What does Ezekiel 27:15 mean?
"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." - Ezekiel 27:15

Ezekiel 27:15 (KJV) reads: "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."
This verse is a part of a larger passage in the book of Ezekiel, which is a prophetic book in the Old Testament. In this particular chapter, the prophet Ezekiel is delivering a message of judgment against the ancient city of Tyre, which was a major trading center in the ancient world. The city had become wealthy through its commerce, but had also become prideful and corrupt.
In this verse, the "men of Dedan" are mentioned as being merchants for Tyre. Dedan was a region in the Arabian Peninsula, known for its trade and commerce. The verse also speaks of "many isles" as being the merchandise of Tyre's hand, indicating that the city was involved in trade with many different regions and islands.
The specific items mentioned in the verse, "horns of ivory and ebony," were luxury goods that were highly prized in the ancient world. Ivory was a valuable and rare commodity, often used to create intricate carvings and sculptures, while ebony was a fine black wood that was used in high-quality furniture and decorative items. These items were likely brought as gifts or for trade, further emphasizing the wealth and opulence of Tyre's commerce.
One of the themes of this verse is the idea of wealth and materialism. The city of Tyre had become incredibly wealthy through its trade and commerce, and had amassed great riches and luxury goods. However, the verse is also a reminder of the danger of placing too much focus on material wealth. The prophet Ezekiel's message to Tyre is one of warning, as their pride and corruption had led to their downfall.
Another theme in this verse is the idea of international trade and commerce. The mention of "many isles" as the merchandise of Tyre's hand highlights the city's extensive trade networks and the diversity of goods that were traded. This verse serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of different regions and cultures in the ancient world, and the importance of trade in the development of civilizations.
Symbolically, the mention of ivory and ebony in this verse could also be interpreted in a broader sense. These luxury goods can represent the allure of material wealth and the temptation to prioritize worldly possessions over spiritual values. The prophet Ezekiel's message to Tyre could be seen as a warning against the dangers of greed, pride, and corruption, and a call to refocus on what is truly important.
In the context of the larger passage in the book of Ezekiel, this verse serves as a part of the prophet's message of judgment against Tyre. The city's wealth and commerce had led to arrogance and idolatry, and Ezekiel's message warns of the consequences of their actions. The eventual destruction of Tyre serves as a cautionary tale of the perils of materialism and the importance of staying true to spiritual values.
In conclusion, Ezekiel 27:15 is a verse that speaks to the themes of wealth and materialism, international trade and commerce, and the dangers of pride and corruption. The mention of luxury goods like ivory and ebony serves as a symbol of the allure of material wealth and the importance of maintaining spiritual values. In the broader context of the book of Ezekiel, this verse is a part of the prophet's message of judgment against the city of Tyre, serving as a cautionary tale for all who are tempted by the trappings of material success.
Have questions about Ezekiel 27:15?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Ezekiel 27:15 Artwork
Ezekiel 27:15 - "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."
"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." - Ezekiel 27:15
Ezekiel 27:20 - "Dedan was thy merchant in precious clothes for chariots."
Ezekiel 27:28 - "The suburbs shall shake at the sound of the cry of thy pilots."
Ezekiel 27:1 - "The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying,"
Ezekiel 27:2 - "Now, thou son of man, take up a lamentation for Tyrus;"
Ezekiel 27:14 - "They of the house of Togarmah traded in thy fairs with horses and horsemen and mules."
Ezekiel 27:4 - "Thy borders are in the midst of the seas, thy builders have perfected thy beauty."
Ezekiel 27:23 - "Haran, and Canneh, and Eden, the merchants of Sheba, Asshur, and Chilmad, were thy merchants."
Ezekiel 48:27 - "And by the border of Zebulun, from the east side unto the west side, Gad a portion."
Numbers 27:15 - "¶ And Moses spake unto the LORD, saying,"
Joshua 15:27 - "And Hazar-gaddah, and Heshmon, and Beth-palet,"
Ezekiel 37:27 - "My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people."
Ezekiel 27:21 - "Arabia, and all the princes of Kedar, they occupied with thee in lambs, and rams, and goats: in these were they thy merchants."
Ezekiel 27:35 - "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."
Ezekiel 27:36 - "The merchants among the people shall hiss at thee; thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt be any more."
Ezekiel 27:13 - "Javan, Tubal, and Meshech, they were thy merchants: they traded the persons of men and vessels of brass in thy market."
Proverbs 27:15 - "A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike."
Ezekiel 15:1 - "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Ezekiel 37:15 - "¶ The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying,"
Ezekiel 40:27 - "And there was a gate in the inner court toward the south: and he measured from gate to gate toward the south an hundred cubits."
Ezekiel 27:26 - "¶ Thy rowers have brought thee into great waters: the east wind hath broken thee in the midst of the seas."
Ezekiel 27:18 - "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."
Ezekiel 21:27 - "I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him."
"Dedan was thy merchant in precious clothes for chariots." - Ezekiel 27:20
Ezekiel 24:15 - "¶ Also the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Ezekiel 27:25 - "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."
Ezekiel 22:27 - "Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain."
Ezekiel 27:19 - "Dan also and Javan going to and fro occupied in thy fairs: bright iron, cassia, and calamus, were in thy market."
Ezekiel 27:17 - "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."