The Hebrew word ʻizzâbôwn, represented by H5801, refers to trade and commerce. Derived from a root meaning to let go for a price, it signifies trade, the place of trade (a mart or fair), or the goods themselves (ware). It appears 7 times across 7 unique verses in the Bible, exclusively within a single chapter.
All occurrences of H5801 are found in Ezekiel 27, within the prophecy detailing the commercial might and subsequent fall of Tyre. The word is used to describe the city's bustling marketplaces, or fairs, where nations from across the known world came to trade. For example, Tarshish was a merchant that traded silver, iron, tin, and lead in Tyre's fairs Ezekiel 27:12. Similarly, merchants from Sheba and Raamah occupied its fairs with spices, precious stones, and gold Ezekiel 27:22. The word also denotes the goods themselves, as when the prophecy states, "When thy wares went forth out of the seas, thou filledst many people" Ezekiel 27:33. Ultimately, these prosperous fairs are listed among the things that will fall into the sea on the day of Tyre's ruin Ezekiel 27:27.
Several related words build upon the theme of commerce and wealth found in Ezekiel 27:
- H4627 maʻărâb (market, merchandise): This term for mercantile goods is used alongside H5801 to describe the full scope of Tyre's commercial enterprise, which is destined for destruction Ezekiel 27:27.
- H7402 râkal ((spice) merchant): This word identifies the traders who conducted business in Tyre. The merchants of Sheba and Raamah, for instance, are described as occupying the city's fairs with their valuable goods Ezekiel 27:22.
- H7230 rôb (abundance, multitude): This term highlights the immense scale of the trade. Tyre's commercial success was due to the multitude of riches and merchandise that flowed through its markets (Ezekiel 27:12, Ezekiel 27:33).
- H1952 hôwn (wealth, riches, substance): This word points to the result of Tyre's extensive trade. The city's ability to gather wares from all over the world led to a great multitude of riches Ezekiel 27:33.
The specific context of H5801 carries significant thematic weight concerning wealth and divine judgment.
- A Portrait of Global Commerce: The use of H5801 helps paint a detailed picture of Tyre as the commercial hub of the ancient world. The lists of nations and goods associated with its fairs catalog the extent of its economic influence (Ezekiel 27:14, Ezekiel 27:16).
- The Nature of Worldly Value: The items traded in the fairs—from precious metals and gems to horses and spices—represent the pinnacle of earthly wealth and luxury, which enriched the kings of the earth (Ezekiel 27:22, Ezekiel 27:33).
- The Transience of Economic Power: The primary message associated with H5801 is one of warning. Despite its vast network of fairs and accumulation of wares, Tyre's commercial empire is declared to be fleeting and subject to total destruction Ezekiel 27:27.
In summary, H5801 is a term narrowly focused on the mechanics of trade, representing both the marketplace and the goods sold within it. Its exclusive use in the prophecy against Tyre permanently links it to the themes of worldly wealth, commercial pride, and the ultimate sovereignty of God over human empires. The word vividly illustrates how a nation's greatest source of strength and pride can become the centerpiece of its judgment.
TRV