Ezekiel 27:7

Of embroidered fine linen from Egypt they made your sail, which served as your banner. Of blue and purple from the coasts of Elishah they made your awning.

Study Bible

Of embroidered fine linen from Egypt they made your sail
The mention of "embroidered fine linen from Egypt" highlights the wealth and luxury associated with Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city known for its trade and commerce. Egypt was renowned for its high-quality linen, often used in garments for the elite and in religious contexts (Genesis 41:42; Exodus 28:39). The use of such linen for sails indicates the opulence and status of Tyre's maritime ventures. This also reflects the broader biblical theme of Egypt as a symbol of worldly wealth and power (Isaiah 19:9). The sail, serving as a banner, signifies Tyre's pride and identity, much like how banners were used in ancient times to represent nations or tribes (Numbers 2:2).

which served as your banner
The sail serving as a banner suggests a dual purpose: practical for navigation and symbolic for identity. In ancient maritime culture, sails often bore insignias or colors representing the city or nation, akin to modern flags. This imagery underscores Tyre's prominence and self-representation as a leading trade power. Biblically, banners are often associated with identity and divine protection (Exodus 17:15; Song of Solomon 2:4), contrasting Tyre's reliance on material wealth rather than spiritual allegiance.

Of blue and purple from the coasts of Elishah they made your awning
The colors "blue and purple" were highly prized in the ancient world, often associated with royalty and divinity (Exodus 26:1; Esther 8:15). These dyes were extracted from the murex shellfish, a labor-intensive process that made them extremely valuable. The "coasts of Elishah" likely refer to regions in the Mediterranean, possibly linked to the descendants of Javan (Genesis 10:4), indicating extensive trade networks. The use of such luxurious materials for an awning further emphasizes Tyre's wealth and the city's role as a hub of commerce and culture. This opulence, however, is juxtaposed with prophetic warnings against pride and reliance on material wealth (Ezekiel 28:2-8), serving as a cautionary tale of the fleeting nature of earthly riches.

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 concerning Israel and other nations.

2. Tyre
An ancient and wealthy city-state located on the Mediterranean coast, known for its commerce and trade. Ezekiel 27 is a lamentation for Tyre, depicting its grandeur and eventual downfall.

3. Egypt
A powerful and influential nation in the ancient world, known for its fine linen and craftsmanship. In this verse, Egypt is noted for providing the embroidered linen used by Tyre.

4. Elishah
A region or people group mentioned in the Bible, possibly located in the area of modern-day Cyprus or Greece. Known for producing blue and purple dyes, which were highly valued in ancient times.

5. Sail and Awnings
Symbolic elements representing the wealth and splendor of Tyre. The sail made of fine linen and the awnings of blue and purple signify the city's opulence and its connections to various trade partners.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Pride and Materialism
Tyre's wealth and splendor led to its downfall. As Christians, we must guard against pride and placing our trust in material possessions, remembering that true security comes from God alone.

The Importance of Humility
The lamentation over Tyre serves as a reminder of the importance of humility. We should strive to live humbly before God, recognizing that all we have is a gift from Him.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The prophecy against Tyre demonstrates God's control over the nations. We can trust in His sovereignty and justice, knowing that He will ultimately bring about His purposes.

The Value of Righteousness Over Riches
While Tyre was rich in material goods, it lacked righteousness. As believers, we should prioritize spiritual wealth and seek to live lives that honor God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the description of Tyre's wealth in Ezekiel 27:7 reflect the city's priorities, and what can we learn from this about our own priorities?

2. In what ways does the fall of Tyre serve as a warning for modern societies that place a high value on material wealth and success?

3. How can we apply the lessons of humility and dependence on God from Ezekiel 27:7 in our daily lives?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our trust remains in God rather than in material possessions?

5. How does the theme of God's sovereignty in Ezekiel 27:7 encourage us to trust Him in the midst of global or personal uncertainties?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 23
This chapter also contains a prophecy against Tyre, highlighting its pride and eventual judgment by God. It provides a broader context for understanding Tyre's significance and its relationship with other nations.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon in Revelation echoes the themes of wealth, pride, and judgment found in Ezekiel 27. Both passages serve as warnings against placing trust in material riches and human achievements.

Proverbs 31:22
This verse mentions the use of fine linen and purple, similar to the materials described in Ezekiel 27:7. It highlights the value and significance of these materials in ancient times.