Definition: Haran, and Canneh, and Eden, the merchants of Sheba, Asshur, [and] Chilmad, [were] thy merchants.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Ezekiel 27:23. It’s a really interesting and somewhat surprising verse! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a group of people named Haran, Canneh, and Eden, who were traveling with Sheba (a biblical name for the Jewish people). They were involved in business – specifically, selling goods. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Ezekiel 27:23" : This is a passage from a book of Ezekiel, which was written during a time of great turmoil and oppression in ancient Jerusalem. It’s a bit unusual because it’s written in a very strange and symbolic way. “Haran, and Canneh, and Eden” : These are the names of three individuals involved in the trade. “Thy merchants” : This is the key part. "Thy" means "your." The verse is saying that these three people were working for Sheba – meaning they were involved in her business dealings. The Context - It's a Bit Mysterious: This verse is often interpreted as a reflection of the suffering and hardship experienced by the Jewish people during this time. It suggests: A System of Oppression : The story portrays a system where the Jewish people were being exploited and controlled. A Reflection of Social Injustice : It speaks to an era of intense social and political pressure, and perhaps even a level of cruelty or disregard for human dignity. Important Note: The exact meaning is debated among scholars. There's no single, definitive explanation. It’s often seen as a symbolic representation of the challenges faced by the Jewish people during this time. In short, this verse describes a group of merchants – Haran, Canneh, and Eden – who were associated with Sheba and involved in trade. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the historical context of Ezekiel 27:23? Explore the different interpretations of this passage?