • 1 Kings 10:28

    And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.

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