Definition: The merchants of Sheba and Raamah, they [were] thy merchants: they occupied in thy fairs with chief of all spices, and with all precious stones, and gold.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 27:22. It's a really interesting and somewhat surprising part of the book. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a group of people – the merchants of Sheba and Raamah – who were incredibly wealthy and successful, and they were working specifically for King Solomon (who is mentioned in the Bible). They were focused on selling spices and precious stones at the markets of Jerusalem. Let’s unpack it further: Ezekiel 27:22: This is a specific passage from a prophecy written by Ezekiel, a Jewish prophet. It's important to remember that Ezekiel wrote this in a very unusual and often debated time period – around the 7th century AD. “The merchants of Sheba and Raamah…” This immediately tells us who these people are: They were merchants from Sheba (a region in the Middle East) and Raamah (who was a ruler in a kingdom near Jerusalem). "...they [were] thy merchants:" This is key. It means they weren't just working for King Solomon, but they were actively involved in his trade – they were the ones who ran the stalls and sold the goods at the markets. “…occupied in thy fairs with chief of all spices…” This describes their activity: They were busy selling spices – a very valuable commodity at that time! “Chief of all spices” suggests they controlled the largest quantities. "...and with all precious stones…” They weren’t just selling spices; they were also dealing in rare and valuable gemstones, like gold and jewels. "...and gold." This emphasizes the sheer wealth involved. They were accumulating a huge amount of gold – a very important commodity at that time. The Significance (What it might mean): This verse is often interpreted as a critique of the greed and corruption of powerful officials, particularly those who misused their position for personal gain. It suggests that these merchants weren’t simply honest traders; they were actively exploiting King Solomon's wealth and resources. It's a reminder to always be vigilant against those who might abuse their power. Important Note: The exact meaning of Ezekiel 27:22 is still debated by scholars today. It’s a complex passage with layers of symbolism and interpretation. Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the historical context surrounding this passage? Explore what it might symbolize in a broader biblical narrative?