Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 27 - Verse 9

The verse "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." can be found in the book of Ezekiel in the Old Testament. This passage is part of a larger prophecy about the downfall of Tyre, a prominent city in ancient Phoenicia known for its trade and commerce. In this specific verse, the mention of Gebal refers to another Phoenician city known for its skilled craftsmen who were expert shipbuilders and seafarers. The wise men mentioned here were likely merchants and traders who conducted business in Tyre. The calkers were the skilled individuals responsible for sealing and waterproofing the ships, vital for successful sea trade. The verse highlights the wealth and influence of Tyre as a major hub for maritime trade, with ships from all over the sea and their mariners coming to engage in commerce. Overall, this verse demonstrates the importance of Tyre in the ancient world as a center of economic activity and maritime power.

Within this verse from Ezekiel, the mention of the ancients of Gebal and their wise men acting as calkers sheds light on the significance of maritime trade during this period. Gebal, known for its skilled craftsmen and shipbuilders, was a hub for seafaring activities in the ancient world. The term "calkers" refers to individuals who sealed the seams of ships to make them watertight, ensuring a successful voyage across the sea. The presence of these experts among the inhabitants of Gebal underscores the importance of their contribution to the flourishing trade network described in the verse.

Furthermore, the reference to "all the ships of the sea with their mariners" highlights the vast array of vessels and sailors involved in maritime commerce within the region. This portrayal emphasizes the bustling nature of trade and the interconnectedness of various seafaring communities. The ships mentioned symbolize the extensive reach of trade routes and the diverse goods being exchanged. The involvement of mariners underscores the skilled labor force necessary to navigate the seas and ensure the safe delivery of merchandise.