Ezekiel 27:9

KJV

The ancients of Gebal and the wise [men] thereof were in thee thy calkers: all the ships of the sea with their mariners were in thee to occupy thy merchandise.

KJV (with Strong's)

The ancients {H2205} of Gebal {H1380} and the wise {H2450} men thereof were in thee thy calkers {H919}{H2388}: all the ships {H591} of the sea {H3220} with their mariners {H4419} were in thee to occupy {H6148} thy merchandise {H4627}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The leaders and craftsmen of G'val sealed the cracks between your boards. "'Every seagoing ship and its crew came to you to trade in your wares.

Berean Standard Bible

The elders of Gebal were aboard as shipwrights, repairing your leaks. All the ships of the sea and their sailors came alongside to barter for your merchandise.

American Standard Version

The old men of Gebal and the wise men thereof were in thee thy calkers: all the ships of the sea with their mariners were in thee to deal in thy merchandise.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 27:9 is a poignant detail within the elaborate funeral dirge for Tyre, the ancient Phoenician maritime power. This verse specifically underscores the city's immense commercial reach and its reliance on specialized international labor. It highlights how the skilled "ancients" and "wise men" of Gebal (Byblos) served as expert ship calkers, ensuring the seaworthiness of Tyre's vast fleet. This intricate network of craftsmanship and global trade enabled "all the ships of the sea with their mariners" to converge on Tyre, transforming it into the preeminent hub for the world's merchandise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 27 is a lament, or funeral dirge, for the city of Tyre, presented as a magnificent, yet ultimately doomed, ship. This chapter immediately follows the initial prophecy against Tyre in [Ezekiel 26](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre"), which details its destruction. Chapter 27 elaborates on Tyre's splendor, wealth, and extensive network of international trade partners and skilled laborers, making its eventual downfall all the more tragic and impactful. The detailed description of Tyre's construction, its various parts, and its crew (representing different nations) serves to magnify its glory before recounting its catastrophic sinking in [Ezekiel 27:26-36](/ezekiel/27-26 "Ezekiel 27:26-36 - Tyre's Downfall"). Verse 9 specifically contributes to the portrayal of Tyre as a meticulously crafted and maintained vessel, emphasizing the vital role of skilled artisans in its commercial success.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was a powerful Phoenician city-state, renowned for its maritime trade, shipbuilding, and purple dye production. Situated on the Mediterranean coast, it commanded extensive trade routes that stretched across the known world. Its success depended on a complex web of international relationships, both for resources and skilled labor. Gebal, modern-day Byblos, was another ancient Phoenician city to the north of Tyre, famous for its cedar timber and its long history of maritime activity and shipbuilding. The "ancients" and "wise men" of Gebal would have represented established guilds or families of master craftsmen, whose expertise in sealing ship seams (calking) was crucial for maintaining the integrity and safety of wooden vessels in the harsh marine environment. This verse vividly illustrates the sophisticated division of labor and the deep interdependence that characterized the ancient Near Eastern economy, with Tyre at its commercial zenith.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel's prophecy against Tyre. Firstly, it highlights **Tyre's unparalleled economic dominance and global reach**, portraying it as the central marketplace where "all the ships of the sea" converged. Secondly, it underscores the **importance of specialized skill and international collaboration** for achieving such prosperity, as evidenced by Gebal's expert calkers. Tyre's success was not self-sufficient but built upon the contributions of many nations. Thirdly, and most significantly, this detailed description of Tyre's glory serves as a stark **prelude to its inevitable judgment and destruction**. The prophet meticulously details Tyre's strengths to emphasize the magnitude of its fall, a common prophetic motif warning against pride and self-sufficiency, echoing themes found in other prophetic books like [Isaiah 23](/isaiah/23 "Isaiah 23 - Prophecy Against Tyre") and [Zechariah 9:3-4](/zechariah/9-3 "Zechariah 9:3-4 - Prophecy Against Tyre and Sidon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gebal (Hebrew, _Gᵉbal'_):** (H1380) This refers to the ancient Phoenician city, modern Byblos, located north of Tyre. Its inclusion here is significant because Gebal was renowned for its timber, shipbuilding, and skilled craftsmen. The mention of its "ancients" and "wise men" indicates that the city provided highly respected and experienced experts, underscoring the quality and prestige of the labor Tyre imported.
* **ancients (Hebrew, _zâqên'_):** (H2205) Derived from a root meaning "old," this term refers to elders, indicating not merely age but also wisdom, experience, and authority. In this context, it signifies the most seasoned and respected craftsmen from Gebal, whose expertise in shipbuilding and maintenance was invaluable. Their presence in Tyre's service highlights Tyre's ability to attract and command the best specialized labor from across the region.
* **calkers (Hebrew, _machzikei bidqech'_):** The KJV translates a compound Hebrew phrase, `machzikei bidqech`, which literally means "strengtheners of your breaches" or "repairers of your leaks." `bedeq` (H919) refers to a "breach" or "leak," particularly in a building or ship, indicating structural damage. `châzaq` (H2388) is a verb meaning "to fasten upon," "to seize," "to be strong," or "to strengthen" and "repair." Thus, "calkers" refers to the highly skilled artisans responsible for sealing the seams of wooden ships with tar or pitch, making them watertight and ensuring their structural integrity. This was a critical and specialized skill, vital for the safety and longevity of Tyre's extensive fleet.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The ancients of Gebal and the wise [men] thereof were in thee thy calkers:"** This clause identifies the source and nature of a crucial specialized labor force for Tyre. The "ancients" and "wise men" from Gebal, a city known for its maritime expertise, provided the essential service of calking—repairing and sealing the ships. This highlights Tyre's reliance on external, highly skilled professionals to maintain its vast commercial fleet.
* **"all the ships of the sea with their mariners were in thee":** This phrase emphasizes the immense scale of Tyre's maritime activity and its status as a global hub. The hyperbole "all the ships of the sea" conveys that Tyre's port was a bustling international center, attracting vessels and sailors from every corner of the known world. It paints a vivid picture of constant commercial traffic.
* **"to occupy thy merchandise."** This final clause states the ultimate purpose of this elaborate international network and skilled labor: trade. The converging ships and mariners were all there to engage in commerce, underscoring Tyre's role as the central marketplace for a vast array of goods, solidifying its reputation as the epitome of ancient mercantile power.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 27:9 employs several potent literary devices to convey Tyre's grandeur and the intricate nature of its commercial empire. The overarching **Metaphor** of Tyre as a magnificent ship, sailing the seas of commerce, is central to the entire chapter, with this verse detailing the "crew" and "maintenance" of the vessel. There is a subtle **Personification** of Tyre, as the city itself is depicted as the recipient of the calkers' services and the destination for ships, giving it an active role in its own prosperity. The phrase "all the ships of the sea" is a clear instance of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the vastness and universality of Tyre's maritime influence, rather than a literal count. Finally, the verse is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid mental picture of a bustling, cosmopolitan port, filled with ships, mariners, and the specialized craftsmen who kept the wheels of commerce turning, all contributing to a sense of unparalleled wealth and activity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 27:9, in its detailed portrayal of Tyre's commercial might and reliance on skilled international labor, serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of human achievement and the transient glory of earthly empires. It illustrates how human ingenuity, specialized skills, and vast networks can build impressive structures of wealth and influence. However, within the broader context of Ezekiel's prophecy, this very description of unparalleled success sets the stage for a dramatic fall, reminding the reader that even the most formidable human endeavors are ultimately subject to divine sovereignty and judgment. The prophet meticulously details Tyre's self-sufficiency and pride in its accomplishments, which ultimately become the very reasons for its downfall. This serves as a timeless warning against placing ultimate trust in human strength, wealth, or wisdom, rather than in God.

* [Isaiah 23:1-18](/isaiah/23-1 "Isaiah 23:1-18 - Prophecy Against Tyre") - Another significant prophetic lament against Tyre, detailing its commercial glory and subsequent desolation, reinforcing the theme of divine judgment on proud nations.
* [Revelation 18:11-19](/revelation/18-11 "Revelation 18:11-19 - Lament Over Babylon's Fall") - This New Testament passage describes the lament of merchants over the fall of "Babylon," a symbolic city representing ultimate commercial and worldly power, echoing the themes and even the specific goods mentioned in Ezekiel's lament over Tyre.
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall") - "Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This proverb encapsulates the spiritual principle at play in Tyre's narrative, where its immense success and self-assurance led to its undoing.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 27:9, while describing an ancient commercial empire, offers enduring insights for contemporary life. It highlights the profound value of specialized skills and the intricate interdependence that characterizes any thriving enterprise, whether a nation, a business, or even a local community. Just as Tyre relied on the expert calkers of Gebal, modern societies depend on a vast array of highly skilled individuals—from engineers and doctors to educators and artisans—whose specialized knowledge is essential for progress and stability. This verse also serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and wealth. Tyre's meticulous construction and global connections ultimately could not save it from its prophesied judgment. This encourages a posture of humility in prosperity, recognizing that all human achievements are temporary and ultimately derive from and are sustained by divine grace. It challenges us to consider where we place our ultimate trust and to build upon foundations that are eternal, rather than those subject to the inevitable ebb and flow of worldly fortunes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specialized skills or external partnerships are essential for the "seaworthiness" and success of your endeavors (personal, professional, or communal)?**
* **How do you acknowledge and appreciate the interdependence you have with others, both locally and globally, in achieving your goals?**
* **In what ways might success or prosperity lead to pride or a false sense of self-sufficiency in your life, and how can you guard against this?**
* **Considering the transient nature of Tyre's glory, what "merchandise" or treasures are you investing in that will have lasting, eternal value?**

### FAQ
**Why is Gebal specifically mentioned in relation to Tyre's calkers?**

Answer: Gebal (modern Byblos) was a prominent Phoenician city with a long-standing reputation for its rich cedar forests and exceptional shipbuilding capabilities. Its "ancients" and "wise men" would have represented generations of accumulated expertise in maritime crafts. By specifying Gebal, Ezekiel emphasizes that Tyre, despite its own grandeur, relied on the very best specialized labor available from its neighbors. This detail underscores the high quality and critical importance of the calking work, which ensured the seaworthiness and longevity of Tyre's extensive commercial fleet, allowing it to "occupy [its] merchandise" across vast distances.

**What exactly did "calkers" do, and why were they so important?**

Answer: "Calkers" were skilled artisans responsible for making wooden ships watertight. They would pack fibrous material (like oakum or hemp) into the seams between the planks of a ship's hull and then seal it with pitch or tar. This process, known as calking, was absolutely vital for preventing leaks and maintaining the structural integrity of the vessel, especially for ships undertaking long voyages across the sea. Without expert calkers, even the most magnificent ships would quickly become unseaworthy, jeopardizing their cargo, crew, and ultimately, the entire commercial enterprise. Their mention highlights the sophisticated infrastructure and specialized labor required for Tyre's maritime dominance, as seen in this detailed description of its operations.

**How does this verse contribute to the overall prophetic message about Tyre in Ezekiel?**

Answer: Ezekiel 27:9 contributes significantly to the overall prophetic message by meticulously detailing the sources of Tyre's immense wealth, power, and global reach. By describing the specific, high-quality international labor (like Gebal's calkers) and the vast network of "all the ships of the sea" converging on Tyre, the prophet magnifies the city's glory and self-sufficiency. This elaborate portrayal of Tyre's splendor serves as a dramatic backdrop against which its prophesied downfall will be even more striking and tragic. The message is that even the most powerful and intricately built human empires, sustained by vast resources and specialized skills, are ultimately vulnerable to divine judgment when they become proud and forget their dependence on God, as the subsequent verses in [Ezekiel 27](/ezekiel/27 "Ezekiel 27 - The Lament Over Tyre") vividly describe.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 27:9, with its vivid depiction of Tyre's reliance on skilled labor and vast commercial networks for its earthly prosperity, offers a profound contrast and foreshadowing of Christ's kingdom. Tyre built its empire on human ingenuity, specialized craftsmanship, and the accumulation of "merchandise" from "all the ships of the sea." This earthly kingdom, despite its impressive might, was ultimately temporary and subject to destruction, as prophesied. In stark contrast, Christ's kingdom is not built by human hands or sustained by earthly commerce. He is the ultimate "builder" and "repairer," not of ships, but of broken humanity, sealing the breaches caused by sin through His perfect sacrifice. Jesus Christ is the true "master craftsman" (cf. [Proverbs 8:30](/proverbs/8-30 "Proverbs 8:30 - Wisdom as a Master Craftsman")), the one through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - All Things Created Through and For Christ")). The "merchandise" of Tyre speaks of transient earthly wealth, but Christ offers eternal treasures that "moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal" ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). The "mariners" and "ships of the sea" converging on Tyre for trade find their spiritual counterpart in the Great Commission, where disciples are called to "go and make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), bringing people into an eternal kingdom, not an earthly one. Unlike Tyre, which had no lasting city ([Hebrews 13:14](/hebrews/13-14 "Hebrews 13:14 - Our Lasting City")), Christ offers a heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, where the glory of God is its light and the nations walk by its light, bringing their glory into it ([Revelation 21:23-27](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23-27 - New Jerusalem's Glory")). Thus, Ezekiel 27:9, while detailing the pinnacle of human achievement, ultimately points to the superior and eternal kingdom established by Christ, built on divine power and grace, offering imperishable riches and an everlasting security that no earthly "calker" could ever provide.

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

1 Kings 5:18

And Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders did hew [them], and the stonesquarers: so they prepared timber and stones to build the house.

Joshua 13:5

And the land of the Giblites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrising, from Baalgad under mount Hermon unto the entering into Hamath.

Psalms 83:7

Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre;