Definition: The men of Dedan [were] thy merchants; many isles [were] the merchandise of thine hand: they brought thee [for] a present horns of ivory and ebony.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 27:15. It’s a really interesting and somewhat surprising part of the book! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where people from a specific region – Dedan – were involved in trading with King Ezechiah. They were responsible for selling goods, specifically valuable items like ivory (white stone) and ebony (a dark, shiny wood). Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “The men of Dedan [were] thy merchants” : This tells us that people from the area called Dedan were involved in the trade. It's important to note "Dedan" was a region in ancient Israel, likely located in the north-eastern part. “Many isles [were] the merchandise of thine hand” : This means there was a lot of goods being traded. “Thine hand” refers to King Ezechiah’s kingdom. It suggests a large amount of valuable items were being exchanged. “They brought thee [for] a present horns of ivory and ebony.” : This is the key part! The people from Dedan were bringing specific goods – ivory (white stone) and ebony (dark wood). They were offering them as a “present” or payment to King Ezechiah. What's the Significance? This verse is often interpreted as a bit unsettling because it describes a group of people being treated as merchants, even though they are described as men and not as individuals. It’s a stark reminder that even those who appear to be ordinary people can be involved in trade and commerce. Important Note: The context of the Bible is always important when interpreting these kinds of passages. This verse was written in a time of political tension, and it's believed to have been a way for the king to subtly criticize the people from Dedan. It’s a complex story that speaks to power, trade, and even a bit of social injustice! --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse from Ezekiel 27:15? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Talk about what it might symbolize?