What is the definition of 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.

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Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 27:21. It’s a really strange and unsettling passage, and it’s important to understand what it's trying to say. Here’s the explanation in simple terms:
The Basic Idea:
This verse describes a bizarre scene where powerful figures – Kedar and Arabia – are engaging in a symbolic representation of trading or commerce with God. It’s not a straightforward story of business; it’s deeply symbolic.
Let's unpack it piece by piece:
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“Ezekiel 27:21”
: This is the verse itself, written in Ezekiel’s prophetic writings. 💎
“Arabia…”
: This refers to a man named Arabia. He’s the central figure of this story. 💎
“…and all the princes of Kedar…”
: Kedar was a powerful and influential figure in ancient Israelite society. The "princes" are basically high-ranking officials or leaders. 💎
"...they occupied with thee in lambs, and rams, and goats:"
: This is the key part. Arabia is leading a 💎group💎 of people – presumably merchants – in a symbolic representation of livestock. He's setting them up to trade. Lambs, rams, and goats are all symbols of wealth and prosperity. 💎
“in these [were they] thy merchants?”
: This is the crucial part. The verse says that this entire scene was 💎designed to be a commercial transaction💎. The "they" aren't just any people; they’re 💎merchants💎 – people who trade goods.
What it means (and the layers of meaning):
This verse is incredibly symbolic and suggests a very dark and unsettling truth: 💎
Deception and Hidden Evil:
The most common interpretation is that this scene represents a hidden, deceptive power within the system of commerce. It’s suggesting that powerful figures might be involved in trickery and exploiting others for their own gain. 💎
Political Corruption:
Some scholars believe it could be a commentary on political corruption. The merchants are being used as a tool by those in power to benefit themselves at the expense of the people. 💎
Divine Judgment:
It can also be interpreted as a warning about the dangers of unchecked power and vanity, suggesting that the leaders might be engaging in something morally wrong.
Important Note:
This is a complex passage filled with symbolism. It's not meant to be taken literally. The imagery is designed to convey a deeper message about human behavior and potential corruption.
In short, this verse describes a bizarre scene where powerful figures are using a symbolic trade to represent potentially deceptive or corrupt activities.
--- Do you want me to: 💎 Explain any particular part of the verse in more detail? 💎 Discuss different interpretations of the story? 💎 Connect it to other biblical themes (like temptation, sin, or divine judgment)?