Ezekiel 27:7
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.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Egyptian linen production was sophisticated—tomb paintings show detailed weaving processes. The finest linen was nearly transparent, used for priestly garments and royal clothing. Phoenician purple dye (Tyrian purple) was so valuable it became synonymous with royalty—Roman emperors wore purple togas; Byzantine emperors were 'born in the purple.' Archaeological excavations at Tyre and Sidon have uncovered massive heaps of crushed murex shells—remnants of the dye industry. A single gram of pure Tyrian purple required 10,000 shellfish. This extraordinarily expensive industry collapsed with Tyre's fall—another fulfillment of prophecy. The ship metaphor climaxes in verses 26-27 when the 'east wind' (Babylon) sinks Tyre's magnificent vessel.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Tyre's elaborate display of wealth through expensive fabrics and dyes parallel modern status symbols that proclaim success?
- What does the eventual sinking of this magnificent 'ship' teach about the ultimate worthlessness of material splendor without God?
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Analysis & Commentary
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—The ship metaphor continues with Tyre's sails and awnings. The Hebrew shesh berikmah miMitzrayim (שֵׁשׁ בְּרִקְמָה מִמִּצְרַיִם, "fine linen with embroidery from Egypt") describes expensive fabric. Egyptian linen was the ancient world's finest—white, strong, and finely woven, perfect for sails. "That which thou spreadest forth to be thy sail" (mifrasekh, מִפְרָשֵׂךְ) indicates the ship's primary sail, its identifying banner visible from afar.
"Blue and purple from the isles of Elishah"—These royal colors came from Phoenicia's famous purple dye, extracted from murex sea snails (requiring thousands of shells per ounce of dye). Elishah likely refers to Cyprus or Greek coastal regions. The Hebrew tekhelet ve'argaman (תְּכֵלֶת וְאַרְגָּמָן, "blue and purple") were the most expensive dyes in antiquity, reserved for royalty and temples—hence 'royal purple.' "That which covered thee" (mikhasekh, מְכַסֶּךְ) refers to the ship's awning or canopy. Tyre's merchant ships were floating palaces, advertising wealth and power. Yet this magnificence becomes a funeral shroud when the ship sinks (v. 26-27).