Of the oaks of Bashan have they made thine oars; the company of the Ashurites have made thy benches of ivory, brought out of the isles of Chittim.
EZEKIEL 27:6KJVWhat does Ezekiel 27:6 mean?
Ezekiel 27:6 describes how the people made oars for their ships from the strong oaks of Bashan and crafted benches from ivory brought by the Ashurites from the distant isles of Chittim. The verse highlights the use of rare and valuable materials in shipbuilding, showing the wealth and far-reaching trade connections of the city being described.
In this chapter, the prophet Ezekiel is speaking a lament over the city of Tyre, addressing its people and describing their impressive trading ships. The verse paints a picture of luxury and craftsmanship, emphasizing how Tyre sourced the best materials from various regions, which reflected its status as a major trading power in the ancient world.
The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 27:6
- בָּשָׁן (Bashan): This refers to a region known for its strong and valuable oak trees. Mentioning Bashan emphasizes the quality of the wood used for the oars.
- אִיֵּי כִתִּים (isles of Chittim): "Chittim" often refers to distant western lands, possibly Cyprus or nearby islands, suggesting Tyre’s trade reached far-off places.
- שֵׁן (ivory, transliterated here as שֵׁן but tagged as H8127): Ivory was a luxury item, and its use for ship benches shows the extravagance and wealth involved.
- בְּנוֹת (company, transliterated as בְּנוֹת, tagged as H1323): This word literally means "daughters," but here it likely refers to groups or communities, possibly those associated with the Ashurites, involved in crafting or trading.
Why Ezekiel 27:6 matters
- This verse helps readers see just how wealthy and interconnected Tyre was, sourcing materials from distant lands and using luxury goods even for practical items like ship benches.
- The verse sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, which will contrast Tyre’s former glory with its coming downfall, making the loss even more striking.
- Understanding the specific regions and materials mentioned gives insight into the historical context of ancient trade and the kinds of goods considered valuable at the time.