Ezekiel_27.asp

Atlanta Bible Students

The Book of Ezekiel

Chapter 27

Go To Verse 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36

[1] The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying, [2] Now, thou son of man, take up a lamentation for Tyrus; [3] And say unto Tyrus, O thou that art situate at the entry of the sea, which art a merchant of the people for many isles, Thus saith the Lord GOD; O Tyrus, thou hast said, I am of perfect beauty. [4] Thy borders are in the midst of the seas, thy builders have perfected thy beauty. [5] They have made all thy ship boards of fir trees of Senir: they have taken cedars from Lebanon to make masts for thee. [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. [7] Fine linen with broidered work from Egypt was that which thou spreadest forth to be thy sail; blue and purple from the isles of Elishah was that which covered thee. [8] The inhabitants of Zidon and Arvad were thy mariners: thy wise men, O Tyrus, that were in thee, were thy pilots. [9] The ancients of Gebal and the wise men thereof were in thee thy calkers: all the ships of the sea with their mariners were in thee to occupy thy merchandise. [10] They of Persia and of Lud and of Phut were in thine army, thy men of war: they hanged the shield and helmet in thee; they set forth thy comeliness. [11] The men of Arvad with thine army were upon thy walls round about, and the Gammadims were in thy towers: they hanged their shields upon thy walls round about; they have made thy beauty perfect.

Verses 1-2 Expanded Bible Comments

The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying, [2] Now, thou son of man, take up a lamentation for Tyrus;
Question	Suggested Answer
When the Lord refers to "thou son of man" in the book of Ezekiel, who is He giving instruction to, and where does that put the time frame for this prophecy?	It refers to Pastor Russell and thus places the focus during the time of his ministry. – Please see Son of man
Who is "Tyrus?"	Tyrus is Christendom. Please see class study for Chapter 26 and remember our high-level examination of chapter 28.
Is "thou son of man" to take up a joyful song for Tyrus? What is he to do regarding Tyrus?	Quite the opposite. He is to "take up a lamentation for Tyrus." Sounds like

Satellite view of the city of Tyre.

Verse 3 Expanded Bible Comments

And say unto Tyrus, O thou that art situate at the entry of the sea, which art a merchant of the people for many isles, Thus saith the Lord GOD; O Tyrus, thou hast said, I am of perfect beauty.
Question	Suggested Answer
Let us look at the literal city of Tyre (Tyrus.) Is her location anywhere near the sea?	Absolutely. She is a port city, both now and in ancient time. See above pictures.
What does this mean in the symbolic sense?	That, in some fashion, Tyrus (Christendom) had strong dealings with those of the sea (irreligious people) class.
This verse tells us that Tyrus (Christendom) was "a merchant of the people for many isles." What does that mean?	While preferring to deal with her own subjects, Christendom, nevertheless, had her fingers in a lot of pies. She traded with those lesser governments (republic, constitutional monarchies, etc.) and gained much esteem and wealth as a result.
"O Tyrus, thou hast said, I am of perfect beauty." How does this description aid us in our understanding of Tyrus (Christendom?)	It reminds us of just who the KING of Tyrus really is. Eze. 28:12-14.

Verse 4 Expanded Bible Comments

Thy borders are in the midst of the seas, thy builders have perfected thy beauty.
Question	Suggested Answer
If Tyrus is Christendom, how can it be said "Thy borders are in the midst of the sea?"	It tells us that Christendom held sway over not only the earth class, those nations directly under her control (the [so-called] Holy Roman Empire,) but her influence was also great with the sea class.
Who were the "builders" of Tyrus (Christendom?)	Satan was the King (as we learned in chapter 28) who worked through the Popes. The entire hierarchy of the Roman Catholic system was built by those worldly-minded men striving for recognition and power.
Have these builders really "perfected thy beauty?"	Christendom was so "perfect" in its beauty that a great portion of the world really believed that it was what it claimed to be, Christ's Kingdom.

Verse 5 Expanded Bible Comments

They have made all thy ship boards of fir trees of Senir: they have taken cedars from Lebanon to make masts for thee.
Question	Suggested Answer
What is so important about having the ship boards made of fir trees?	Fir trees are evergreens. Evergreen trees are symbolic of eternal life.
Is there anything special about Senir?	Senir is in Lebanon, sometimes the name is applied to Mt. Hermon.
What about the "cedars from Lebanon" being made into masts?	Known for being both strong and resistant to decay and insects. It may be the most famous of the evergreens, a favorite of carpenters.

Verse 6 Expanded Bible Comments

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.
Question	Suggested Answer
Where is Bashan?	Strong's H1316 בָּשָׁן bâshân baw-shawn' Of uncertain derivation; Bashan (often with the article), a region East of the Jordan: - Bashan. From Wikipedia Strong's Bashan (/ˈbeɪʃən/; Hebrew: הַבָּשָׁן, romanized: ha-Bashan; Latin: Basan or Basanitis) [1] is the ancient, biblical name used for the northernmost region of the Transjordan during the Iron Age. [2] It is situated in modern-day Syria. Its western part, nowadays known as the Golan Heights, was captured by Israel during the 1967 Six Day War and annexed in 1981.
Image found at Pinterest.com
What is so special about "thine oars" being made out of "the oaks of Bashan?"	"Oaks are known for their strength. It was a sign of God’s power that he could destroy the oaks in his wrath." (Amos 2:9) – Trees of the Bible (3): Oaks of Bashan.
Why "the company of the Ashurites?"	Consider the definition of the Hebrew word for "company" in this verse. Strong's H1323 בַּת bath bath From H1129 (as feminine of H1121); a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively): - apple [of the eye], branch, company, daughter, X first, X old, + owl, town, village. This word is used 110 times in Genesis where it is translated "daughter's" 108 times. A better translation would be "the daughters of the Ashurites."
Who (or what) are the Ashurites?	Strong's H839 אֲשֻׁר 'ăshûr ash-oor' Contracted for H8391; the cedar tree or some other light elastic wood: - Ashurite. This may have more of a symbolic reference to the claim of everlasting life (evergreen tree) in connection with Christendom. "Support us and you will have a one-way ticket to paradise."
What about "have made thy benches of ivory, brought out of the isles of Chittim."	"In Ezekiel 27:6 we read "the Ashurites have made thy (Tyre's) benches of ivory, brought out of the isles of Chittim"; rather, as the Hebrew orthography requires, "they have made thy (rowing) benches of ivory, inlaid in the daughter of cedars" or "the best boxwood" (bath ashurim), from Cyprus and Macedonia, from whence the best boxwood came (Pliny)." – Fausset's Bible Dictionary

Verse 7 Expanded Bible Comments

Fine linen with broidered work from Egypt was that which thou spreadest forth to be thy sail; blue and purple from the isles of Elishah was that which covered thee.
Question	Suggested Answer
What is pictured by "Fine linen?"	Rev. 19:7-8 "And to her [the lamb's wife] was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints."
What is symbolized by "broidered work?"	T29
What is the significance of this being "from Egypt?"	Egypt is a type of the world. This tells us that both the "fine linen" and the "broidered work" are NOT the righteousness and character development of the saints, but the false, coming from Christendom.
What is indicated by the fact that the fine linen and broidered work from Egypt was spread "forth to be thy sail?"	The sail is what powers the ship. It is also the most visible part of the ship. This indicates that the "ship of Christendom" is based upon worldly perceptions (Egypt.) It is powered by the world (under the prince of the power of the air.) Eph. 2:2; 6:12
What is signified by their coverings being of "blue and purple?"	Blue signifies purity, faithfulness. Purple signifies royalty. Both of these were claimed by "Tyrus (Christendom.)"
What are "the isles of Elishah?"	Strong's H473 appears to be of little or no help. Strong's H473 אֱלִישָׁה 'ĕlı̂yshâh el-ee-shaw' Probably of foreign derivation; Elishah, a son of Javan: - Elishah. A few translation render this as "Cyprus."

Verse 8 Expanded Bible Comments

The inhabitants of Zidon and Arvad were thy mariners: thy wise men, O Tyrus, that were in thee, were thy pilots.
Question	Suggested Answer
Who were "The inhabitants of Zidon and Arvad?"	Zidon: Strong's H6721 צִידֹן צִידוֹן tsı̂ydôn tsı̂ydôn tsee-done', tsee-done' From H6679 in the sense of catching fish; fishery; Tsidon, the name of a son of Canaan, and of a place in Palestine: - Sidon, Zidon. Zidon was a coastal city, often associated with sailing. Gen. 49:13; Isa. 23:2,4; Jer. 25:22 Arvad: Strong's H719 אַרְוַד 'arvad ar-vad' Probably from H7300; a refuge for the roving; Arvad, an island city of Palestine: - Arvad.
What was their role in Tyrus (Christendom?"	They "were thy mariners (sailors)."
What is the role of a pilot and who were the pilots of Tyrus (Christendom?)	The word "pilot" is: Strong's H2259 חֹבֵל chôbêl kho-bale' Active participle from H2254 (in the sense of handling ropes); a sailor: - pilot, shipmaster. The pilot is the one who steers or guides the ship. According to Webster: 1a: one employed to steer a ship : helmsman 1b: a person who is qualified and usually licensed to conduct a ship into and out of a port or in specified waters
Who were these "pilots" or guides of Tyrus?	They were the so-called "wise men, O Tyrus, that were in thee." The wording here is interesting in that all the translations (other than simplistic or paraphrased versions,) seemed to be careful. Instead of saying "Thy wise men, O Tyrus," they were careful to indicate that "thy wise men" were in Tyrus. Not that they were dwelling there, as if they were native born, but that they merely happened to be there. It almost seems to be saying that Tyrus (Christendom) was incapable of producing any wise men of their own. Even the worldly-wise men had to be imported.

Verse 9 Expanded Bible Comments

The ancients of Gebal and the wise men thereof were in thee thy calkers: all the ships of the sea with their mariners were in thee to occupy thy merchandise.
Question	Suggested Answer
Where was Gebal?	This is the only place in the Bible which uses this word (H1380) but we did find this on biblegateway under encyclopedia of the bible: Strong's Gebal GEBAL ge’ bəl (גְּבַל, H1488, boundary; Ugar. Gbl; Egyp. Kubni; Gr. Βύβλος; Akkad. Gubla); GEBALITES, gē’ bel īts; GIBLITES, KJV gĭb’ līts. 1. A Phoen. city on the Mediterranean N of Beirut, called Byblos by the Greeks; modern Jebeil. The inhabitants were called Gebalites (Giblites, KJV, Josh 13:5). Once a flourishing port and trading center known to the Greco-Roman world as Byblos and to the Assyrians and Babylonians in earlier times as Gubla. Its most valuable export was pine and cedarwood from Lebanon. The city was also noted for shipbuilding and stonecutting.
This verse refers to "the wise men" of "the ancients of Gebal." Where these "wise men" still in Gebal?	No. They were in Tyrus (Christendom.)
What does this tell us?	Basically it tells us the same thing we found at the end of verse 8, i.e., Tyrus (Christendom) appeared to be incapable of "growing their own" wise men. Their doctrines and practices were not able to produce any good fruitage.
What role did these "wise men" have in Tyrus.	They were "caulkers," i.e., they kept the ships afloat. Webster defines caulk as: "to stop up and make tight against leakage (something, such as a boat or its seams, the cracks in a window frame, or the joints of a pipe)"
What was the purpose of "all the ships of the sea with their mariners?"	They "were in thee to occupy thy merchandise." For comparison see Rev. 18:15-19.

Verse 10 Expanded Bible Comments

They of Persia and of Lud and of Phut were in thine army, thy men of war: they hanged the shield and helmet in thee; they set forth thy comeliness.
Question	Suggested Answer
Who was Lud?	Strong's H3865 לוּד lûd lood Probably of foreign derivation; Lud, the name of two nations: - Lud, Lydia.
Who was Phut?	Strong's H6316 פּוּט pûṭ poot Of foreign origin; Put, a son of Ham, also the name of his descendants or thier region, and of a Persian tribe: - Phut, Put.
Why is Persia (successor to Babylon) mentioned here.	When we remember that the image in Dan. 2 pictured the four universal empires, and that this prophecy is being told to "thou son of man," it draws our mind to the fact that this is a prophecy relating to the time of the ministry of the seventh messenger. Elements of all 4 universal empires were contained in the final phase, and this include the Medo-Persian empire. Our thought is that the prior two mentioned, Lud an Phut, were smaller kingdoms that were conquered or absorbed by Tyrus (Christendom.)
What is the significance of telling us that these nations "were in thine army, men of war?"	It indicates that they gave their support to, and fought for Christendom.
Likewise, what is the significance of "they hanged the shield and helmet in thee?"	A helmet protects the head, so these supported the leadership (head) of Christendom. A shield helps to protect the body, so these fought to protect the old order of Christendom.
How did "they set forth thy comeliness?"	These, having been seduced by Tyrus (Christendom) tried to set forth Christendom as being what it claimed to be, i.e., "Christ's Kingdom."

Verse 11 Expanded Bible Comments

The men of Arvad with thine army were upon thy walls round about, and the Gammadims were in thy towers: they hanged their shields upon thy walls round about; they have made thy beauty perfect.
Question	Suggested Answer
Who was "Arvad?"	Strong's H719 אַרְוַד 'arvad ar-vad' Probably from H7300; a refuge for the roving; Arvad, an island city of Palestine: - Arvad.
What about "the Gammadims?"	Strong's H1575 גַּמָּד gammâd gam-mawd' From the same as H1574; a warrior (as grasping weapons): - Grammadims. Total KJV occurrences: 1
What, in general, do we know about Arvad and the Gammadims?	In looking into these, little was found. Smith's bible dictionary and a few other references all seemed to be "reaching" to come up with something, and it became clear that they did not really know, but they did make attempts to come up with explanations. As we are not fond of such speculations, we have not included them here.
What is the significance of them being "with thine army were upon thy walls round about?"	Walls picture protection. This seems to suggest that these were not only co-operating with the armies of Tyrus (Christendom), but were also deployed in its defense.
Is there a difference between what these of verse 11 did compared to what they of verse 10 did for Tyrus (Christendom)?	Those of verse 10 "hanged shield and helmet in thee" while those of verse 11 "hanged their shields upon thy walls round about." Those of verse 10 "set forth thy comeliness," while these of verse 11 "have made thy beauty perfect."
What does the fact that Tyrus (Christendom) was concerned with its own "beauty" tell us.	It tells us that Tyrus (Christendom) was simply following the example of its true king, Lucifer. After all, it has been said that "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."

[12] Tarshish was thy merchant by reason of the multitude of all kind of riches; with silver, iron, tin, and lead, they traded in thy fairs. [13] Javan, Tubal, and Meshech, they were thy merchants: they traded the persons of men and vessels of copper in thy market. [14] They of the house of Togarmah traded in thy fairs with horses and horsemen and mules. [15] The men of Dedan were thy merchants; many isles were the merchandise of thine hand: they brought thee for a present horns of ivory and ebony. [16] Syria was thy merchant by reason of the multitude of the wares of thy making: they occupied in thy fairs with emeralds, purple, and broidered work, and fine linen, and coral, and agate. [17] Judah, and the land of Israel, they were thy merchants: they traded in thy market wheat of Minnith, and Pannag, and honey, and oil, and balm. [18] Damascus was thy merchant in the multitude of the wares of thy making, for the multitude of all riches; in the wine of Helbon, and white wool. [19] Dan also and Javan going to and fro occupied in thy fairs: bright iron, cassia, and calamus, were in thy market. [20] Dedan was thy merchant in precious clothes for chariots. [21] Arabia, and all the princes of Kedar, they occupied with thee in lambs, and rams, and goats: in these were they thy merchants. [22] The merchants of Sheba and Raamah, they were thy merchants: they occupied in thy fairs with chief of all spices, and with all precious stones, and gold. [23] Haran, and Canneh, and Eden, the merchants of Sheba, Asshur, and Chilmad, were thy merchants. [24] These were thy merchants in all sorts of things, in blue clothes, and broidered work, and in chests of rich apparel, bound with cords, and made of cedar, among thy merchandise. [25] The ships of Tarshish did sing of thee in thy market: and thou wast replenished, and made very glorious in the midst of the seas.

Verse 12 Expanded Bible Comments

Tarshish was thy merchant by reason of the multitude of all kind of riches; with silver, iron, tin, and lead, they traded in thy fairs.
Question	Suggested Answer
Since this section begins with "Tarshish," we have here provided a link to all the Tarshish scriptures. Gen. 10:4; 1Ki. 10:22; 22:48; 1Ch. 1:7; 7:10; 2Ch. 9:21; 20:36,37; Est. 1:14; Psa. 48:7; 72:10; Isa. 2:16; 23:1,6,10,14; 60:9; 66:19; Jer. 10:9; Eze. 27:12,25; 38:13; Jon. 1:3; 4:2.
Who was the father of Tarshish and how might this help us in our understanding of this picture?	Gen. 10:2,4 – D556
When we find in Scripture "Tarshish" or "ships of Tarshish," to what is it referring?	Please consider the following from Wikipedia: Strong's Tarshish (Phoenician: .. Hebrew .. Greek .., Tharseis) occurs in the Hebrew Bible with several uncertain meanings, most frequently as a place (probably a large city or region) far across the sea from Phoenicia (modern Lebanon) and the Land of Israel. Tarshish was said to have exported vast quantities of important metals to Phoenicia and Israel. The same place name occurs in the Akkadian inscriptions of Assyrian king Esarhaddon (died 669 BC) and also on the Phoenician inscription of the Nora Stone (around 800 BC) in Sardinia; its precise location was never commonly known, and was eventually lost in antiquity. Legends grew up around it over time so that its identity has been the subject of scholarly research and commentary for more than two thousand years. Its importance stems in part from the fact that Hebrew biblical passages tend to understand Tarshish as a source of King Solomon's great wealth in metals – especially silver, but also gold, tin, and iron (Ezekiel 27). The metals were reportedly obtained in partnership with King Hiram of Tyre in Phoenicia (Isaiah 23), and fleets of ships from Tarshish. Tarshish is also the name of a modern village in the Mount Lebanon District of Lebanon, and Tharsis is a modern village in southern Spain. According to the Jewish Encyclopedia Da'at [he], the biblical phrase "ships of Tarshish" refers not to ships from a particular location, but to a class of ships: large vessels for long-distance trade.
Why does this verse say "Tarshish was thy merchant?"	The verse answers this question: "by reason of the multitude of all kind of riches."
What were some of these "riches" and what might these, in the prophetic sense, signify?	"With silver, iron, tin, and lead." Each of these have legitimate value, but all are of lesser value than that of gold wich is NOT mentioned. This seems to indicate that those who were of the sea class (ships of Tarshish sail on the sea,) did not contain any of the "little flock" (gold.) Remember, while this is a picture taking place during the time of the second advent, it is referring to what made Tyrus (Christendom) "rich," during its long history. In other words, this description is looking back in time and explaining how Christendom became "rich." Rev. 3:17
What is meant by "they traded in thy fairs?"	This is not the common language used today. It simply means "they traded in thy goods." Think of a "State Fair." This does add to our understanding of who is pictured by Tarshish. Now, in addition to them being known as a sea going people, they are also a people who are known for being traders, merchants.

Verse 13 Expanded Bible Comments

Javan, Tubal, and Meshech, they were thy merchants: they traded the persons of men and vessels of copper in thy market.
Question	Suggested Answer
Here are links to all the Javan (Strong's H3120), Tubal (H4822) and Meshech (H4902) scriptures: Gen. 10:2,4; 1Ch. 1:5,7,17; Psa. 120:5; Isa. 66:19; Eze. 27:13,19; 32:26; 38:2,3; 39:1; Dan. 8:21; 10:20; 11:2; Zec. 9:13
Of what occupation were "Javan, Tubal, and Meshech"?	"They were thy merchants."
What is pictured by "thy market?"	The primary definition (Webster) is: "a meeting together of people for the purpose of trade by private purchase and sale and usually not by auction." This, naturally, brings to mind Rev. 13:11-18 (especially vs. 17.) No man could buy or sell in the spiritual marketplace. We believe this is "thy market" here in vs. 13.
What goods did they trade, and what does this symbolize?	"They traded the persons of men and vessels of copper in thy market." "Persons of men" – they bought and sold people. "Vessels of copper" – Doctrines of justification (copper). Of course they perverted and twisted these doctrines, yet they still presented these to the world in a "show" of righteousness.

Verse 14 Expanded Bible Comments

They of the house of Togarmah traded in thy fairs with horses and horsemen and mules.
Question	Suggested Answer
Other Togarmah references: Gen. 10:3; 1Ch. 1:6; 38:6.	Strong's H8425 תֹּגַרְמָה תּוֹגַרְמָה tôgarmâh tôgarmâh to-gar-maw', to-gar-maw' Probably of foreign derivation; Togarmah, a son of Gomer and his posterity: - Togarmah.
What is meant by "the house of Togarmah traded in thy fairs?"	"Traded in thy fairs" is simply another way of saying "traded in thy goods."
What were some of their "fairs?"	"Horses" - doctrines "Horsemen" - riders of their false doctrines "Mules" - A mule is the sterile offspring of a horse and a donkey. They are primarily bred to be pack animals able to carry heavy burdens. A mule is also very stubborn. This would then appear to be stubborn doctrines which cannot have children (contrast with James 1:18, "Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth").

Verse 15 Expanded Bible Comments

The men of Dedan were thy merchants; many isles were the merchandise of thine hand: they brought thee for a present horns of ivory and ebony.
Question	Suggested Answer
Who is Dedan?	Strong's H1719 דְּדָנֶה דְּדָן dedân dedâneh ded-awn', deh-daw'-neh Of uncertain derivation; Dedan, the name of two Cushites and of their territory. The second form used in Eze_25:13 : - Dedan. Dedan was the grandson of Cush (Gen. 10:7; 25:3; 1 Chron. 1:9,32). In Jer. 49:7-22 Dedan (vss 7-9) is clearly associated with Edom (Esau) and its destruction due to take place at a time when "grapegatherers come to thee," i.e., the Harvest.
Dedan is referenced in these verses: Gen. 10:7; 25:3; 1Ch. 1:9,32; Jer. 25:23; 49:8; Eze. 25:13; 27:15,20; 38:13.	In Jer. 25:23 Dedan is mentioned as being among those nations that will drink of the wine of God's wrath (think treading of the winepress.) See Jer. 25:15-17,23,26,29; Rev. 14:18-20
Were "the men of Dedan" the only merchants of Tyrus?	No. "Tarshish was thy merchant.." vs. 12; "Javan, Tubal, and Meshech, they were thy merchants.." vs. 13
"Many isles were the merchandise of thine hand." What does this mean?	Many republics or smaller governments (islands) were involved in trading with Tyrus (Christendom.) The word "hand" (Stong's H3027) occurs 1612 times and indicates an "open hand" (as opposed to a closed one, a fist.) This seems to indicate trade as opposed to battle.
What does "they brought thee for a present horns of ivory and ebony" indicate?	The word for "present" is: Strong's H814 אֶשְׁכָּר 'eshkâr esh-cawr' For H7939; a gratuity: - gift, present. Horns are a symbol of power – A258; B271:2; B305:2. The word for "ivory" is Strong's H8127 Strong's H8127 שֵׁן shên shane' From H8150; a tooth (as sharp); specifically (for H8143) ivory; figuratively a cliff: - crag, X forefront, ivory, X sharp, tooth. Ivory is from Elephant tusks. An elephant is not only powerful but is also the largest living land animal known to man. Ivory is also quite expensive. These gifts presented to Tyrus (Christendom) may indicate great power and riches (both possibly symbolized by ivory) coming to her from various republics (isles) which were not officially a part of Christendom. Ebony is "a hard, heavy, durable wood, most highly prized when black, from various tropical trees of the genus Diospyros, as D. ebenum of southern India and Sri Lanka, used for cabinetwork, ornamental objects, etc." also "any tree yielding such wood." – Dictionary.com. What this ebony wood may be indicating is that the result of Christendom's false doctrines has lead to wood-making instead of building righteous characters based upon the true doctrines of Christ. See NS377.

Verse 16 Expanded Bible Comments

Syria was thy merchant by reason of the multitude of the wares of thy making: they occupied in thy fairs with emeralds, purple, and broidered work, and fine linen, and coral, and agate.

Question

Suggested Answer

What was Syria to Tyrus?

"Syria was thy merchant."

How many "wares" was Syria a merchant of?

"The multitude of the wares."

Who produced these "wares?"

"The wares of thy making."

What were some of the items Syria displayed "in thy fairs" and what might these symbolize?

Item	Symbolizes
emeralds	R529 (W. I. MANN) The emerald is a green gemstone. In Scripture green generally pictures restitution.
purple	Royalty
broidered work	Character Development – T29:3-4
fine linen	"The righteousness of saints." Rev. 19:8
coral	Strong's H7215 רָאמָה râ'mâh raw-maw' From H7213; something high in value, that is, perhaps coral: - coral. The only other bible reference using coral is Job 28:18 – "No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies." This simply lets us know that its value is classified with pearls and rubies, neither of which can be compared to the far superior value of wisdom.
agate	Strong's H3539 כַּדְכֹד kadkôd kad-kode' From the same as H3537 in the sense of striking fire from a metal forged; a sparkling gem, probably the ruby: - agate. Total KJV occurrences: 2

Verse 17 Expanded Bible Comments

Judah, and the land of Israel, they were thy merchants: they traded in thy market wheat of Minnith, and Pannag, and honey, and oil, and balm.

Question

Suggested Answer

If this is all about Tyrus as being Christendom, why does verse 17 begin with "Judah, and the land of Israel, they were thy merchants." Don't Judah and Israel then picture the Lord's people? What gives?

Yes, Tyrus pictures Christendom (falsely so-called) but the assumption about Judah and Israel is what needs to be examined more closely here. Prophetically Judah often refers to Protestantism. It is not Israel that is described as being among "thy merchants," but rather "the land of Israel." R5112 - Both Judah and Israel are supposed to be wholly the Lord's. Here they are co-operating with Tyrus (Christendom) in adding to her wealth ("merchants.")

Who or what is Minnith?

Strong's H4511
מִנִּית
minnı̂yth
min-neeth'
From the same as H4482; enumeration; Minnith, a place East of the Jordan: - Minnith.

The only other mention of Minnith is in Judges 11:33 which is in the middle of the account of Jephthah doing battle for Israel and the Gileadites against Ammon. Verse 29 says "Then the spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah.." In verses 30-31 Jephthah makes a vow to the LORD involving a burnt offering. In verses 32 and 33 the LORD grants Jephthah a great victory.
Verses 34-40 describe the result and cost of Jephthah's vow. This has been a question among bible scholars for many years. The burnt offering turned out to be his only daughter, clearly not Jephthah's intention.
What does this have to do with our study? It seems to be suggested by the mention of Minnith.

"They traded in thy market wheat of Minnith." What is meant by them trading "wheat?"

Judah and the land of Israel are here described as trading in "wheat," normally picturing the Lord's people. This should not be surprising to us, Tyrus (Christendom) is where the "wheat" have been during most of the Gospel Age. – "Let both grow together until the harvest." Matt. 13:30. One of the items being mourned about by those dismayed at Babylon's fall is "the souls of men" - Rev. 18:13.
It appears that archaeologists have discovered evidence of human sacrifice in Minnith. This seems to further remind us the great difference between the practices of the Lord's people and those of his enemies. Christendom taught that those who are not sincerely devoted to Christendom are to be tortured by God - for all eternity. And even though Christendom (the union of church and state) is now gone, the false churches still remain and many still believe in the God dishonoring doctrine of eternal torment.

What is "Pannag?"

Strong's H6436
פַּנַּג
pannag
pan-nag'
Of uncertain derivation; probably pastry: - Pannag.

This is the ONLY place where this word occurs. Since Professor Strong suggested "pastry," this might refer to the way Christendom prepared the bread (spiritual food) to make it more pleasing to the natural man. 'Just do what we say and you will escape the torment of an angry God. We will get you into paradise.'

What are the other items being traded by "Judah and the land of Israel" and what do these picture?

Item	Suggested meaning
honey	Was of value in trading, often possessed by royalty, also used as a preservative. This being traded by merchants of Tyrus (Christendom) may suggest their emphasis on preserving 'The Divine Right of Kings.'
oil	Oil normally pictures the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Since this is being traded on behalf of Tyrus (Christendom,) this may have reference to their priesthood or to being anointed with the spirit of Christendom.
balm	Used to soothe and to promote healing. Jer. 8:22; 46:11; 51:8-9.

Verse 18 Expanded Bible Comments

Damascus was thy merchant in the multitude of the wares of thy making, for the multitude of all riches; in the wine of Helbon, and white wool.
Question	Suggested Answer
Where is Damascus?	It is in Syria.
Of what importance is Damascus?	Damascus is the capitol of Syria. It was while Saul of Tarsus was traveling to Damascus when he was converted. The first place where Paul first preached about Jesus Christ. Acts 9:17-22
What might be symbolized by "Damascus was thy merchant?"	Being the capitol of Syria, Damascus was a center of trade. Here is another city (government) in trade with Tyrus (Christendom.)
In Isa. 17:1-5 we find "The burden of Damascus" along with references to "the valley of Rephaim" in time of harvest. What could this have to do with our study?	It shows that Damascus will be destroyed from being a city (government.) It will happen "in that day," the day of our Lord's presence, that it will be "when the harvestman gathereth" and tells us it will be "as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim." Each of these has significance. "In that day," in prophecy, seems to always refer to the Day of the Lord. "When the harvestman gathereth" clearly points to the Harvest. So what might be the sigifcance of "the valley of Rephaim?" In 2 Sam 5 and again in 1 Chron. 11 we have the account of King David being instructed by the LORD how to defeat the Philistines who were gathered in the valley of Rephaim. The result was that David's army "smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer." According to Bible Atlas, the distance from Geba to Gazer (Gezer) was about 30 miles. This tells us when and just how thoroughly Damascus, the "merchant" of Tyrus (Christendom) is defeated.
What, specifically, was Damascus a merchant of?	"The multitude of the wares of thy making," – not of God's making "the multitude of all riches," – Rev. 18:11-19 "the wine of Helbon" Strong's H2463 חֶלְבּוֹן chelbôn khel-bone' From H2459; fruitful; Chelbon, a place in Syria: - Helbon. Total KJV occurrences: 1 "and white wool." We are given a clue in Isa. 1:18 about "white wool." Also in Eze. 44:15-18.

Verse 19 Expanded Bible Comments

Dan also and Javan going to and fro occupied in thy fairs: bright iron, cassia, and calamus, were in thy market.

Question

Suggested Answer

Who is "Dan" and what is the significance of him being mentioned here?

Dan is H2051

Strong's H2051
וְדָן
vedân
ved-awn'
Perhaps for H5730; Vedan (or Aden), a place in Arabia: - Dan also.
Total KJV occurrences: 1

The following translations refer to this as "Vedan:" ASV, Darby, JPS, LEB, RV, RVIC, YLT. Rotherham calls it "Wedan." This is different from the tribe of Dan.

Here are all the verses, outside of this chapter, which mention Javan: Gen. 10:2,4; 1 Chron. 1:5,7; Isa. 66:19

Who is "Javan" and what is the significance of him being mentioned here?

Tyrus (Christendom) was primarily located in Europe. D556 Some translate this as "Greece" which had a strong influence on Europe.

What is indicated by Dan and Javan "going to and fro occupied in thy fairs?"

This phrase "to and fro" is used several times in Scripture. It indicates traveling over all there is to see in whatever context. Both the Spirit of God and Satan are described as having traveled "to and fro" through the earth. 2 Chron. 16:9; Job 1:7; 2:2
In Zech. 1:10-11 the symbolic horses are described the same way. See also Zech. 4:10. We have the same thought of "to and fro" in Zech. 6:7. For additional thoughts on this prophecy see Additional Comments for Zech. 6:1-8.

Why "bright iron?"

Polished iron. Iron was mostly used to make tools, like an axe. Iron is also strong and used as a symbol for the fourth universal empire, Rome. This perhaps pictures some of the cutting and crushing elements of Christendom. The fact that it is "polished iron" suggests that, as usual, it is made to appear in a positive light, hiding its true nature, that of stamping under foot.

What is Cassia?	Strong's H6916 קִדָּה qiddâh kid-daw' From H6915; cassia bark (as in shrivelled rolls): - cassia. Total KJV occurrences: 2
What was it used for?	It was used as one of the ingredients to make up the holy anointing oil. Exo. 30:23-25
What is its meaning in this verse?

What is calamus?	"Calamus is a plant mentioned several times in the Bible. In most cases, it is mentioned in the context of being a fragrant plant or one used in making incense."
What was it used for (or in?)	It also was used as one of the ingredients to make up the holy anointing oil. Exo. 30:23-25
What is its meaning in this verse?

Where were these items dealt with?

"In thy fairs... In thy market."

Verse 20 Expanded Bible Comments

Dedan was thy merchant in precious clothes for chariots.
Question	Suggested Answer
Who was "Dedan?"	Please see vs15
What is meant by "precious clothes for chariots?"	Most translations indicate something along the lines of "riding blankets" of "precious riding cloths." Matt. 23:27 Blanket covers part of the horses, hide their doctrines.

Verse 21 Expanded Bible Comments

Arabia, and all the princes of Kedar, they occupied with thee in lambs, and rams, and goats: in these were they thy merchants.

Where is Arabia?

To the east and south of Israel. Saudi Arabia today differs but slightly from the Arabia of the Bible. It is mostly a vast desert and extends from the southern part of the fertile crescent down to the Arabian sea on the south, the Red sea on the west and the Persion gulf and Gulf of Oman on the east.

Where was Kedar and who were its princes?

Kedar was located in Arabia, about 250 miles east of the Red Sea.
Kedar was (apparently) the 2nd son of Ishmael.

What were these merchants of?

"Lambs, and rams, and goats."
In 2 Chron. 29:20-24 these 3 along with bullocks were sacrificed as a sin-offering under the direction of King Hezekiah.

What is pictured by "lambs?"	Referring to Isa. 34:6 in D17 Pastor Russell identifies the "lambs" with "the tribulation saints" and the "goats" with the "tares."
What is pictured by "rams?"	HGL379:3 [Unable to complete hilighting. Please read to the end of the next sentence.] Pastor Russell there identifies the rams with the ram sacrificed by Abraham instead of Isaac. This sealed the Covenant with Abraham concerning the promised blessing of all families of the earth through his seed. A type of the sacrifice of Christ to secure that promised blessing.
What is pictured by "goats?"	There seem to be two possibilities. 1) As indicated by the above referece, the goats may represent the tare class. 2) They might picture the Great Company (the scape-goat.)

Verse 22 Expanded Bible Comments

The merchants of Sheba and Raamah, they were thy merchants: they occupied in thy fairs with chief of all spices, and with all precious stones, and gold.
Question	Suggested Answer
Who (or what) was "Sheba?"	Strong's H7614 שְׁבָא shebâ' sheb-aw' Of foreign origin; Sheba, the name of three early progenitors of tribes and of an Ethiopian district: - Sheba, Sabeans. Total KJV occurrences: 23 Gen. 10:7,28; 25:3; 1Ki. 10:1,4,10,13; 1Ch. 1:9,22,32; 2Ch. 9:1,3,9,12; Job 1:15; 6:19; Psa. 72:10,15; Isa. 60:6; Jer. 6:20; Eze. 27:22,23; 38:13. We all remember the 1 Kings account (especially vss 6-7) of the Queen of Sheba visiting King Solomon and declaring "And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom. Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard." This, of course, is exactly the way Christendom presented itself to the world. They wanted the world to pour out upon her lavish praise.
Who (or what) was "Raamah?"	Strong's H7484 רַעְמָה ra‛mâh rah-maw' The same as H7483; Ramah, the name of a grandson of Ham, and of a place (perhaps founded by him): - Raamah. Total KJV occurrences: 5 Gen. 10:6-7; 1Ch. 1:8-10 From the above references we see that Raamah was the son of Cush, the grandson of Ham and the brother of Nimrod. Not exactly the most noble of characters.
What is pictured by "chief of all spices?"	Tyrus (Christendom) certainly did "spice up" (make palatable for the worldly-minded) the doctrines of Christ.
What is pictured by "all precious stones?"	Christendom referred to their leaders as precious stones, but instead of producing precious stones they produced tares.
What is pictured by "gold?"	Things Divine (Divine nature, Divine precious promises, etc.) Christendom appropriated that which belongs to the Christ and presented (in counterfeit form) as belonging to themselves.

Verse 23 Expanded Bible Comments

Haran, and Canneh, and Eden, the merchants of Sheba, Asshur, and Chilmad, were thy merchants.
Question	Suggested Answer
Who was "Haran?"	Strong's H2771 חָרָן chârân khaw-rawn' From H2787; parched; Charan, the name of a man and also of a place: - Haran. Total KJV occurrences: 12 Haran is the place where Abraham's father Terah died. This is where Abraham was when God made with him the Abrahamic covenant.
Who was "Canneh?"	Strong's H3656 כַּנֶּה kanneh kan-neh' For H3641; Canneh, a place in Assyria: - Canneh Total KJV occurrences: 1
Who was "Eden?"	Strong's H5729 עֶדֶן ‛eden eh'-den From H5727; pleasure; Eden, a place in Mesopotamia: - Eden. Total KJV occurrences: 3 The first thing we notice is that this Eden is NOT the same as the Garden of Eden. The 2 other references for this Eden are 2 Kings 19:12; Isa. 37:12. Both of these references are from Rabshakeh who was threatening King Hezekiah with destruction. He was foolishly comparing their gods with the God of Israel by saying that those gods did not spare those other cities and that the God of Israel would not be able to spare Jerusalem either.
Who was "Sheba?"	Strong's H7614 שְׁבָא shebâ' sheb-aw' Of foreign origin; Sheba, the name of three early progenitors of tribes and of an Ethiopian district: - Sheba, Sabeans. Total KJV occurrences: 23 Please see suggested answer for verse 22.

Who was "Asshur?"	Strong's H804 אַשֻּׁר אַשּׁוּר 'ashshûr 'ashshûr ash-shoor', ash-shoor' Apparently from H833 (in the sense of successful); Ashshur, the second son of Shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (that is, Assyria), its region and its empire: - Asshur, Assur, Assyria, Assyrians. See H838. Total KJV occurrences: 151 Asshur is often translated as Assyria. The Assyrian Empire, at its peak, was huge. Its territory covered from the Persian Gulf in the east, most all of the "Fertile Crescent" on the north (almost to the Black Sea.) From the Persian Gulf going west it covered most all of the land all the way to the Mediterranean Sea, most of Egypt including all of the Sinai Peninsula. So why is Assyria not mentioned with the Four Universal Empires? If you look closely at the area on the above map, the shades of green indicate the Assyrian Empire. Notice that there is a small amount of territory that was not part of that empire. It is shown in yellow. That is Judah and particularly the city of Jerusalem. Remember our Lord's words in Luke 21:24, "Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled."
Who was "Chilmad?"	Strong's H3638 כִּלְמָד kilmâd kil-mawd' Of foreign derivation; Kilmad, a place apparently in the Assyrian empire: - Chilmad. Total KJV occurrences: 1

Verse 24 Expanded Bible Comments

These were thy merchants in all sorts of things, in blue clothes, and broidered work, and in chests of rich apparel, bound with cords, and made of cedar, among thy merchandise.

Question

Suggested Answer

"These were thy merchants." Who constitute "These" merchants?

All those listed below are identified in verses 12-23.

#	vs	Name
1	12	Tarshish
2	13	Javan (also v13)
3		Tubal
4		Meshech
5	14	Togarmah
6	15	Dedan (also v20)
7	16	Syria
8	17	Judah
9		Israel
10	18	Damascus
11	19	Dan and Javan (also v13)
12	21	Arabia
13		Kedar
14	22	Sheba (also v23)
15		Raamah
16	23	Haran
17		Canneh
18		Eden
19		Asshur
20		Chilmad

Please explain the symbolic significance of each of the following:

"Blue clothes"	Blue signifies faithfulness. Christendom claimed that they were the faithful ones and that their prosperity was due to God blessing them because of that faithfulness.
"broidered work"	T29:4
"chests of rich apparel"	"They which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts." Luke 7:25. Christendom loved to show off their wealth in an effort to awe the common man. As an aside, what kind of clothing do we have. Is it not that which, in the first century A.D., have been considered "soft raiment" (Matt. 11:8.) Yet another sign that we are indeed in the "Times of Restitution." In many respects we live better than the kings of former times.
"bound with cords"	Christendom thought all its riches were indeed securely "bound with cords." They also did not like the thought that the LORD God was the actual ruler, as stated in Psa. 2.
"made of cedar"	Symbolic of everlasting life. Christendom offered this to some of the most base characters who have ever lived. Please see references to cedar in vss 5, 6.

The verses 12-25 of this chapter appear to be almost an exact match to Rev. 18:5-20.

Verse 25 Expanded Bible Comments

The ships of Tarshish did sing of thee in thy market: and thou wast replenished, and made very glorious in the midst of the seas.
Question	Suggested Answer
How can "The ships of Tarshish... sing?"	We understand that Tarshish symbolizes the British Empire whose ships were sent to ports spanning the globe. Where they went they became representatives of Christendom, as it were, "singing her praises."
Where do they sing?	"In thy market."
What was the effect on Tyrus (Christendom?)	"Thou wast replenished."
How was Tyrus (Christendom) "made very glorious in the midst of the seas?"	The seas (irreligous masses of mankind) were in awe of the power of Tyrus (Christendom.) The famous patriotic song of Britain: "Rule Britannia, Britannia rules the waves.."

[26] Thy rowers have brought thee into great waters: the east wind hath broken thee in the midst of the seas. [27] Thy riches, and thy fairs, thy merchandise, thy mariners, and thy pilots, thy calkers, and the occupiers of thy merchandise, and all thy men of war, that are in thee, and in all thy company which is in the midst of thee, shall fall into the midst of the seas in the day of thy ruin. [28] The suburbs shall shake at the sound of the cry of thy pilots. [29] And all that handle the oar, the mariners, and all the pilots of the sea, shall come down from their ships, they shall stand upon the land; [30] And shall cause their voice to be heard against thee, and shall cry bitterly, and shall cast up dust upon their heads, they shall wallow themselves in the ashes: [31] And they shall make themselves utterly bald for thee, and gird them with sackcloth, and they shall weep for thee with bitterness of heart and bitter wailing. [32] And in their wailing they shall take up a lamentation for thee, and lament over thee, saying, What city is like Tyrus, like the destroyed in the midst of the sea? [33] When thy wares went forth out of the seas, thou filledst many people; thou didst enrich the kings of the earth with the multitude of thy riches and of thy merchandise. [34] In the time when thou shalt be broken by the seas in the depths of the waters thy merchandise and all thy company in the midst of thee shall fall. [35] All the inhabitants of the isles shall be astonished at thee, and their kings shall be sore afraid, they shall be troubled in their countenance. [36] The merchants among the people shall hiss at thee; thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt be any more.

Verse 26 Expanded Bible Comments

Thy rowers have brought thee into great waters: the east wind hath broken thee in the midst of the seas.
Question	Suggested Answer
Who are "Thy rowers?"	The rowers are those who use human power to pull the oars in order for the ship to make progress. Sails to catch the wind and make the ship go are much to be preferred. Often it is slaves who pull oars.
Where did the rowers bring Tyrus (Christendom?)	"Into great waters." "The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues." Rev. 17:1
Once there, what happened to Tyrus (Christendom?)	"The east wind hath broken thee." It was indeed the loosing of the 4 winds which broke Christendom.
Did Tyrus (Christendom) remain whole there?	No. She was broken "in the midst of the seas." Zech. 9:3-4; Rev. 18:21

Verse 27 Expanded Bible Comments

Thy riches, and thy fairs, thy merchandise, thy mariners, and thy pilots, thy calkers, and the occupiers of thy merchandise, and all thy men of war, that are in thee, and in all thy company which is in the midst of thee, shall fall into the midst of the seas in the day of thy ruin.
Question	Suggested Answer
What kind of "riches" did Tyrus (Christendom) have?	Just about everything for the worldly-minded.
What were her "fairs?"	Places to trade. This included literal ports/cities primarily (but not exclusively) from within its own vast domain.
.. her "merchandise?"	Worldly teachings which she passed off as being from Christ. "Anti-Christ" indeed.
.. her "mariners?"	Sailors. Those who did the day-to-day work to keep things running.
.. her "pilots?"	Those leaders who guided her ship of state. Popes, Cardinals, political leaders, etc.
.. her "caulkers?"	Those trouble-shooters who would do their worldly best to make sure that Tyrus' (Christendom's) ship of state would continue to prosper and expand.
.. "the occupiers of thy merchandise?"	What does that mean? Here are the ways some others translate this phrase: the occupiers of thy merchandise - KJV the dealers in thy merchandise - ASV those who do business with your goods - BBE they that barter with thee - Darby who kept thy goods - DRB your dealers in merchandise - ESV your salesmen - ISV the exchangers of thy merchandise - JPS the barterers of your wares - LEB the traders of your merchandise - LSV the traders of your goods - MKJV the traders of thy merchandise - YLT the dealers in thy merchandise - RVIC the barterers of thy merchandise - Roth
Was Tyrus (Christendom) peace loving?	No. She was filled with "men of war."
Was Tyrus (Christendom) involved in just simple, quiet religious faith matters?	She seemed to have her hands in everything. She was involved in both civil and religious persecutions, trading in everything from rum, and drugs to "souls of men."
Since Tyrus (Christendom) covered most of Europe, eastern Russia and northern Africa, was she strictly a land-based operation?	Absolutely not.
From where (symbolically) comes her downfall?	"In the midst of the seas."
When does this all take place?	"In the day of thy ruin," in the Day of the Lord.

Verse 28 Expanded Bible Comments

The suburbs shall shake at the sound of the cry of thy pilots.
Question	Suggested Answer
What would constitute "the suburbs" of Tyrus (Christendom?)	Strong's H4054 מִגְרָשָׁה מִגְרָשׁ migrâsh migrâshâh mig-rawsh', mig-raw-shaw' From H1644; a suburb (that is, open country whither flocks are driven for pasture); hence the area around a building, or the margin of the sea: - cast out, suburb. Total KJV occurrences: 114 A suburb is near the city but not directly part of it. Many of Tyrus' (Christendom's) flocks attempted to find good pasture in some of the Protestant denominations but fared no better.
What would cause "thy pilots" to "cry?"	Fear! Luke 21:25-26.
What does it mean for the suburbs to "shake?"	Rev. 16:18-19. If the city is broken up, the suburbs will surely feel the same quake. – This we know from personal experience.

Verse 29 Expanded Bible Comments

And all that handle the oar, the mariners, and all the pilots of the sea, shall come down from their ships, they shall stand upon the land;
Question	Suggested Answer
Who normally handles "the oar?"	While not exclusively, it was normally slaves who pulled the oars. It was often the "slaves" of Tyrus (Christendom) that had to pull the oars in order to keep the ship of state moving.
What is the difference between "the mariners" and "the pilots" of the sea?	A mariner is a sailor. The pilots are the ones guiding the ship, keeping it on course. The mariners would equate to the common people of Christendom, laboring under the instructions given to them by their blind leaders (pilots.)
What do both of these classes do and what does that mean?	Both these classes are attempting to navigate through the sea class (irreligious masses of mankind.) Eventually they are forced to abandon the sea class and stand on (what they think is solid ground, i.e.) the land (organized society under religious restraint.)

Verse 30 Expanded Bible Comments

And shall cause their voice to be heard against thee, and shall cry bitterly, and shall cast up dust upon their heads, they shall wallow themselves in the ashes:
Question	Suggested Answer
Whose voice is heard and who is it against?	According to our context it is the voice of both the mariners and their pilots. Their voice is against Tyrus (Christendom.)
Is this a faint cry?	No. "Shall cry bitterly."
What is indicated by the phrase "shall cast up dust upon their heads?"	Great mourning.
What is indicated by "they shall wallow themselves in the ashes?"	Consider some of the definitions of "wallow" given by Webster: "to roll oneself about in a lazy, relaxed, or ungainly manner" "to indulge oneself immoderately, wallowing in self-pity" "to become or remain helpless, allowed them to wallow in their ignorance" "a muddy area or one filled with dust used by animals for wallowing" "a state of degradation or degeneracy" Also note they "wallow themselves in ashes." The presence of ashes indicates something has burned.

Verse 31 Expanded Bible Comments

And they shall make themselves utterly bald for thee, and gird them with sackcloth, and they shall weep for thee with bitterness of heart and bitter wailing.
Question	Suggested Answer
Why would "they shall make themselves utterly bald for thee?"	Having difficulty "word smithing" thoughts on this, we have borrowed the following from biblegateway.com: "There are a number of instances in which people made themselves bald as a sign of mourning, the implication being that they were too sorrowful to be concerned with personal appearance (Jer 16:6; 48:37; Ezek 27:31; Mic 1:16). Generally baldness was something with unpleasant associations..."
What is indicated by "gird them with sackcloth?"	To gird ones self with sackcloth was to show serious mourning. Remembering "the law of first mention," consider the first mention of this in Scripture, found in Gen. 37:34. Jacob had just been given is son Jacob's coat of many colors covered in blood (an evil deception by Joseph's jealous brothers) and Jacob believed that Joseph had been killed. In showing his mourning for his son, Jacob clothed himself in sackcloth.
Who are they weeping for?	"For thee," for Tyrus (Christendom.)
Are their hearts glad?	"They shall weep for thee with bitterness of heart and bitter wailing."
Are they silent?	"They.. weep for thee.. with bitter wailing."

Verse 32 Expanded Bible Comments

And in their wailing they shall take up a lamentation for thee, and lament over thee, saying, What city is like Tyrus, like the destroyed in the midst of the sea?
Question	Suggested Answer
Why are they wailing and why "they shall take up a lamentation for thee?"	Because Rev. 18:8
"What city is like Tyrus, like the destroyed in the midst of the sea?" Do we find similar language to this elsewhere in scripture? What does this tell us?	Rev. 18:9-11

Verse 33 Expanded Bible Comments

When thy wares went forth out of the seas, thou filledst many people; thou didst enrich the kings of the earth with the multitude of thy riches and of thy merchandise.
Question	Suggested Answer
What were Tyrus' (Christendom's) "wares?"	Strong's H5801 עִזָּבוֹן ‛izzâbôn iz-zaw-bone' From H5800 in the sense of letting go (for a price, that is, selling); trade, that is, the place (mart) or the payment (revenue): - fair, ware. Total KJV occurrences: 7 In the previous verses of this chapter, this word (H5801) was translated as "fairs." In other words, this is what they were trading in the market place, primarily their false doctrines. "Look at us. We are the Great city (government) of God. We are Christ's Kingdom established and reigning on earth. We are the gateway to God." – The meaning of "Babylon" is "gateway to God."
From where did these "wares" go forth?	"Thy wares went forth out of the seas." In a literal sense they were spread over the world by the sailors and captains in ships (largely from Great Britain.) Symbolically they were spread even from the irreligious masses of mankind, pictured by the unsettle seas (in contrast with the solid ground, the earth.)
With what did they fill "many people?"	With literal commerce in goods (some very evil, "barasa," rum.) And they filled people with their false doctrinal claims: Divine right of kings, divine authority of the clergy, the people must submit themselves to this because it is God's arrangement. Consider, for example, "The abomination that maketh desolate (the mass,)" [Dan. 11:31; 12:11] and the "Three unclean spirits like frogs." [Rev. 16:13; R510]
How did they deal with the Kings of the earth?	"Thou didst enrich the kings of the earth with the multitude of thy riches and of thy merchandise." Rev. 18:3; Consider the third temptation of our Lord by Satan: Matt. 4:8-9. We remember our Lord's answer in vs. 10, but Tyrus (Christendom) not only did NOT follow the example of Jesus, they with great zeal accepted Satan's offer.

Verse 34 Expanded Bible Comments

In the time when thou shalt be broken by the seas in the depths of the waters thy merchandise and all thy company in the midst of thee shall fall.
Question	Suggested Answer
Does it appear that there is a time-frame for these events?	This takes place "In the time when thou shalt be broken by the seas in the depths of the waters." In other words it takes place when God's judgments, executed by His Son, are poured out upon them, from 1878 and onward.
What is pictured by "the seas?"	The restless irreligious, unsettled masses of humanity. R498
What happens to Tyrus (Christendom) "in the depths of the waters?"	"Thy merchandise and all thy company in the midst of thee shall fall."
After its fall, will it rise again?	Jer. 51:63,64 (Notice the connection to casting the book like a stone into the Euphrates. Plague number 6 [Rev. 16:12-16] which gathers the nations to Armageddon is upon the Euphrates.

Begin Here May 21, 2024

Verse 35 Expanded Bible Comments

All the inhabitants of the isles shall be astonished at thee, and their kings shall be sore afraid, they shall be troubled in their countenance.
Question	Suggested Answer
Who are "the inhabitants of the isles?" (What does this picture?)	Islands picture republics (a constitutional monarchy where the royal family are ceremonial figureheads also fit this picture of islands.) This verse simply refers to the people who inhabit the countries pictured by this form of government. We might also note that when a large mountain falls into the sea, its peaks become islands.
What is the meaning of "the isles shall be astonished at thee?"	These Republics (who were once part of that great mountain of "Christendom," are amazed and bewildered at what has happened to Tyrus (Christendom.)
Why is it that "their kings shall be sore afraid?"	Their "kings," which now are either figureheads or hold some other position in what formerly was a Kingdom are in fear of losing what little they have remaining of their former glory.
Why is it that "they shall be troubled in their countenance?"	Luke 21:24-26 and, of course, Rev. 18.

Verse 36 Expanded Bible Comments

The merchants among the people shall hiss at thee; thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt be any more.
Question	Suggested Answer
What is the reaction of "the merchants among the people," and what does that mean?	"The merchants among the people shall hiss at thee." Consider how the word "hiss" is used in the following verses: Jer 19:8; 49:17; 50:13; Lam 2:15,16
What is meant by "thou shalt be a terror?"	Consider a few other translations of this phrase: You have become a thing of fear - BBE Your death was gruesome - CEV thou art brought to nothing - DRB What happened to you will frighten people, because you were destroyed. - ERV you have come to a dreadful end - ESV What a horror you've become! - ISV you have become a horror - LEB Wastes thou hast been - YLT. It seems to us that the ERV seems to catch the overall thought. People were afraid that by association with Tyrus (Christendom) they too would be destroyed. Rev. 18:15-19
When will Tyrus (Christendom) rise back up?	"Thou... never shalt be any more."

Chapter 26 Chapter 28