Ezekiel 27:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ezekiel 27:20
20 Dedan was thy merchant in precious clothes for chariots.
Chapter Context
Ezekiel 27 is a prophetic vision chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of discipleship, covenant, faith. Written during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-570 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ministered to exiles in Babylon with visions of God's glory and future restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-36: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Ezekiel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Ezekiel 27:20
20 Dedan was thy merchant in precious clothes for chariots.
Analysis
Dedan was thy merchant in precious clothes for chariots (בִּגְדֵי־חֹפֶשׁ לְרִכְבָּה, bigdei-chofesh lerikbah)—Dedan (modern Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia) was an Arabian trading tribe descended from Abraham through Keturah (Genesis 25:3). The phrase "precious clothes for chariots" likely refers to saddle blankets or riding cloths for horses and chariots, luxury items for military and aristocratic use. The Hebrew chofesh suggests freedom or nobility, indicating high-status textiles.
Dedan appears twice in Ezekiel's oracles—here as Tyre's trading partner, and in 25:13 receiving judgment. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over all nations, whether engaged in commerce or conquest. The specificity of these trading relationships shows divine omniscience—God knows every transaction, every partnership, every source of human pride.
Historical Context
Dedan was a major Arabian caravan city controlling the incense route from South Arabia to the Mediterranean. Dedanite inscriptions from the 6th-5th centuries BC confirm their role in the luxury textile trade. The mention of chariot cloths reflects the military aristocracy of the ancient Near East, where horses and chariots were symbols of power and wealth (though Israel was warned against trusting in them—Psalm 20:7).
Reflection
- How does God's detailed knowledge of Tyre's trading partners challenge any notion that secular commerce exists outside His sovereign awareness?
- In what areas of your life do you compartmentalize "business" from "spiritual" matters, forgetting God sees and judges all?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Genesis 25:3