Damascus did business with you for your abundant goods, because of your great wealth of every kind; wine of Helbon and wool of Sahar
English Standard Version (ESV)
While we often focus on the luxurious wine of Helbon, the text also highlights "white wool." This detail points to something more than just a beautiful color; it signifies the high quality of the raw material, which would have been dyed into the rich purples Tyre was famous for, connecting the humble origins of nature's gifts to the pinnacle of human commerce.
Damascus did business with you for your abundant goods, because of your great wealth of every kind; wine of Helbon and wool of Sahar
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage continues Ezekiel's lament over the mighty city of Tyre, detailing its vast trade network. Following mentions of trade with cities like Dan and Dedan, this verse highlights Damascus, known for supplying luxury goods like rich wine and fine wool to Tyre. Tyre, in turn, would use these raw materials and exquisite wines in its own manufactured goods and vast riches, demonstrating the interconnectedness of ancient commerce.
Ever wonder what 'luxury' meant in biblical times? This verse pulls back the curtain on ancient trade routes, highlighting Damascus as a key player.
Ezekiel 27 paints a vivid picture of Tyre's vast trade network, and verse 18 focuses on Damascus. It wasn't just any city; Damascus was a major trading partner.
A Coveted Connection
Damascus supplied Tyre with sought-after goods, specifically mentioning:
This detail shows that Tyre's wealth wasn't just built on raw materials, but on facilitating the trade of the most desirable luxuries from surrounding regions.
It's easy to see wealth and trade as purely economic. But Ezekiel's prophecy reminds us that God sees beyond the balance sheets.
This verse, embedded within a larger prophecy against Tyre, isn't just a business report; it's a theological statement.
God's Perspective on Commerce
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Ezekiel's detailed account of Tyre's trade highlights God's intimate knowledge and ultimate sovereignty over all human enterprise, even the most glamorous.
Understand the original words
yayin · Hebrew Noun
A beverage that can symbolize joy and celebration, but also the intoxicating or numbing effects of divine judgment if misused. In proper contexts, it is a sign of prosperity and blessing, and it features centrally in the communion of the Lord's Supper.
Ezekiel's prophecy against Tyre highlights its extensive trade network, which included cities like Damascus. This verse, spoken during the Babylonian exile, underscores how even conquered cities maintained their renowned products, such as the prized wine of Helbon, integrating them into Tyre's vast commercial empire.
c. 8th century BC
Aram-Damascus in decline
The Aramean kingdom, with its capital Damascus, had been a major power in the region. However, by this period, it was increasingly overshadowed and eventually subjugated by the Neo-Assyrian Empire.
732 BC
Assyrian Conquest of Damascus
The Neo-Assyrian Empire, under Tiglath-Pileser III, conquered Damascus and significantly reduced its political and economic autonomy, incorporating it into the empire.
c. 605 BC
Babylonian Conquest of Syria
Following the fall of the Assyrian Empire, the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar II gained control over Syria, including the region around Damascus.
539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquered Babylon, bringing Syria and its cities, including Damascus, under Persian rule for the next two centuries.
c. 4th century BC
Hellenistic Period Begins
After Alexander the Great's conquests, the region came under the control of Hellenistic empires, with cities like Damascus continuing to be centers of trade and culture.
c. 6th century BC— this verse
Ezekiel's Prophecy Delivered
Ezekiel delivered his prophecies during the Babylonian exile, condemning the luxurious and idolatrous nations surrounding Israel, including Tyre.
This passage speaks of vineyards that Solomon claims, likely referring to a place known for its prized grapes and wine, paralleling the significance of Helbon's wine mentioned in Ezekiel.
Hosea 14:7This verse paints a picture of Israel flourishing and producing wine, connecting the idea of abundant agricultural wealth and excellent wine production with the trade described in Ezekiel.
Revelation 18:11-13This prophecy describes the downfall of a great commercial city similar to Tyre, listing 'horses, chariots, bodies, and souls of men' as some of its traded goods, highlighting the vast and varied commerce that characterized ancient cities.
Genesis 43:11This verse showcases the practice of carrying valuable goods, including the 'finest products of the land,' as gifts or for trade, similar to how Damascus traded its renowned wine and wool.
barnesEzekiel 27:18: "Damascus was thy merchant in the multitude of the wares of thy making, for the multitude of all riches; in the wine of Helbon, and white wool."
Helbon - Chalybon, near Damascus, whose wine was a favorite luxury with Persian kings. White wool - A product of flocks that grazed in the waste lands of Syria and Arabia.
clarkeEzekiel 27:18: "Damascus was thy merchant in the multitude of the wares of thy making, for the multitude of all riches; in the wine of Helbon, and white wool."
Damascus wine of Helbon - Now called by the Turks Haleb, and by us Aleppo. White wool - Very fine wool: wool of a fine quality. Some think Milesian wool is meant.
While we often focus on the luxurious wine of Helbon, the text also highlights "white wool." This detail points to something more than just a beautiful color; it signifies the high quality of the raw material, which would have been dyed into the rich purples Tyre was famous for, connecting the humble origins of nature's gifts to the pinnacle of human commerce.
This passage continues Ezekiel's lament over the mighty city of Tyre, detailing its vast trade network. Following mentions of trade with cities like Dan and Dedan, this verse highlights Damascus, known for supplying luxury goods like rich wine and fine wool to Tyre. Tyre, in turn, would use these raw materials and exquisite wines in its own manufactured goods and vast riches, demonstrating the interconnectedness of ancient commerce.
This passage continues Ezekiel's lament over the mighty city of Tyre, detailing its vast trade network. Following mentions of trade with cities like Dan and Dedan, this verse highlights Damascus, known for supplying luxury goods like rich wine and fine wool to Tyre. Tyre, in turn, would use these raw materials and exquisite wines in its own manufactured goods and vast riches, demonstrating the interconnectedness of ancient commerce.
"Damascus did business with you for your abundant goods, because of your great wealth of every kind; wine of Helbon and wool of Sahar" — While we often focus on the luxurious wine of Helbon, the text also highlights "white wool." This detail points to something more than just a beautiful color; it signifies the high quality of the raw…
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Last reviewed October 2026