Definition: When thy wares went forth out of the seas, thou filledst many people; thou didst enrich the kings of the earth with the multitude of thy riches and of thy merchandise.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 27:33. It’s a really interesting and somewhat surprising passage! Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where someone – likely a ruler or powerful figure – was incredibly wealthy and successful, but it wasn’t through just good deeds or honest work. Instead, they were exploiting others for their own gain. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “When thy wares went forth out of the seas…” : This is a figurative way of saying “they were trading” or “they were expanding their business.” "Wares" means goods and merchandise. "...Thou filledst many people..." : This suggests a large and growing number of people were involved in this trade, possibly benefiting from it. "...and enriched the kings of the earth with the multitude of thy riches..." : This is the key part. "Richness" refers to wealth – money, possessions, etc. “The kings of the earth” means all the rulers and powerful people around the world. So, this person was accumulating enormous amounts of wealth and using it to give it to these rulers. "...and of thy merchandise." : "Merchandise" refers to goods they were trading – things like spices, fabrics, or other valuable items. What's the Meaning? The verse suggests a potential for unfairness and exploitation. It implies that this person wasn’t building their wealth through ethical means or contributing to the community. Instead, they were taking advantage of others by using their wealth to control and benefit from them. Important Note: This is a challenging passage because it's written in a way that’s somewhat unsettling. It highlights the potential for corruption and abuse of power. In short, this verse warns against greed and encourages us to be mindful of how we use our resources and influence. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Ezekiel 27:33? Discuss the historical context (why might this have been written)? Explore a related biblical story or theme?