Ezekiel 27:24
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.
Original Language Analysis
בְּמַכְלֻלִ֔ים
in all sorts
H4360
בְּמַכְלֻלִ֔ים
in all sorts
Strong's:
H4360
Word #:
3 of 12
something perfect, i.e., a splendid garment
תְּכֵ֣לֶת
of things in blue
H8504
תְּכֵ֣לֶת
of things in blue
Strong's:
H8504
Word #:
5 of 12
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
וְרִקְמָ֔ה
and broidered work
H7553
וְרִקְמָ֔ה
and broidered work
Strong's:
H7553
Word #:
6 of 12
variegation of color; specifically, embroidery
חֲבֻשִׁ֛ים
bound
H2280
חֲבֻשִׁ֛ים
bound
Strong's:
H2280
Word #:
10 of 12
to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule
Historical Context
The purple dye industry was Phoenicia's most famous export—the name "Phoenician" derives from Greek phoinix (purple). Archaeological sites along the Lebanese coast show massive murex shell middens. Cedar from Lebanon was prized throughout the ancient world for its durability and pleasant scent (1 Kings 5). The binding cords and cedar chests represent the pinnacle of luxury goods preservation in the ancient world.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the detailed description of Tyre's luxury trade warn against measuring success by accumulation of "all sorts of things" rather than by faithfulness to God?
- What purple garments or cedar chests—symbols of status and security—are you tempted to trust in instead of God's provision?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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 (בִּגְלוֹמֵי תְכֵלֶת וְרִקְמָה וּבְגִנְזֵי בְּרֹמִים, biglomei tekhelet veriqmah uvginzei beromim)—The tekhelet (purple-blue dye) came from murex shellfish, requiring thousands of mollusks for a single garment, making it a royal color (Numbers 15:38). Riqmah (embroidered work) indicates skilled artisan labor. "Chests of rich apparel bound with cords, made of cedar" (בַּחֲבָלִים חֲבֻשִׁים וַאֲרֻזִים, bachavalim chavushim va'aruzim) describes luxury storage—cedar-lined treasure chests bound with ropes, preserving expensive textiles.
This verse concludes the extensive trade catalog (27:12-24) by emphasizing variety ("all sorts of things") and luxury. Yet verse 25 immediately shifts: "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." Glory without God leads to the destruction prophesied in verses 26-36.