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.
They crafted your oars from the finest oak trees of Bashan, and the Ashurite craftsmen made your deck benches out of ivory imported from the distant islands of Cyprus.
Even your boat was built with the most expensive materials from around the world, you were living that luxury life.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Ezekiel, chapter 27, the prophet is delivering a lament over the city of Tyre, a powerful ancient trading hub known for its maritime wealth and international commerce. This verse describes the luxurious materials used in Tyre's ships, such as oars made from the oaks of Bashan, a fertile region east of the Sea of Galilee famous for its strong trees, and benches of ivory from the isles of Chittim, likely referring to Cyprus or nearby areas, to highlight Tyre's extensive trade networks. These details underscore the pride and opulence that ultimately contributed to Tyre's judgment as prophesied by Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile.
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