1 The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying,

2 Now, thou son of man, take up a lamentation for Tyrus;

3 And say unto Tyrus, O thou that art situate at the entry of the sea, which art a merchant of the people for many isles, Thus saith the Lord God; O Tyrus, thou hast said, I am of perfect beauty.

4 Thy borders are in the midst of the seas, thy builders have perfected thy beauty.

5 They have made all thy ship boards of fir trees of Senir: they have taken cedars from Lebanon to make masts for thee.

6 Of the oaks of Bashan have they made thine oars; the company of the Ashurites have made thy benches of ivory, brought out of the isles of Chittim.

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.

8 The inhabitants of Zidon and Arvad were thy mariners: thy wise men, O Tyrus, that were in thee, were thy pilots.

9 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.

10 They of Persia and of Lud and of Phut were in thine army, thy men of war: they hanged the shield and helmet in thee; they set forth thy comeliness.

11 The men of Arvad with thine army were upon thy walls round about, and the Gammadims were in thy towers: they hanged their shields upon thy walls round about; they have made thy beauty perfect.

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.

13 Javan, Tubal, and Meshech, they were thy merchants: they traded the persons of men and vessels of brass in thy market.

14 They of the house of Togarmah traded in thy fairs with horses and horsemen and mules.

15 The men of Dedan were thy merchants; many isles were the merchandise of thine hand: they brought thee for a present horns of ivory and ebony.

16 Syria was thy merchant by reason of the multitude of the wares of thy making: they occupied in thy fairs with emeralds, purple, and broidered work, and fine linen, and coral, and agate.

17 Judah, and the land of Israel, they were thy merchants: they traded in thy market wheat of Minnith, and Pannag, and honey, and oil, and balm.

18 Damascus was thy merchant in the multitude of the wares of thy making, for the multitude of all riches; in the wine of Helbon, and white wool.

19 Dan also and Javan going to and fro occupied in thy fairs: bright iron, cassia, and calamus, were in thy market.

20 Dedan was thy merchant in precious clothes for chariots.

21 Arabia, and all the princes of Kedar, they occupied with thee in lambs, and rams, and goats: in these were they thy merchants.

22 The merchants of Sheba and Raamah, they were thy merchants: they occupied in thy fairs with chief of all spices, and with all precious stones, and gold.

23 Haran, and Canneh, and Eden, the merchants of Sheba, Asshur, and Chilmad, were thy merchants.

24 These were thy merchants in all sorts of things, in blue clothes, and broidered work, and in chests of rich apparel, bound with cords, and made of cedar, among thy merchandise.

25 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.

26 Thy rowers have brought thee into great waters: the east wind hath broken thee in the midst of the seas.

27 Thy riches, and thy fairs, thy merchandise, thy mariners, and thy pilots, thy calkers, and the occupiers of thy merchandise, and all thy men of war, that are in thee, and in all thy company which is in the midst of thee, shall fall into the midst of the seas in the day of thy ruin.

28 The suburbs shall shake at the sound of the cry of thy pilots.

29 And all that handle the oar, the mariners, and all the pilots of the sea, shall come down from their ships, they shall stand upon the land;

30 And shall cause their voice to be heard against thee, and shall cry bitterly, and shall cast up dust upon their heads, they shall wallow themselves in the ashes:

31 And they shall make themselves utterly bald for thee, and gird them with sackcloth, and they shall weep for thee with bitterness of heart and bitter wailing.

32 And in their wailing they shall take up a lamentation for thee, and lament over thee, saying, What city is like Tyrus, like the destroyed in the midst of the sea?

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.

34 In the time when thou shalt be broken by the seas in the depths of the waters thy merchandise and all thy company in the midst of thee shall fall.

35 All the inhabitants of the isles shall be astonished at thee, and their kings shall be sore afraid, they shall be troubled in their countenance.

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

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The merchandise of Tyre.
Those who live at ease are to be lamented, if they are not prepared for trouble. Let none reckon themselves beautified, any further than they are sanctified. The account of the trade of Tyre intimates, that God's eye is upon men when employed in worldly business. Not only when at church, praying and hearing, but when in markets and fairs, buying and selling. In all our dealings we should keep a conscience void of offence. God, as the common Father of mankind, makes one country abound in one commodity, and another in another, serviceable to the necessity or to the comfort and ornament of human life. See what a blessing trade and merchandise are to mankind, when followed in the fear of God. Besides necessaries, an abundance of things are made valuable only by custom; yet God allows us to use them. But when riches increase, men are apt to set their hearts upon them, and forget the Lord, who gives power to get wealth.
McArther Bible Commentary
a lamentation for Tyre. The whole chapter is a lamentation, describing Tyre as a great trade ship destroyed on the high seas. The proper names indicate the participants in commerce with Tyre.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 26:21 Ezekiel 27:2

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The merchandise of Tyre.
Those who live at ease are to be lamented, if they are not prepared for trouble. Let none reckon themselves beautified, any further than they are sanctified. The account of the trade of Tyre intimates, that God's eye is upon men when employed in worldly business. Not only when at church, praying and hearing, but when in markets and fairs, buying and selling. In all our dealings we should keep a conscience void of offence. God, as the common Father of mankind, makes one country abound in one commodity, and another in another, serviceable to the necessity or to the comfort and ornament of human life. See what a blessing trade and merchandise are to mankind, when followed in the fear of God. Besides necessaries, an abundance of things are made valuable only by custom; yet God allows us to use them. But when riches increase, men are apt to set their hearts upon them, and forget the Lord, who gives power to get wealth.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
A lamentation - We ought to mourn for the miseries of other nations, as well as of our own, out of an affection for mankind in general; yea, tho' they have brought them upon themselves.
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 9:10 Jeremiah 9:17 Ezekiel 26:17 Ezekiel 27:1 Ezekiel 27:32 Ezekiel 28:12 Ezekiel 32:2

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The merchandise of Tyre.
Those who live at ease are to be lamented, if they are not prepared for trouble. Let none reckon themselves beautified, any further than they are sanctified. The account of the trade of Tyre intimates, that God's eye is upon men when employed in worldly business. Not only when at church, praying and hearing, but when in markets and fairs, buying and selling. In all our dealings we should keep a conscience void of offence. God, as the common Father of mankind, makes one country abound in one commodity, and another in another, serviceable to the necessity or to the comfort and ornament of human life. See what a blessing trade and merchandise are to mankind, when followed in the fear of God. Besides necessaries, an abundance of things are made valuable only by custom; yet God allows us to use them. But when riches increase, men are apt to set their hearts upon them, and forget the Lord, who gives power to get wealth.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
At the entry - Heb. Entrances. She was about four furlongs, or half an English mile from the continent, as it were in the very door of the sea.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 83:7 Isaiah 23:3 Ezekiel 16:15 Ezekiel 26:12 Ezekiel 26:17 Ezekiel 27:4 Ezekiel 28:2 Ezekiel 28:15 Ezekiel 28:17

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The merchandise of Tyre.
Those who live at ease are to be lamented, if they are not prepared for trouble. Let none reckon themselves beautified, any further than they are sanctified. The account of the trade of Tyre intimates, that God's eye is upon men when employed in worldly business. Not only when at church, praying and hearing, but when in markets and fairs, buying and selling. In all our dealings we should keep a conscience void of offence. God, as the common Father of mankind, makes one country abound in one commodity, and another in another, serviceable to the necessity or to the comfort and ornament of human life. See what a blessing trade and merchandise are to mankind, when followed in the fear of God. Besides necessaries, an abundance of things are made valuable only by custom; yet God allows us to use them. But when riches increase, men are apt to set their hearts upon them, and forget the Lord, who gives power to get wealth.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 27:3 Ezekiel 27:5 Ezekiel 28:15 Ezekiel 28:17

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The merchandise of Tyre.
Those who live at ease are to be lamented, if they are not prepared for trouble. Let none reckon themselves beautified, any further than they are sanctified. The account of the trade of Tyre intimates, that God's eye is upon men when employed in worldly business. Not only when at church, praying and hearing, but when in markets and fairs, buying and selling. In all our dealings we should keep a conscience void of offence. God, as the common Father of mankind, makes one country abound in one commodity, and another in another, serviceable to the necessity or to the comfort and ornament of human life. See what a blessing trade and merchandise are to mankind, when followed in the fear of God. Besides necessaries, an abundance of things are made valuable only by custom; yet God allows us to use them. But when riches increase, men are apt to set their hearts upon them, and forget the Lord, who gives power to get wealth.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
They - The shipwrights. Shipboards - The planks and benches, or transoms for their ships. Fir - trees - Of the best and finest fir - trees. Lebanon - Whose cedars excelled others.
McArther Bible Commentary
fir trees from Senir. The area is the Amorite designation for Mt. Hermon, to the northeast of the northern tip of the Sea of Galilee. Lesser known places were: Elishah (Eze 27:7), believed to be in Cyprus; Arvad (Eze 27:8), an island city off the Mediterranean coast north of Byblos; and Gebal (Eze 27:9), a name also used for Byblos, north of today's Beirut. "Ashurites" (Eze 27:6) were the Assyrians, who had skilled woodworkers.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 3:9 1 Chronicles 5:23 Song of Solomon 4:8 Ezekiel 27:4

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The merchandise of Tyre.
Those who live at ease are to be lamented, if they are not prepared for trouble. Let none reckon themselves beautified, any further than they are sanctified. The account of the trade of Tyre intimates, that God's eye is upon men when employed in worldly business. Not only when at church, praying and hearing, but when in markets and fairs, buying and selling. In all our dealings we should keep a conscience void of offence. God, as the common Father of mankind, makes one country abound in one commodity, and another in another, serviceable to the necessity or to the comfort and ornament of human life. See what a blessing trade and merchandise are to mankind, when followed in the fear of God. Besides necessaries, an abundance of things are made valuable only by custom; yet God allows us to use them. But when riches increase, men are apt to set their hearts upon them, and forget the Lord, who gives power to get wealth.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
With box - From the isles, and parts about the Ionian, Aegean, and other seas of the Mediterranean, where box - tree is a native, and of great growth and firmness, fit to saw into boards for benches; they were conveyed to Tyre, where their artists inlaid these box boards with ivory, and made them beautiful seats in their ships.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 10:4 Numbers 21:33 Numbers 24:24 Isaiah 2:13 Isaiah 23:1 Isaiah 23:12 Jeremiah 2:10 Jeremiah 22:20 Zechariah 11:2

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The merchandise of Tyre.
Those who live at ease are to be lamented, if they are not prepared for trouble. Let none reckon themselves beautified, any further than they are sanctified. The account of the trade of Tyre intimates, that God's eye is upon men when employed in worldly business. Not only when at church, praying and hearing, but when in markets and fairs, buying and selling. In all our dealings we should keep a conscience void of offence. God, as the common Father of mankind, makes one country abound in one commodity, and another in another, serviceable to the necessity or to the comfort and ornament of human life. See what a blessing trade and merchandise are to mankind, when followed in the fear of God. Besides necessaries, an abundance of things are made valuable only by custom; yet God allows us to use them. But when riches increase, men are apt to set their hearts upon them, and forget the Lord, who gives power to get wealth.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The isles of Elishah - Probably the sea - coast of Aeolis in the lesser Asia, the inhabitants whereof were excellent in the skill of dying wool. Which covered - He speaks of the coverings they used in their ships or galleys: their tilts, as our boat - men call them.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 10:4 Exodus 25:4 Proverbs 7:16 Isaiah 19:9 Jeremiah 10:9 Ezekiel 16:10

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The merchandise of Tyre.
Those who live at ease are to be lamented, if they are not prepared for trouble. Let none reckon themselves beautified, any further than they are sanctified. The account of the trade of Tyre intimates, that God's eye is upon men when employed in worldly business. Not only when at church, praying and hearing, but when in markets and fairs, buying and selling. In all our dealings we should keep a conscience void of offence. God, as the common Father of mankind, makes one country abound in one commodity, and another in another, serviceable to the necessity or to the comfort and ornament of human life. See what a blessing trade and merchandise are to mankind, when followed in the fear of God. Besides necessaries, an abundance of things are made valuable only by custom; yet God allows us to use them. But when riches increase, men are apt to set their hearts upon them, and forget the Lord, who gives power to get wealth.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Zidon - An ancient town and haven of Phoenicia, not far from Tyre. Arvad - Or Aradus, an island belonging to Phoenicia, twenty furlongs from the continent. Mariners - Rowers in thy galleys; the rich Tyrians would not employ their own in such servile works, they hired strangers. Wise men - Thy learned men: for navigation was the great study of the Tyrians.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 10:18 1 Kings 9:27 1 Chronicles 1:16 Ezekiel 27:11 Ezekiel 28:21

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The merchandise of Tyre.
Those who live at ease are to be lamented, if they are not prepared for trouble. Let none reckon themselves beautified, any further than they are sanctified. The account of the trade of Tyre intimates, that God's eye is upon men when employed in worldly business. Not only when at church, praying and hearing, but when in markets and fairs, buying and selling. In all our dealings we should keep a conscience void of offence. God, as the common Father of mankind, makes one country abound in one commodity, and another in another, serviceable to the necessity or to the comfort and ornament of human life. See what a blessing trade and merchandise are to mankind, when followed in the fear of God. Besides necessaries, an abundance of things are made valuable only by custom; yet God allows us to use them. But when riches increase, men are apt to set their hearts upon them, and forget the Lord, who gives power to get wealth.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The ancients - Old experienced workmen. Gebal - A town of Phoenicia near the sea. The wise men - Skilful in their trades. Were in thee - Who dwelt in Tyre for gain. All the ships - Ships from all parts of the sea, full of mariners, not only to manage the ships at sea, but to offer their service to the Tyrians for bringing in, or carrying out their wares.
Bible Cross References
Revelation 18:3 Revelation 18:11 Joshua 13:5 1 Kings 5:18 Psalm 83:7 Psalm 104:26

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The merchandise of Tyre.
Those who live at ease are to be lamented, if they are not prepared for trouble. Let none reckon themselves beautified, any further than they are sanctified. The account of the trade of Tyre intimates, that God's eye is upon men when employed in worldly business. Not only when at church, praying and hearing, but when in markets and fairs, buying and selling. In all our dealings we should keep a conscience void of offence. God, as the common Father of mankind, makes one country abound in one commodity, and another in another, serviceable to the necessity or to the comfort and ornament of human life. See what a blessing trade and merchandise are to mankind, when followed in the fear of God. Besides necessaries, an abundance of things are made valuable only by custom; yet God allows us to use them. But when riches increase, men are apt to set their hearts upon them, and forget the Lord, who gives power to get wealth.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Lud - Lydians, not those Cresus was king over, but those that dwelt in Egypt about the lake Maraeolis. Phut - Lybians, a people of Africa; these were their hired soldiers. Hanged the shield - In time of peace. They set forth - These stout, expert, well armed guards, were an honour to thee.
McArther Bible Commentary
men of war. These places provided mercenary soldiers for the Phoenician army to defend Tyre.
Bible Cross References
Song of Solomon 4:4 Isaiah 66:19 Ezekiel 26:17 Ezekiel 27:11 Ezekiel 30:5 Ezekiel 38:5 Nahum 3:9

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The merchandise of Tyre.
Those who live at ease are to be lamented, if they are not prepared for trouble. Let none reckon themselves beautified, any further than they are sanctified. The account of the trade of Tyre intimates, that God's eye is upon men when employed in worldly business. Not only when at church, praying and hearing, but when in markets and fairs, buying and selling. In all our dealings we should keep a conscience void of offence. God, as the common Father of mankind, makes one country abound in one commodity, and another in another, serviceable to the necessity or to the comfort and ornament of human life. See what a blessing trade and merchandise are to mankind, when followed in the fear of God. Besides necessaries, an abundance of things are made valuable only by custom; yet God allows us to use them. But when riches increase, men are apt to set their hearts upon them, and forget the Lord, who gives power to get wealth.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
With - Mixed with other hired soldiers. The Gammadim - Probably men of Gammade, a town of Phoenicia.
McArther Bible Commentary
Arvad. See note on verses Eze 27:5-9. Gammad. A place often identified as northern Syria.
Bible Cross References
Song of Solomon 4:4 Ezekiel 27:8 Ezekiel 27:10 Ezekiel 27:12

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The merchandise of Tyre.
Those who live at ease are to be lamented, if they are not prepared for trouble. Let none reckon themselves beautified, any further than they are sanctified. The account of the trade of Tyre intimates, that God's eye is upon men when employed in worldly business. Not only when at church, praying and hearing, but when in markets and fairs, buying and selling. In all our dealings we should keep a conscience void of offence. God, as the common Father of mankind, makes one country abound in one commodity, and another in another, serviceable to the necessity or to the comfort and ornament of human life. See what a blessing trade and merchandise are to mankind, when followed in the fear of God. Besides necessaries, an abundance of things are made valuable only by custom; yet God allows us to use them. But when riches increase, men are apt to set their hearts upon them, and forget the Lord, who gives power to get wealth.
McArther Bible Commentary
Tarshish. This verse begins the description of the commercial glory of Tyre. Most likely this place refers to Tarshishah in southern Spain, a Phoenician colony famous for silver (Jer 10:9).
Bible Cross References
Revelation 18:12 Genesis 10:4 Ezekiel 27:11 Ezekiel 27:13 Ezekiel 27:33 Ezekiel 28:5 Ezekiel 28:16 Ezekiel 38:13

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The merchandise of Tyre.
Those who live at ease are to be lamented, if they are not prepared for trouble. Let none reckon themselves beautified, any further than they are sanctified. The account of the trade of Tyre intimates, that God's eye is upon men when employed in worldly business. Not only when at church, praying and hearing, but when in markets and fairs, buying and selling. In all our dealings we should keep a conscience void of offence. God, as the common Father of mankind, makes one country abound in one commodity, and another in another, serviceable to the necessity or to the comfort and ornament of human life. See what a blessing trade and merchandise are to mankind, when followed in the fear of God. Besides necessaries, an abundance of things are made valuable only by custom; yet God allows us to use them. But when riches increase, men are apt to set their hearts upon them, and forget the Lord, who gives power to get wealth.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Javan - The Grecians, particularly the Ionians. Tubal - The Asiatic Iberians, and the Albanians toward the Caspian sea. Meshech - The Cappadocians. They traded - Brought men to sell for slaves.
McArther Bible Commentary
Javan, Tubal, and Meshech. Javan was Ionia, a large area in Greece. The other two, in Asia Minor, may be the Tibarenoi and Moschoi mentioned by the writer Herodotus, or slave-trading cities called Tabal and Mushku by the Assyrians.
Bible Cross References
Revelation 18:13 Genesis 10:2 Psalm 120:5 Isaiah 66:19 Ezekiel 27:12 Ezekiel 27:19 Ezekiel 32:26 Ezekiel 38:2 Ezekiel 39:1 Joel 3:3 Joel 3:6

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The merchandise of Tyre.
Those who live at ease are to be lamented, if they are not prepared for trouble. Let none reckon themselves beautified, any further than they are sanctified. The account of the trade of Tyre intimates, that God's eye is upon men when employed in worldly business. Not only when at church, praying and hearing, but when in markets and fairs, buying and selling. In all our dealings we should keep a conscience void of offence. God, as the common Father of mankind, makes one country abound in one commodity, and another in another, serviceable to the necessity or to the comfort and ornament of human life. See what a blessing trade and merchandise are to mankind, when followed in the fear of God. Besides necessaries, an abundance of things are made valuable only by custom; yet God allows us to use them. But when riches increase, men are apt to set their hearts upon them, and forget the Lord, who gives power to get wealth.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Of the house - Of the country. Togarmah - Armenia the lesser, Phrygia, Galatia, or Cappadocia. Horsemen - It is likely they might sell grooms, as best able to manage, and keep those horses.
McArther Bible Commentary
house of Togarmah. Beth-Togarmah is identified with Armenia in northeast Asia Minor, which is modern Turkey.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 10:3 Judges 5:22 Ezekiel 27:12 Ezekiel 38:6

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The merchandise of Tyre.
Those who live at ease are to be lamented, if they are not prepared for trouble. Let none reckon themselves beautified, any further than they are sanctified. The account of the trade of Tyre intimates, that God's eye is upon men when employed in worldly business. Not only when at church, praying and hearing, but when in markets and fairs, buying and selling. In all our dealings we should keep a conscience void of offence. God, as the common Father of mankind, makes one country abound in one commodity, and another in another, serviceable to the necessity or to the comfort and ornament of human life. See what a blessing trade and merchandise are to mankind, when followed in the fear of God. Besides necessaries, an abundance of things are made valuable only by custom; yet God allows us to use them. But when riches increase, men are apt to set their hearts upon them, and forget the Lord, who gives power to get wealth.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Isles - In the Indian seas, and in the Red - sea traded with thee. Horns - Elk's horns, or wild goats. Ebony - Is a very solid, heavy, shining, black wood, fit for many choice works.
McArther Bible Commentary
Dedan. A better textual reading would be Rhodes.
Bible Cross References
Revelation 18:12 Genesis 10:7 1 Kings 10:22 Isaiah 21:13 Jeremiah 25:23 Ezekiel 25:13 Ezekiel 27:20 Ezekiel 38:13

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The merchandise of Tyre.
Those who live at ease are to be lamented, if they are not prepared for trouble. Let none reckon themselves beautified, any further than they are sanctified. The account of the trade of Tyre intimates, that God's eye is upon men when employed in worldly business. Not only when at church, praying and hearing, but when in markets and fairs, buying and selling. In all our dealings we should keep a conscience void of offence. God, as the common Father of mankind, makes one country abound in one commodity, and another in another, serviceable to the necessity or to the comfort and ornament of human life. See what a blessing trade and merchandise are to mankind, when followed in the fear of God. Besides necessaries, an abundance of things are made valuable only by custom; yet God allows us to use them. But when riches increase, men are apt to set their hearts upon them, and forget the Lord, who gives power to get wealth.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The multitude - The abundance of the Tyrian manufactures.
Bible Cross References
Judges 10:6 Isaiah 7:1 Ezekiel 16:10 Ezekiel 16:13 Ezekiel 16:18 Ezekiel 16:57 Ezekiel 28:13

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The merchandise of Tyre.
Those who live at ease are to be lamented, if they are not prepared for trouble. Let none reckon themselves beautified, any further than they are sanctified. The account of the trade of Tyre intimates, that God's eye is upon men when employed in worldly business. Not only when at church, praying and hearing, but when in markets and fairs, buying and selling. In all our dealings we should keep a conscience void of offence. God, as the common Father of mankind, makes one country abound in one commodity, and another in another, serviceable to the necessity or to the comfort and ornament of human life. See what a blessing trade and merchandise are to mankind, when followed in the fear of God. Besides necessaries, an abundance of things are made valuable only by custom; yet God allows us to use them. But when riches increase, men are apt to set their hearts upon them, and forget the Lord, who gives power to get wealth.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Minnith - The name of an excellent wheat country. Pannag - Some obscure place, which now is forgotten.
McArther Bible Commentary
Minnith. An Ammonite town (Jdg 11:33).
Bible Cross References
Acts 12:20 Genesis 43:11 Judges 11:33 1 Kings 5:9

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The merchandise of Tyre.
Those who live at ease are to be lamented, if they are not prepared for trouble. Let none reckon themselves beautified, any further than they are sanctified. The account of the trade of Tyre intimates, that God's eye is upon men when employed in worldly business. Not only when at church, praying and hearing, but when in markets and fairs, buying and selling. In all our dealings we should keep a conscience void of offence. God, as the common Father of mankind, makes one country abound in one commodity, and another in another, serviceable to the necessity or to the comfort and ornament of human life. See what a blessing trade and merchandise are to mankind, when followed in the fear of God. Besides necessaries, an abundance of things are made valuable only by custom; yet God allows us to use them. But when riches increase, men are apt to set their hearts upon them, and forget the Lord, who gives power to get wealth.
McArther Bible Commentary
Helbon. Today it is called Halbun, thirteen miles north of Damascus.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 14:15 Isaiah 7:8 Jeremiah 49:23 Ezekiel 27:19 Ezekiel 27:33 Ezekiel 47:16

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The merchandise of Tyre.
Those who live at ease are to be lamented, if they are not prepared for trouble. Let none reckon themselves beautified, any further than they are sanctified. The account of the trade of Tyre intimates, that God's eye is upon men when employed in worldly business. Not only when at church, praying and hearing, but when in markets and fairs, buying and selling. In all our dealings we should keep a conscience void of offence. God, as the common Father of mankind, makes one country abound in one commodity, and another in another, serviceable to the necessity or to the comfort and ornament of human life. See what a blessing trade and merchandise are to mankind, when followed in the fear of God. Besides necessaries, an abundance of things are made valuable only by custom; yet God allows us to use them. But when riches increase, men are apt to set their hearts upon them, and forget the Lord, who gives power to get wealth.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Javan - In the isle of Meroe, in Egypt.
McArther Bible Commentary
Dan. A Jewish Danite area is not meant; this possibly refers to the city of Aden on the Persian Gulf. cassia. A perfume.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 27:12 Ezekiel 27:13 Ezekiel 27:18 Ezekiel 27:20

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The merchandise of Tyre.
Those who live at ease are to be lamented, if they are not prepared for trouble. Let none reckon themselves beautified, any further than they are sanctified. The account of the trade of Tyre intimates, that God's eye is upon men when employed in worldly business. Not only when at church, praying and hearing, but when in markets and fairs, buying and selling. In all our dealings we should keep a conscience void of offence. God, as the common Father of mankind, makes one country abound in one commodity, and another in another, serviceable to the necessity or to the comfort and ornament of human life. See what a blessing trade and merchandise are to mankind, when followed in the fear of God. Besides necessaries, an abundance of things are made valuable only by custom; yet God allows us to use them. But when riches increase, men are apt to set their hearts upon them, and forget the Lord, who gives power to get wealth.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Dedan - The posterity of Abraham by Keturah, who dwelt in Arabia, and were sheep - masters. Clothes - With which they lined their chariots.
McArther Bible Commentary
Dedan. See note on Eze 25:13.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 10:7 Genesis 25:3 Ezekiel 27:15 Ezekiel 27:19 Ezekiel 38:13

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The merchandise of Tyre.
Those who live at ease are to be lamented, if they are not prepared for trouble. Let none reckon themselves beautified, any further than they are sanctified. The account of the trade of Tyre intimates, that God's eye is upon men when employed in worldly business. Not only when at church, praying and hearing, but when in markets and fairs, buying and selling. In all our dealings we should keep a conscience void of offence. God, as the common Father of mankind, makes one country abound in one commodity, and another in another, serviceable to the necessity or to the comfort and ornament of human life. See what a blessing trade and merchandise are to mankind, when followed in the fear of God. Besides necessaries, an abundance of things are made valuable only by custom; yet God allows us to use them. But when riches increase, men are apt to set their hearts upon them, and forget the Lord, who gives power to get wealth.
McArther Bible Commentary
Kedar. Refers to nomadic Bedouin tribes.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 120:5 Isaiah 21:13 Isaiah 21:16 Isaiah 60:7 Jeremiah 49:28

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The merchandise of Tyre.
Those who live at ease are to be lamented, if they are not prepared for trouble. Let none reckon themselves beautified, any further than they are sanctified. The account of the trade of Tyre intimates, that God's eye is upon men when employed in worldly business. Not only when at church, praying and hearing, but when in markets and fairs, buying and selling. In all our dealings we should keep a conscience void of offence. God, as the common Father of mankind, makes one country abound in one commodity, and another in another, serviceable to the necessity or to the comfort and ornament of human life. See what a blessing trade and merchandise are to mankind, when followed in the fear of God. Besides necessaries, an abundance of things are made valuable only by custom; yet God allows us to use them. But when riches increase, men are apt to set their hearts upon them, and forget the Lord, who gives power to get wealth.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Sheba - A country in Arabia Felix. Raamah - Another people of the same Arabia.
McArther Bible Commentary
Sheba and Raamah. These were cities in the southwest extremity of Arabia (Gen 10:7; 1Ch 1:9).
Bible Cross References
Genesis 10:7 Genesis 43:11 1 Kings 10:2 Isaiah 60:6 Ezekiel 28:13 Ezekiel 38:13

Verse 23

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The merchandise of Tyre.
Those who live at ease are to be lamented, if they are not prepared for trouble. Let none reckon themselves beautified, any further than they are sanctified. The account of the trade of Tyre intimates, that God's eye is upon men when employed in worldly business. Not only when at church, praying and hearing, but when in markets and fairs, buying and selling. In all our dealings we should keep a conscience void of offence. God, as the common Father of mankind, makes one country abound in one commodity, and another in another, serviceable to the necessity or to the comfort and ornament of human life. See what a blessing trade and merchandise are to mankind, when followed in the fear of God. Besides necessaries, an abundance of things are made valuable only by custom; yet God allows us to use them. But when riches increase, men are apt to set their hearts upon them, and forget the Lord, who gives power to get wealth.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Haran - In Mesopotamia, where Abraham dwelt. Canneh - This is supposed to be the same with Calneh, (Genesis 10:10) , afterwards Ctesiphon, a pleasant city on Tigris. Ashur - Assyria. Chilmad - A country between Assyria and Parthia.
McArther Bible Commentary
Haran, Canneh, Eden. All were Mesopotamian towns; Canneh may have been in northern Syria, the Calneh of Amo 6:2, or the Caino of Isa 10:9. Assyria … Chilmad. These were also in Mesopotamia.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 19:12 Isaiah 37:12 Ezekiel 27:24 Ezekiel 32:22 Ezekiel 38:13 Amos 1:5

Verse 24

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The merchandise of Tyre.
Those who live at ease are to be lamented, if they are not prepared for trouble. Let none reckon themselves beautified, any further than they are sanctified. The account of the trade of Tyre intimates, that God's eye is upon men when employed in worldly business. Not only when at church, praying and hearing, but when in markets and fairs, buying and selling. In all our dealings we should keep a conscience void of offence. God, as the common Father of mankind, makes one country abound in one commodity, and another in another, serviceable to the necessity or to the comfort and ornament of human life. See what a blessing trade and merchandise are to mankind, when followed in the fear of God. Besides necessaries, an abundance of things are made valuable only by custom; yet God allows us to use them. But when riches increase, men are apt to set their hearts upon them, and forget the Lord, who gives power to get wealth.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 27:23 Ezekiel 27:25

Verse 25

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The merchandise of Tyre.
Those who live at ease are to be lamented, if they are not prepared for trouble. Let none reckon themselves beautified, any further than they are sanctified. The account of the trade of Tyre intimates, that God's eye is upon men when employed in worldly business. Not only when at church, praying and hearing, but when in markets and fairs, buying and selling. In all our dealings we should keep a conscience void of offence. God, as the common Father of mankind, makes one country abound in one commodity, and another in another, serviceable to the necessity or to the comfort and ornament of human life. See what a blessing trade and merchandise are to mankind, when followed in the fear of God. Besides necessaries, an abundance of things are made valuable only by custom; yet God allows us to use them. But when riches increase, men are apt to set their hearts upon them, and forget the Lord, who gives power to get wealth.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The ships - The ships from all parts of the sea. Did sing - Had their songs to commend thy state.
McArther Bible Commentary
ships of Tarshish. The large cargo-carrying sea ships that sailed across the Mediterranean Sea.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 10:4 Psalm 48:7 Proverbs 31:14 Isaiah 2:16 Isaiah 23:14 Ezekiel 27:24

Verse 26

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Its fall and ruin.
The most mighty and magnificent kingdoms and states, sooner or later, come down. Those who make creatures their confidence, and rest their hopes upon them, will fall with them: happy are those who have the God of Jacob for their Help, and whose hope is in the Lord their God, who lives for ever. Those who engage in trade should learn to conduct their business according to God's word. Those who possess wealth should remember they are the Lord's stewards, and should use his goods in doing good to all. Let us seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Thy rowers - Thy governors and counsellors. Great waters - Dangers and difficulties. The east wind - The king of Babylon with his army. Hath broken - As surely will, as if he had already done it. In the midst - Where thou thoughtest thyself impregnable.
McArther Bible Commentary
the east wind broke. This pictures Tyre's fall aptly as a shipwreck on the seas. The sea, the place of her glory, will be her grave. "The east wind" is a picture of Babylon in its power from the east (cf. Eze 13:11-13).
Bible Cross References
Acts 27:14 Psalm 48:7 Isaiah 23:14 Jeremiah 18:17 Ezekiel 26:19 Ezekiel 27:27 Ezekiel 27:34 Ezekiel 28:8

Verse 27

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Its fall and ruin.
The most mighty and magnificent kingdoms and states, sooner or later, come down. Those who make creatures their confidence, and rest their hopes upon them, will fall with them: happy are those who have the God of Jacob for their Help, and whose hope is in the Lord their God, who lives for ever. Those who engage in trade should learn to conduct their business according to God's word. Those who possess wealth should remember they are the Lord's stewards, and should use his goods in doing good to all. Let us seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
All thy company - All that are men fit for war, in the multitudes of people that are in thee. Shall fall - These all shall fall together.
Bible Cross References
Revelation 18:11 Ezekiel 26:12 Ezekiel 27:26 Ezekiel 27:28 Ezekiel 27:34 Ezekiel 28:8

Verse 28

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Its fall and ruin.
The most mighty and magnificent kingdoms and states, sooner or later, come down. Those who make creatures their confidence, and rest their hopes upon them, will fall with them: happy are those who have the God of Jacob for their Help, and whose hope is in the Lord their God, who lives for ever. Those who engage in trade should learn to conduct their business according to God's word. Those who possess wealth should remember they are the Lord's stewards, and should use his goods in doing good to all. Let us seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The suburbs - The suburbs, which are nearest the sea, shall first hear the out - cries of pilots, and mariners.
McArther Bible Commentary
the cry. This maintains the metaphor of Tyre as a ship and turns particularly to people lamenting her ruin, because their livelihood has been tied to the commerce she represents. Verses Eze 27:30-32 describe common actions signifying mourning.
Bible Cross References
Revelation 18:17 Jeremiah 50:46 Ezekiel 26:10 Ezekiel 26:15 Ezekiel 27:27 Ezekiel 31:16 Ezekiel 45:2

Verse 29

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Its fall and ruin.
The most mighty and magnificent kingdoms and states, sooner or later, come down. Those who make creatures their confidence, and rest their hopes upon them, will fall with them: happy are those who have the God of Jacob for their Help, and whose hope is in the Lord their God, who lives for ever. Those who engage in trade should learn to conduct their business according to God's word. Those who possess wealth should remember they are the Lord's stewards, and should use his goods in doing good to all. Let us seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Shall come down - ln the allegory of a miserable shipwreck, the prophet sets forth the fall of Tyre; and in this verse he represents them all shifting out of the sinking ship, in great confusion.
Bible Cross References
Revelation 18:17 Ezekiel 27:8 Ezekiel 32:9

Verse 30

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Its fall and ruin.
The most mighty and magnificent kingdoms and states, sooner or later, come down. Those who make creatures their confidence, and rest their hopes upon them, will fall with them: happy are those who have the God of Jacob for their Help, and whose hope is in the Lord their God, who lives for ever. Those who engage in trade should learn to conduct their business according to God's word. Those who possess wealth should remember they are the Lord's stewards, and should use his goods in doing good to all. Let us seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Wallow themselves in ashes - As men use to do in their greatest mournings.
Bible Cross References
Revelation 18:18 Revelation 18:19 1 Samuel 4:12 2 Samuel 1:2 Job 2:8 Job 2:12 Isaiah 23:1 Jeremiah 6:26 Jeremiah 25:34 Lamentations 2:10 Ezekiel 26:17 Jonah 3:6

Verse 31

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Its fall and ruin.
The most mighty and magnificent kingdoms and states, sooner or later, come down. Those who make creatures their confidence, and rest their hopes upon them, will fall with them: happy are those who have the God of Jacob for their Help, and whose hope is in the Lord their God, who lives for ever. Those who engage in trade should learn to conduct their business according to God's word. Those who possess wealth should remember they are the Lord's stewards, and should use his goods in doing good to all. Let us seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 3:24 Isaiah 15:2 Isaiah 16:9 Isaiah 22:4 Isaiah 22:12 Ezekiel 7:18 Ezekiel 29:18 Amos 8:10 Jonah 3:6

Verse 32

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Its fall and ruin.
The most mighty and magnificent kingdoms and states, sooner or later, come down. Those who make creatures their confidence, and rest their hopes upon them, will fall with them: happy are those who have the God of Jacob for their Help, and whose hope is in the Lord their God, who lives for ever. Those who engage in trade should learn to conduct their business according to God's word. Those who possess wealth should remember they are the Lord's stewards, and should use his goods in doing good to all. Let us seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
In the sea - Alas! what was once her safeguard, is now her grave.
Bible Cross References
Revelation 18:18 Ezekiel 26:12 Ezekiel 26:17 Ezekiel 27:2 Ezekiel 28:12

Verse 33

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Its fall and ruin.
The most mighty and magnificent kingdoms and states, sooner or later, come down. Those who make creatures their confidence, and rest their hopes upon them, will fall with them: happy are those who have the God of Jacob for their Help, and whose hope is in the Lord their God, who lives for ever. Those who engage in trade should learn to conduct their business according to God's word. Those who possess wealth should remember they are the Lord's stewards, and should use his goods in doing good to all. Let us seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Went forth - Were landed. Thou filledst - There was enough to supply to the full.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 27:12 Ezekiel 27:18 Ezekiel 28:4 Ezekiel 28:5 Zechariah 9:3

Verse 34

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Its fall and ruin.
The most mighty and magnificent kingdoms and states, sooner or later, come down. Those who make creatures their confidence, and rest their hopes upon them, will fall with them: happy are those who have the God of Jacob for their Help, and whose hope is in the Lord their God, who lives for ever. Those who engage in trade should learn to conduct their business according to God's word. Those who possess wealth should remember they are the Lord's stewards, and should use his goods in doing good to all. Let us seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
By the seas - The Babylonians, that like seas shall swell, roar, and break in upon thee.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 26:12 Ezekiel 27:26 Ezekiel 27:27 Zechariah 9:3 Zechariah 9:4

Verse 35

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Its fall and ruin.
The most mighty and magnificent kingdoms and states, sooner or later, come down. Those who make creatures their confidence, and rest their hopes upon them, will fall with them: happy are those who have the God of Jacob for their Help, and whose hope is in the Lord their God, who lives for ever. Those who engage in trade should learn to conduct their business according to God's word. Those who possess wealth should remember they are the Lord's stewards, and should use his goods in doing good to all. Let us seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Troubled - They shall not be able to conceal the discomposure of their mind, but will shew it in their countenance.
Bible Cross References
Revelation 18:9 Isaiah 23:6 Ezekiel 26:15 Ezekiel 26:16 Ezekiel 26:18 Ezekiel 32:10

Verse 36

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Its fall and ruin.
The most mighty and magnificent kingdoms and states, sooner or later, come down. Those who make creatures their confidence, and rest their hopes upon them, will fall with them: happy are those who have the God of Jacob for their Help, and whose hope is in the Lord their God, who lives for ever. Those who engage in trade should learn to conduct their business according to God's word. Those who possess wealth should remember they are the Lord's stewards, and should use his goods in doing good to all. Let us seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Shall hiss - Will mock at thy fall.
McArther Bible Commentary
There will be some people who scorn with malicious joy.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 37:10 Psalm 37:36 Jeremiah 18:16 Jeremiah 19:8 Jeremiah 49:17 Jeremiah 50:13 Ezekiel 26:21 Ezekiel 28:1 Ezekiel 28:19 Zephaniah 2:15