Ezekiel Chapter 27 · Verse 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.
Original Language Analysis
הַיֹּשֶׁ֙בֶת֙י
O thou that art situate
H3427
הַיֹּשֶׁ֙בֶת֙י
O thou that art situate
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
3 of 21
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יָ֔ם
of the sea
H3220
יָ֔ם
of the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
6 of 21
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
הָֽעַמִּ֔ים
of the people
H5971
הָֽעַמִּ֔ים
of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
8 of 21
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אִיִּ֖ים
isles
H339
אִיִּ֖ים
isles
Strong's:
H339
Word #:
10 of 21
properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island
רַבִּ֑ים
for many
H7227
רַבִּ֑ים
for many
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
11 of 21
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
כֹּ֤ה
H3541
כֹּ֤ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
12 of 21
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוִ֔ה
H3068
יְהוִ֔ה
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
15 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
Tyre's position on an island just offshore made it nearly impregnable while controlling crucial Mediterranean trade routes. The city grew immensely wealthy as a trading hub, developing a reputation for luxury, culture, and beauty. This prosperity produced the pride God judges. Commercial success without corresponding humility before God always leads to judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does commercial success breed pride and self-sufficiency?
- What beauty or perfection are we prideful about?
- Why does economic prosperity often distance us from God rather than draw us to Him?
Analysis & Commentary
And say unto Tyrus, O thou that art situate at the entry of the sea describes Tyre's geographic position—controlling Mediterranean access from the Levantine coast. Which art a merchant of the people for many isles identifies Tyre's commercial role as middleman for island and coastal trade. Thus saith the Lord GOD; O Tyrus, thou hast said, I am of perfect beauty quotes Tyre's self-assessment. Perfect beauty indicates pride in appearance, wealth, and sophistication. Pride in beauty—whether physical, cultural, or economic—precedes judgment. Self-proclaimed perfection blinds to need for God. Tyre's commercial success produced arrogant self-sufficiency, forgetting that all prosperity comes from God.