Ezekiel 27:25

The ships of Tarshish carried your merchandise. And you were filled with heavy cargo in the heart of the sea.

Study Bible

The ships of Tarshish carried your merchandise.
The phrase "ships of Tarshish" refers to large, sea-going vessels known for their long voyages and capacity to carry substantial cargo. Tarshish is often associated with a distant trading partner, possibly located in the western Mediterranean, such as modern-day Spain. These ships symbolize wealth and extensive trade networks. In biblical context, Tarshish is mentioned in connection with Solomon's and Jehoshaphat's fleets (1 Kings 10:22; 2 Chronicles 20:36), indicating a prosperous trade era. The mention of Tarshish here underscores the extensive reach and economic power of Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city known for its maritime prowess and commercial success.

And you were filled with heavy cargo
The phrase "filled with heavy cargo" highlights the abundance and wealth accumulated through trade. Tyre's prosperity was largely due to its strategic location and its role as a central hub in the ancient world’s trade routes. The "heavy cargo" signifies not only the physical goods but also the economic and cultural influence Tyre wielded. This wealth, however, also led to pride and eventual judgment, as seen in the broader context of Ezekiel's prophecies against Tyre (Ezekiel 28:2-8). The imagery of being "filled" suggests both prosperity and the potential for downfall due to overreliance on material wealth.

in the heart of the sea.
The phrase "in the heart of the sea" emphasizes Tyre's maritime dominance and its identity as a powerful island city. Geographically, Tyre was located on the coast of modern-day Lebanon, with part of the city on an island, making it a formidable naval power. The sea represents both the source of Tyre's wealth and its vulnerability. Biblically, the sea often symbolizes chaos and danger, and here it foreshadows the impending judgment and destruction prophesied by Ezekiel. The heart of the sea also connects to the idea of being surrounded and isolated, which can be seen as a metaphor for Tyre's eventual siege and downfall (Ezekiel 26:3-5).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He is the author of the book of Ezekiel, which contains prophecies and visions given by God.

2. Tyre
An ancient and wealthy Phoenician city known for its trade and commerce. Ezekiel 27 is a lamentation over Tyre, highlighting its extensive trade network and eventual downfall.

3. Ships of Tarshish
These were large, sea-going vessels used for long-distance trade. Tarshish is often associated with wealth and distant lands, possibly located in the western Mediterranean.

4. Merchandise
Refers to the goods and commodities that Tyre traded with various nations. Tyre's wealth was largely built on its role as a major trading hub.

5. The Sea
Symbolizes the vast and expansive nature of Tyre's trade network, as well as the dangers and uncertainties of maritime commerce.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Pride and Wealth
Tyre's downfall serves as a warning against pride and reliance on material wealth. As Christians, we are called to place our trust in God rather than in worldly riches.

The Transience of Earthly Success
The prosperity of Tyre was temporary. This reminds us that earthly success is fleeting, and we should focus on storing up treasures in heaven.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The prophecy against Tyre demonstrates God's control over nations and history. We can trust that God is sovereign over the events of our lives and the world.

The Importance of Humility
Tyre's account encourages us to cultivate humility, recognizing that all we have is from God and should be used for His glory.

The Call to Righteousness in Business
As Tyre was known for its trade, this passage challenges us to conduct our business dealings with integrity and righteousness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the fall of Tyre in Ezekiel 27:25 serve as a warning against pride and reliance on wealth in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our trust is in God rather than in material possessions, as warned in Proverbs 11:28?

3. How does the imagery of the "ships of Tarshish" and "heavy cargo" in the heart of the sea illustrate the transience of earthly success?

4. What lessons can we learn from Tyre's downfall about God's sovereignty over nations and history, and how can this influence our perspective on current world events?

5. How can we apply the principles of humility and righteousness in our personal and professional lives, especially in the context of business and trade?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 23
This chapter also contains a prophecy against Tyre, emphasizing its fall due to pride and reliance on wealth.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon in Revelation parallels the fall of Tyre, highlighting the theme of judgment against prideful and wealthy cities.

Proverbs 11:28
This verse warns against trusting in riches, which connects to Tyre's reliance on its wealth and trade.