Ezekiel 27:14 Meaning Explained

Ezekiel 27:14

From Beth-togarmah they exchanged horses, war horses, and mules for your wares.

English Standard Version (ESV)

This verse reveals that trade in ancient times wasn't just about goods; people themselves could be commodities. It's startling to see "horsemen" listed alongside horses and mules, suggesting skilled individuals, perhaps trainers or grooms, were part of the exchange. This insight reminds us that ancient economies had a human dimension beyond simple transactions.

What Ezekiel 27:14 means

Ezekiel's prophecy vividly portrays the vast global network that supplied the wealthy city of Tyre. This verse highlights a specific trade partner from the region of Togarmah (likely Armenia or Cappadocia), renowned for its breeding of horses, war horses, and mules, which were exchanged for Tyre's manufactured goods. The chapter continues to enumerate other distant lands and their unique contributions to Tyre's opulent marketplace, underscoring the city's extensive reach and dependence on international commerce.

Global Reach of Tyre's Commerce

Did you know Tyre's influence stretched to the far north, trading even with regions renowned for their horses?

This verse paints a picture of Tyre as a bustling international hub. It wasn't just a local marketplace; it was a global center of trade.

A World Connected

The House of Togarmah: This region, generally understood to be Armenia or surrounding areas, was known for its horse breeding. It lay in the northern reaches of the known world at the time.
Trade in Wares: Tyre imported and exported a vast array of goods. Here, Togarmah supplied the raw material for cavalry and transportation – horses, war horses, and mules.
God's Perspective: Even in worldly commerce, God's Word takes notice. Henry reminds us that God sees us in our business dealings, not just in religious activities. This shows that every aspect of life falls under God's watchful eye.

The Value of Specialized Goods

Why would people trade people along with horses?

This passage touches on the unique commodities that fueled ancient economies. The mention of 'horses, war horses, and mules' is straightforward, but the term 'horsemen' adds a fascinating layer.

More Than Just Animals

Skilled Labor: Commentators suggest that 'horsemen' might refer to skilled trainers, riders, or grooms. These weren't just animals being sold, but also the expertise needed to manage and utilize them effectively.
Valuable Commodities: In an era where horses were crucial for warfare, transport, and status, supplying both the animals and the people who could handle them represented a significant economic exchange.

Historical context

Written: Around 593-571 BC
Author: The prophet Ezekiel, a priest who was exiled to Babylon
Location: Written from Babylon during the exile, describing the city of Tyre and its trade
Genre: Prophecy; the chapter uses vivid lamentations and commercial lists to illustrate judgment

Historical background

Ezekiel's vivid description of Tyre's global trade network underscores the prophet's intimate knowledge of the ancient world's commerce. The mention of Togarmah, a region famed for its horses and horsemen, highlights how even seemingly distant peoples were intricately linked to Tyre's economic might, a power God would soon bring down.

c. 10th-9th century BC
Formation of Neo-Hittite States
Following the collapse of the Hittite Empire, various successor states emerged in Anatolia, including those in Cappadocia and Phrygia, regions often associated with Togarmah. These states developed robust horse breeding and trade.
c. 8th century BC
Assyrian Expansion and Influence
The Neo-Assyrian Empire expanded its reach into Anatolia, impacting local economies and political structures. This period saw increased trade routes and military interactions, highlighting the military significance of horses from regions like Togarmah.
c. 6th century BC
Persian Empire's Dominance
The Persian Empire conquered Anatolia, integrating regions like Cappadocia into its vast administration. Historical accounts from this era (e.g., Xenophon, Strabo) confirm the importance of these regions for horses and mules, which were often exacted as tribute.
c. 586 BC
Nebuchadnezzar II's Reign

Key themes

01Global trade networks
02Specialized economies
03Military horse trade

Cross-references

Genesis 10:3

This passage identifies Togarmah as a descendant of Noah through Gomer, establishing the ancient lineage and geographical association that underlies his descendants' trade in Ezekiel's prophecy.

Ezekiel 38:6

Togarmah is mentioned here as a nation allied with Gog in the far north, reinforcing its historical and geographical positioning as a supplier of military assets like horses.

1 Kings 10:28-29

This passage describes Solomon importing horses from Egypt and Kue, paralleling the international trade of valuable horses and hinting at the strategic importance of such commodities in the ancient world, just as Tyre benefited from Togarmah's supply.

2 Chronicles 1:16-17

Similar to 1 Kings, this passage highlights the significant trade in horses as a source of wealth and national strength, underscoring why nations like Togarmah specialized in and profited from supplying them.

Scholarly commentary

Ezekiel 27:14: "They of the house of Togarmah traded in thy fairs with horses and horsemen and mules."

Togarmah - Armenia.
barnes

Ezekiel 27:14: "They of the house of Togarmah traded in thy fairs with horses and horsemen and mules."

They of the house of Togarmah,.... The Targum is, "they of the province or country of Germany.'' Jerom understands it of Phrygia, near to which was Cappadocia; and perhaps is here meant, since it abounded with what these people are said to trade with Tyre in: these traded in thy fairs with horses, horsemen, and mules; for the Cappadocians paid for their yearly tribute to the Persians fifteen h…
gill

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What Ezekiel 27:14 means

Historical background

c. 10th-9th century BC

Formation of Neo-Hittite States

Following the collapse of the Hittite Empire, various successor states emerged in Anatolia, including those in Cappadocia and Phrygia, regions often associated with Togarmah. These states developed robust horse breeding and trade.

c. 8th century BC

Assyrian Expansion and Influence

The Neo-Assyrian Empire expanded its reach into Anatolia, impacting local economies and political structures. This period saw increased trade routes and military interactions, highlighting the military significance of horses from regions like Togarmah.

c. 6th century BC

Persian Empire's Dominance

The Persian Empire conquered Anatolia, integrating regions like Cappadocia into its vast administration. Historical accounts from this era (e.g., Xenophon, Strabo) confirm the importance of these regions for horses and mules, which were often exacted as tribute.

c. 586 BC

Nebuchadnezzar II's Reign