Ezekiel 27:6
“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.”
Historical Context:Ezekiel was a prophet who ministered to the exiles in Babylon during the sixth century BCE. The book of Ezekiel contains messages of judgement and restoration for the people of Israel.
Symbolic Language:Ezekiel often used symbolic language and imagery in his prophecies. In this verse, he uses poetic language to describe the grandeur and splendour of a specific city. The city being referred to here is Tyre, a major seaport and trading centre in ancient Phoenicia.
The Oaks of Bashan:Bashan was known for its abundant and majestic oak trees. These trees were known for their strength and durability. By mentioning the oaks of Bashan, Ezekiel emphasises the strength and quality of the oars used by the ships of Tyre. This highlights the city’s maritime power and its reliance on trade.
The Ashurites and Ivory Benches:The Ashurites were skilled craftsmen from Assyria. They were known for their expertise in woodworking and craftsmanship. Ezekiel mentions that they made benches of ivory for the ships of Tyre. Ivory was a highly valued material in ancient times, associated with wealth, luxury, and elegance. This further emphasises the opulence and wealth of the city of Tyre.
Isles of Chittim:Chittim refers to the Mediterranean islands, possibly including Cyprus. These islands were known for their trade and commerce. Ezekiel mentions that the ivory used for the benches was brought from these islands, indicating the extensive network of trade and wealth that Tyre possessed.
Overall Message:This verse depicts the greatness and prosperity of the city of Tyre, particularly in its maritime trade. It highlights the city’s reliance on skilled craftsmanship and its access to valuable resources from different regions. However, it’s important to note that Ezekiel’s prophecies concerning Tyre also include messages of judgement and destruction, emphasising the transient nature of worldly wealth and power.
