and casks of wine from Uzal they exchanged for your wares; wrought iron, cassia, and calamus were bartered for your merchandise.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights that even in ancient times, "bright iron" wasn't just raw metal, but refined steel, likely for weaponry, showing the sophisticated craftsmanship available. The mention of cassia and calamus, fragrant spices, points to the luxurious and aromatic goods traded from distant lands like Yemen, indicating a vast global network driven by desire for exotic comforts and tools.
and casks of wine from Uzal they exchanged for your wares; wrought iron, cassia, and calamus were bartered for your merchandise.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This chapter is a magnificent, detailed lament over the city of Tyre, portraying its immense wealth and extensive trade networks as if it were a grand ship sailing the seas. Ezekiel systematically lists the various peoples and lands that brought their goods to Tyre, highlighting the city's global reach and the diverse sources of its luxury items. This verse specifically points to traders from regions like Uzal (likely ancient Yemen) bringing essential and exotic materials such as wrought iron and aromatic spices.
Tyre's marketplace wasn't just local; it was a global hub. What rare items fueled its fame and fortune?
This verse paints a vivid picture of Tyre's extensive trade network. Beyond wine, the city imported highly prized goods:
These items highlight the luxury and exoticism that characterized Tyre's commerce, attracting buyers from far and wide.
Who were these 'Dan' and 'Javan' traders? Their identities are debated, revealing much about ancient geography and trade.
The identity of 'Dan' and 'Javan' in this verse is a bit of a puzzle, but the scholarly consensus points away from the well-known Israelite tribe of Dan and the nation of Greece.
Ask a follow-up
These interpretations suggest that the trade described was primarily between Tyre and the Arabian Peninsula, rather than Greece, emphasizing the vast reach of Tyre's commercial influence.
Understand the original words
qetsiyah · Hebrew Noun
An aromatic spice, often used as an ingredient in the holy anointing oil in the tabernacle. It represents holiness, the pleasing fragrance of worship, and the set-apart nature of God’s people.
qaneh · Hebrew Noun
An aromatic reed or spice, often mentioned alongside other precious spices for the holy anointing oil. It signifies the sweet-smelling sacrifice and the importance of preparing one’s heart and life for God's service.
Ezekiel's prophecy against Tyre highlights its immense wealth derived from far-flung trade. The mention of goods from places like Uzal (Yemen) and the implied involvement of traders from regions like Arabia and potentially even distant India, showcases a globalized economy long before our modern era.
c. 10th century BC
Prosperous Kingdom of Yemen
The southern Arabian region of Yemen, with its capital Sanaa (ancient Uzal), flourishes as a major hub for trade in spices and finely crafted goods like wrought iron, particularly sword blades.
c. 8th century BC
Assyrian Empire's Dominance
The Neo-Assyrian Empire, under rulers like Tiglath-Pileser III and Sargon II, exerts significant political and economic influence over the Near East, impacting trade routes and vassal states.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Israel's Exile
The Northern Kingdom of Israel is conquered by the Assyrians, leading to the deportation of its population. This event makes any direct trade involving the tribe of Dan problematic in later years.
680s BC
Tyre's Peak Commercial Power
The Phoenician city-state of Tyre reaches the height of its commercial influence, controlling vast maritime trade networks across the Mediterranean and beyond.
c. 605 BC
Babylonian Conquest of Judah
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon begins his campaigns, leading to the first major deportation of Judeans and establishing Babylonian dominance over the region.
587/586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar II completely destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling most of the remaining population to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian Captivity.
c. 580 BC— this verse
Ezekiel Prophesies Against Tyre
Ezekiel delivers his oracle against Tyre, detailing its extensive trade and prosperity, but also condemning its pride and eventual downfall. The detailed list of trade goods in chapter 27 serves as evidence of Tyre's vast commercial reach.
This passage lists the descendants of Noah, including Uzal, who is traditionally considered an ancestor of peoples in ancient Arabia, connecting directly to the geographical location mentioned in Ezekiel.
Exodus 30:23-24This scripture details the ingredients for the holy anointing oil, including cassia and calamus, highlighting the value and sacred use of these spices that were traded through Tyre.
Jeremiah 6:20Jeremiah also laments the misuse of valuable spices like calamus, correlating with Ezekiel's description of Tyre's vast trade in luxurious goods for potentially ungodly purposes.
Psalm 45:8This psalm connects the fragrance of myrrh, aloes, and cassia to the royal attire of the King, showing how these aromatics were associated with royalty and prestige, much like the goods Tyre traded.
Colossians 2:8Paul warns against being 'taken captive by hollow and deceptive philosophy,' which resonates with Ezekiel's message about the dangers of Tyre's excessive focus on worldly wealth and trade, potentially leading to spiritual emptiness.
clarkeEzekiel 27:19: "Dan also and Javan going to and fro occupied in thy fairs: bright iron, cassia, and calamus, were in thy market."
Dan also and Javan - It is probable that both these words mean some of the Grecian islands. Going to and fro - They both took and brought - imported and exported: but מאוזל meuzal, from uzal, may be a proper name. What place is signified I cannot tell, unless it be Azal, a name, according to Kamoos, of the capital of Arabia Felix.
barnesEzekiel 27:19: "Dan also and Javan going to and fro occupied in thy fairs: bright iron, cassia, and calamus, were in thy market."
Dan also - Hebrew Vedan, a place in Arabia, not elsewhere mentioned. Going to and fro - Better as in the margin, a proper name, "Meuzal," or rather, "from Uzal" which was the ancient name of Senaa the capital of Yemen in Arabia. Greek merchants would carry on commerce between Uzal and Tyre. Bright iron - literally, "wrought iron;" iron worked into plates smooth and p…
This verse highlights that even in ancient times, "bright iron" wasn't just raw metal, but refined steel, likely for weaponry, showing the sophisticated craftsmanship available. The mention of cassia and calamus, fragrant spices, points to the luxurious and aromatic goods traded from distant lands like Yemen, indicating a vast global network driven by desire for exotic comforts and tools.
This chapter is a magnificent, detailed lament over the city of Tyre, portraying its immense wealth and extensive trade networks as if it were a grand ship sailing the seas. Ezekiel systematically lists the various peoples and lands that brought their goods to Tyre, highlighting the city's global reach and the diverse sources of its luxury items. This verse specifically points to traders from regions like Uzal (likely ancient Yemen) bringing essential and exotic materials such as wrought iron and aromatic spices.
This chapter is a magnificent, detailed lament over the city of Tyre, portraying its immense wealth and extensive trade networks as if it were a grand ship sailing the seas. Ezekiel systematically lists the various peoples and lands that brought their goods to Tyre, highlighting the city's global reach and the diverse sources of its luxury items. This verse specifically points to traders from regions like Uzal (likely ancient Yemen) bringing essential and exotic materials such as wrought iron and aromatic spices.
"and casks of wine from Uzal they exchanged for your wares; wrought iron, cassia, and calamus were bartered for your merchandise." — This verse highlights that even in ancient times, "bright iron" wasn't just raw metal, but refined steel, likely for weaponry, showing the sophisticated craftsmanship available. The mention of cassia…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026