Ezekiel 27:8
The inhabitants of Sidon and Arvad were your rowers; your skilled men, O Tyre, were in you; they were your pilots.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Tyre, in its pride, hired the less honored role of rowers from other cities, reserving the prestigious and skilled position of pilots for its own "wise men." This highlights how even in ancient times, wealth and status dictated who performed the essential, often grueling, labor versus who reaped the visible rewards.
This passage is part of a grand lamentation over the city of Tyre, a wealthy and powerful trading hub. Ezekiel is detailing the vast network of people and resources that made Tyre so magnificent, highlighting the skilled workers from neighboring cities like Sidon and Arvad who provided the essential labor for Tyre's vast fleet. The prophecy will go on to list other nations and peoples contributing to Tyre's glory, ultimately setting the stage for its dramatic downfall.
Ezekiel's description of Tyre's reliance on skilled mariners and pilots from Sidon and Arvad highlights the interconnectedness of Phoenician maritime cities, even as Tyre's arrogance grew and its political fortunes shifted under larger empires.
c. 1000 BC
Phoenician City-States Flourish
Tyre, Sidon, and Arvad emerge as powerful maritime city-states, dominating Mediterranean trade and naval prowess.
722 BC
Assyrian Influence on Phoenicia
The Neo-Assyrian Empire expands its control, often extracting tribute and influence from Phoenician cities like Tyre.
685-671 BC
Assyrian Conquest of Sidon
Esarhaddon of Assyria destroys and conquers Sidon, scattering its population and reinforcing Assyrian dominance in the region.
c. 590 BC— this verse
Ezekiel's Prophecy Against Tyre
Ezekiel delivers his prophecy concerning the riches and ultimate downfall of the proud city of Tyre, detailing its extensive trade network and reliance on foreign skilled labor.
This passage also describes the pride and impending judgment of Tyre, highlighting its extensive trade and reliance on skilled mariners from various places, similar to Ezekiel's account.
Jeremiah 49:23This verse mentions Damascus and Arvad being "worried" and troubled by the news from the sea, showing the interconnectedness and vulnerability of these maritime cities.
Matthew 4:13-16Jesus began his ministry in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, areas near the Phoenician coast, fulfilling prophecy and connecting the Gospel message to the very people involved in such trade and seafaring.
Acts 27:1-44This chapter vividly portrays a perilous sea voyage, showcasing the realities and dangers of ancient maritime travel, which the skilled pilots and mariners of Tyre would have navigated.
gillEzekiel 27:8: "The inhabitants of Zidon and Arvad were thy mariners: thy wise men, O Tyrus, that were in thee, were thy pilots."
The inhabitants of Zidon and Arvad were thy mariners,.... Zidon was a city in Phoenicia, near to Tyre, and older than that, by whose inhabitants it was built; see the notes on Isaiah 23:2 and Arvad was an island in Phoenicia, to the south of Zidon, not far from Tyre. Mr. Maundrell (g) says it is about a league distant from the shore; and is now called by the Turks Rua…
bensonEzekiel 27:8: "The inhabitants of Zidon and Arvad were thy mariners: thy wise men, O Tyrus, that were in thee, were thy pilots."
Ezekiel 27:8-11 . The inhabitants of Zidon and Arvad were thy mariners — So great was the opulence and pride of the Tyrians, that they hired foreigners to do the more laborious and menial employments, and would do nothing else themselves than steer the vessels, priding themselves on being the most able pilots. Of Zidon, see note on Isaiah 23:4 , and of Arvad, on Jerem…
Tyre, in its pride, hired the less honored role of rowers from other cities, reserving the prestigious and skilled position of pilots for its own "wise men." This highlights how even in ancient times, wealth and status dictated who performed the essential, often grueling, labor versus who reaped the visible rewards.
This passage is part of a grand lamentation over the city of Tyre, a wealthy and powerful trading hub. Ezekiel is detailing the vast network of people and resources that made Tyre so magnificent, highlighting the skilled workers from neighboring cities like Sidon and Arvad who provided the essential labor for Tyre's vast fleet. The prophecy will go on to list other nations and peoples contributing to Tyre's glory, ultimately setting the stage for its dramatic downfall.
This passage is part of a grand lamentation over the city of Tyre, a wealthy and powerful trading hub. Ezekiel is detailing the vast network of people and resources that made Tyre so magnificent, highlighting the skilled workers from neighboring cities like Sidon and Arvad who provided the essential labor for Tyre's vast fleet. The prophecy will go on to list other nations and peoples contributing to Tyre's glory, ultimately setting the stage for its dramatic downfall.
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586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar II, conquer Jerusalem and deport many of its inhabitants, a significant event in the backdrop of Ezekiel's prophecies.
573-562 BC
Babylonian Siege of Tyre
Nebuchadnezzar II lays siege to Tyre for 13 years, a testament to Tyre's resilience and strategic importance.
"The inhabitants of Sidon and Arvad were your rowers; your skilled men, O Tyre, were in you; they were your pilots." — Tyre, in its pride, hired the less honored role of rowers from other cities, reserving the prestigious and skilled position of pilots for its own "wise men." This highlights how even in ancient times…
