Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezekiel 27:9. It’s a really interesting and somewhat unsettling verse, and it's often interpreted as a metaphor for a very specific kind of manipulation and control. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where people in Gebal, a small town near Jerusalem, were subtly trying to influence and control the merchants who traded goods along the sea routes. They were essentially acting as "calkers" – like a blacksmith who polishes metal for a craftsman – but with a very dark purpose. Let's unpack it: “The ancients of Gebal…” : This refers to a group of people living in that area, likely older and more established than the merchants themselves. “…and the wise men [them] thereof” : This highlights that these individuals were intelligent and knowledgeable about trade and commerce. "Were in thee thy calkers..." : This is the key part. "Calker" means a person who polishes or prepares something for a craftsman – like polishing a piece of metal to make it perfect for its job. These ancient people were actively trying to control the merchants and their goods. They were essentially holding them hostage. “All the ships of the sea with their mariners were in thee…” : This is where the imagery gets really powerful. It means that these ancient people were controlling the entire shipping industry – the boats, the sailors, everything involved in trade – completely . They were essentially making sure that every ship was carrying a certain amount of merchandise for them. "...to occupy thy merchandise." : This is the final part - they were taking and holding onto the goods of others, ensuring their profits. The Interpretation (and Why it's Complex): This verse has been interpreted in several ways throughout history: Historical Context: Some believe this was a real historical phenomenon – that groups of older people in a region like Gebal were actively trying to control the trade routes and wealth of the area. Symbolic Meaning: More broadly, it’s often seen as a symbol of oppression, greed, and the dangers of unchecked power. It represents a situation where someone or some group is exploiting others for their own benefit, using subtle influence to keep them in a position of servitude. Important Note: The meaning of this verse has been debated for centuries, and there's no single, definitive interpretation. It’s a complex passage that speaks to themes of power, control, and the potential for darkness within even seemingly peaceful communities. In short, it describes a situation where older, powerful people were subtly manipulating trade through control of the ships and goods themselves. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss different interpretations of the verse? Connect it to other biblical stories or themes?