Dedan traded with you in saddlecloths for riding.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What’s striking here is that these aren't just any clothes; the original wording suggests fine tapestries or "cloths of freedom," worn by nobles, yet used by Tyre to lavishly adorn their chariots. This highlights how even everyday trade items could be elevated into symbols of extreme wealth and luxury, revealing the decadent excess at the heart of Tyre's empire.
Dedan traded with you in saddlecloths for riding.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Ezekiel's prophecy unfolds as a grand lamentation over the mighty city of Tyre, detailing its extensive trade network with nations across the known world. This verse sits within a detailed list of Tyre's trading partners and the specific goods exchanged, highlighting the city's vast wealth and influence, before the prophecy shifts to the impending judgment against it. The context emphasizes how every nation contributed to Tyre's opulence, painting a picture of its commercial dominance which God is about to shatter.
Ezekiel mentions Dedan trading in 'saddlecloths for riding.' But the ancient context reveals these weren't just practical blankets. They were symbols of incredible wealth and status.
The Hebrew term translated as 'precious clothes' or 'saddlecloths' hints at something far beyond mere utility. These were likely ornate, luxurious textiles, perhaps tapestries or finely woven cloths.
Status Symbols
Dedan's trade with Tyre wasn't just a local transaction. It was a vital link in a vast network, connecting distant lands and showcasing the global economy of the ancient Near East.
Dedan, likely referring to a nomadic Arab tribe descended from Abraham, played a crucial role in the ancient trade system. They acted as intermediaries, bringing goods from regions like India and China to Tyre.
The Caravan Connection
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The mention of Dedan trading in fine cloths for riding or chariots highlights the global reach of Tyre's markets and the vital role of Arabian nomadic tribes in connecting distant lands via caravan routes, especially during the era of powerful Near Eastern empires.
~1800 BC
Abraham's Descendants Settle
Abraham's grandson Dedan, son of Keturah, and his descendants establish themselves in Arabia, becoming associated with nomadic trade routes.
~10th-9th century BC
Assyrian Empire's Expansion
The Neo-Assyrian Empire begins its major expansion, impacting trade routes and political dynamics across the Near East, including areas where Dedanite tribes might have operated.
c. 745-727 BC
Tiglath-Pileser III's Reign
The Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser III reorganizes the empire and significantly increases its control over trade, potentially influencing or disrupting the established caravan routes used by peoples like Dedan.
c. 722-705 BC
Sargon II's Reign
Sargon II continues Assyrian expansion, further solidifying control over vital trade arteries and demanding tribute from various peoples, including Arab tribes.
c. 705-681 BC
Sennacherib's Reign
Sennacherib's campaigns in the region aim to secure Assyrian dominance over trade and subjugate rebellious Arab kingdoms, impacting nomadic groups like Dedan.
c. 681-669 BC
Esarhaddon's Reign and Arab Relations
Esarhaddon actively engaged with and subjugated Arab tribes, incorporating them into the Assyrian imperial system and likely influencing their trading relationships with cities like Tyre.
c. 589-582 BC— this verse
Tyre's Siege by Nebuchadnezzar II
The Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II besieged the wealthy Phoenician city of Tyre for 13 years, a major disruption that would have impacted Tyre's extensive trade network, including its dealings with Dedan.
This passage names Dedan as a descendant of Abraham, showing his lineage and connecting him to the broader family of faith, which is relevant when considering his trading relationships.
Jeremiah 49:8Jeremiah also prophesies against Dedan, mentioning their dwelling in remote places and their reliance on possessions, which echoes Ezekiel's focus on their trade and vulnerability.
Judges 5:10This verse mentions 'riders on rich carpets,' which provides a vivid parallel to the 'saddlecloths for riding' traded by Dedan, illustrating the luxurious nature of these goods.
Ezekiel 27:15This verse also mentions Dedan in relation to trade with Tyre, reinforcing the theme of Dedan as a merchant people and highlighting their consistent role in the ancient commercial network.
gillEzekiel 27:20: "Dedan was thy merchant in precious clothes for chariots."
Dedan was thy merchant in precious cloths for chariots. Or, "cloths of freedom" (u); such as freemen and even nobles wore; and yet so extravagant were the Tyrians, that they bought these to line or cover their chariots with; this is different from the Dedan in Ezekiel 27:15 , and is either Dedan in Edom or Idumea, Jeremiah 49:8 , or in Arabia, the inhabitants of which descended from Dedan, a grandson of Abraham, Genesis 2…
clarkeEzekiel 27:20: "Dedan was thy merchant in precious clothes for chariots."
Dedan - Possibly the descendants of Dedan, son of Raamah, see Genesis 10:7 . In precious clothes for chariots - Either fine carpets, or rich housings for horses, camels, etc., used for riding.
What’s striking here is that these aren't just any clothes; the original wording suggests fine tapestries or "cloths of freedom," worn by nobles, yet used by Tyre to lavishly adorn their chariots. This highlights how even everyday trade items could be elevated into symbols of extreme wealth and luxury, revealing the decadent excess at the heart of Tyre's empire.
Ezekiel's prophecy unfolds as a grand lamentation over the mighty city of Tyre, detailing its extensive trade network with nations across the known world. This verse sits within a detailed list of Tyre's trading partners and the specific goods exchanged, highlighting the city's vast wealth and influence, before the prophecy shifts to the impending judgment against it. The context emphasizes how every nation contributed to Tyre's opulence, painting a picture of its commercial dominance which God is about to shatter.
Ezekiel's prophecy unfolds as a grand lamentation over the mighty city of Tyre, detailing its extensive trade network with nations across the known world. This verse sits within a detailed list of Tyre's trading partners and the specific goods exchanged, highlighting the city's vast wealth and influence, before the prophecy shifts to the impending judgment against it. The context emphasizes how every nation contributed to Tyre's opulence, painting a picture of its commercial dominance which God is about to shatter.
"Dedan traded with you in saddlecloths for riding." — What’s striking here is that these aren't just any clothes; the original wording suggests fine tapestries or "cloths of freedom," worn by nobles, yet used by Tyre to lavishly adorn their chariots. Th…
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Last reviewed October 2026