Definition: [Of] the oaks of Bashan have they made thine oars; the company of the Ashurites have made thy benches [of] ivory, [brought] out of the isles of Chittim.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse. It's a really interesting and somewhat unsettling passage from Ezekiel! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very strange and possibly disturbing detail about the Ashurites – a group of people who lived near modern-day Turkey and Syria – and their customs. Let's unpack each part: “Ezekiel 27:6 [Of] the oaks of Bashan…” : "Ezekiel 27:6" refers to a specific prophecy written by Ezekiel, a Jewish prophet who lived around 185 AD. This verse is from a prophecy about how these Ashurites would be involved in something significant. “…have made thine oars…” : “Oars” refer to oars used for boats. So this part is saying they built boats using materials that were imported from somewhere else . “…the company of the Ashurites have made thy benches [of] ivory…” : “Benches” are places people sit on. The Ashurites were making benches out of ivory , which is a very fine, smooth type of stone. This suggests they were creating luxurious and ornate seating for themselves. “[brought] out of the isles of Chittim.” : "Iseles of Chittim" is where the Ashurites originated from. The Ashurites were from a region called Chittim, which is located in modern-day Turkey and Syria. So, this part means they brought these ivory benches from Chittim! Putting it all together – The Big Picture: Ezekiel 27:6 describes the Ashurites creating luxurious seating for themselves using ivory from a region far away – Chittim. It's a really strange detail that points to a potential connection between the Ashurites and a very distant, perhaps even mysterious, origin. It suggests a culture with a significant history of trade and movement, and possibly some darker elements hidden within their society. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a symbol of oppression and a remnant of a brutal past. It’s a reminder that history can be complex and that sometimes the details we see aren't what they seem. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its possible interpretations (e.g., why it might be considered symbolic)? Compare it to other Bible stories?