The men of Dedan traded with you. Many coastlands were your own special markets; they brought you in payment ivory tusks and ebony.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text highlights that the "many isles" weren't just places Tyre traded with, but were practically its own markets, indicating Tyre's vast economic reach. Furthermore, calling ivory "horns" and ebony "wood" reveals the practical, often unpoetic, language of ancient commerce, where the origin and form of goods were described in relatable terms.
The men of Dedan traded with you. Many coastlands were your own special markets; they brought you in payment ivory tusks and ebony.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of Ezekiel's poetic lament over the magnificent city of Tyre, a global trade hub. Before this verse, the prophet detailed Tyre's vast reach and the precious goods it traded, highlighting its incredible wealth and influence. This verse specifically focuses on one of Tyre's trading partners, the people of Dedan, who supplied exotic materials like ivory tusks and ebony, further illustrating the extensive network of commerce and tribute that flowed into the city.
Ever wondered where the most luxurious items came from in ancient times? This verse points to a specific trading partner that brought incredible wealth to Tyre.
The Bible mentions two groups named Dedan, but Ezekiel 27:15 likely refers to a Dedanite tribe situated near the Persian Gulf. This location was crucial because it served as a vital hub connecting Tyre to the distant lands of India and Africa.
A World of Trade
This Dedan wasn't just any trading partner; they specialized in bringing some of the most sought-after luxury goods of the ancient world to Tyre:
Their role highlights the vast global network Tyre had established, drawing riches from the farthest reaches of the known world.
The text describes 'many isles' as Tyre's 'merchandise.' What does this intriguing phrase really mean for the mighty city?
When Ezekiel says 'many isles were the merchandise of thine hand,' it’s a powerful way to describe the extent of Tyre's influence and control over trade routes.
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Beyond Simple Goods
This phrase doesn't mean Tyre physically traded islands. Instead, it implies:
The verse mentions Dedan bringing goods 'for a present.' Was this a friendly gift, or something more serious?
The Hebrew word translated 'for a present' (or 'for a reward') in Ezekiel 27:15 has a nuanced meaning that's important for understanding Tyre's relationship with its trading partners.
More Than Just a Gift
While it might sound like a voluntary offering, the context suggests it was more akin to:
This highlights that Tyre wasn't just a marketplace; it was a dominant force that extracted wealth from others, setting itself up for a fall.
Understand the original words
shen · Hebrew Noun
Ivory, the tusks of elephants, was regarded as a rare and luxurious material in the ancient Near East, often signifying extreme wealth, royal prestige, and the height of worldly splendor.
This verse highlights Tyre's extensive global reach, drawing goods like ivory and ebony from distant lands like Dedan (likely on the Persian Gulf) and its associated "isles," illustrating the sophisticated international trade network that fueled its prosperity before its prophesied downfall.
c. 1800 BC
Abraham's Descendants Settle Arabia
Descendants of Abraham, including Dedan (son of Jokshan, Abraham's son with Keturah, and potentially another Dedan descended from Cush, son of Ham), establish settlements in Arabia, likely near trade routes.
c. 1000 BC - 600 BC
Phoenician Maritime Dominance
Phoenician city-states, especially Tyre, build a vast trade network across the Mediterranean and into the Atlantic, establishing colonies and trading posts.
c. 8th - 7th century BC
Assyrian and Babylonian Influence
The Neo-Assyrian and later Neo-Babylonian Empires exert significant political control over the Near East, impacting regional trade and power dynamics.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile profoundly disrupts the political and religious landscape of Judah, with ripple effects throughout the region.
c. 550 BC
Rise of the Persian Empire
Cyrus the Great founds the Persian Empire, which eventually conquers the Babylonian Empire, changing the geopolitical order once again.
c. 590 BC— this verse
Ezekiel's Prophetic Ministry
Ezekiel prophesies among the exiles in Babylon, delivering messages of judgment and hope concerning Israel and surrounding nations, including Tyre.
c. 580 BC
Tyre's Great Siege by Nebuchadnezzar
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon undertakes a 13-year siege of the mainland city of Tyre, a pivotal event in Tyre's history and a testament to its resilience and wealth.
This passage traces the lineage of Dedan back to Cush, son of Ham, and Raamah, suggesting his descendants likely engaged in trade routes connecting Africa and Arabia with the wider world.
Isaiah 21:13This prophetic oracle against the glory of Arabia mentions Dedan, linking them to nomadic caravans and trade routes, which aligns with their role as merchants in Ezekiel's vision.
Jeremiah 49:8Jeremiah also prophesies against Esau (Edom), mentioning Dedan as a place that was to be a subject of the prophecy, indicating their significance and involvement in regional trade and conflict.
Ezekiel 27:20This verse further elaborates on Dedan's trading partners, specifically mentioning them in connection with Arabian tribes and trade in saddle cloths for chariots, showing a pattern of their commercial activities.
Revelation 18:11-13This New Testament passage lists luxury goods traded by a great commercial city, including ivory and ebony, providing a parallel to the exotic and valuable commodities that fueled Tyre's prosperity.
gillEzekiel 27:15: "The men of Dedan were thy merchants; many isles were the merchandise of thine hand: they brought thee for a present horns of ivory and ebony."
The men of Dedan were thy merchants,.... Not Dedan in Idumea or Edom, but in Arabia, from Dedan the son of Raamah, Genesis 10:7 , many isles were the merchandise of thine hands; that is, many isles took off their manufactures from them, in lieu of what they brought them, which were as follow: they brought thee for a present; that they mig…
clarkeEzekiel 27:15: "The men of Dedan were thy merchants; many isles were the merchandise of thine hand: they brought thee for a present horns of ivory and ebony."
The men of Dedan - Dedan was one of the descendants of Abraham by Keturah, and dwelt in Arabia, Genesis 25:3 . Ivory and ebony might come from that quarter. By way of distinction ivory is called both in Hebrew ש shen, and in Arabic shen, the Tooth, as that beautiful substance is the tooth of the elephant.
The text highlights that the "many isles" weren't just places Tyre traded with, but were practically its own markets, indicating Tyre's vast economic reach. Furthermore, calling ivory "horns" and ebony "wood" reveals the practical, often unpoetic, language of ancient commerce, where the origin and form of goods were described in relatable terms.
This passage is part of Ezekiel's poetic lament over the magnificent city of Tyre, a global trade hub. Before this verse, the prophet detailed Tyre's vast reach and the precious goods it traded, highlighting its incredible wealth and influence. This verse specifically focuses on one of Tyre's trading partners, the people of Dedan, who supplied exotic materials like ivory tusks and ebony, further illustrating the extensive network of commerce and tribute that flowed into the city.
This passage is part of Ezekiel's poetic lament over the magnificent city of Tyre, a global trade hub. Before this verse, the prophet detailed Tyre's vast reach and the precious goods it traded, highlighting its incredible wealth and influence. This verse specifically focuses on one of Tyre's trading partners, the people of Dedan, who supplied exotic materials like ivory tusks and ebony, further illustrating the extensive network of commerce and tribute that flowed into the city.
"The men of Dedan traded with you. Many coastlands were your own special markets; they brought you in payment ivory tusks and ebony." — The text highlights that the "many isles" weren't just places Tyre traded with, but were practically its own markets, indicating Tyre's vast economic reach. Furthermore, calling ivory "horns" and e…
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Last reviewed October 2026