Definition: The inhabitants of Zidon and Arvad were thy mariners: thy wise [men], O Tyrus, [that] were in thee, were thy pilots.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezekiel 27:8. It's a really interesting and somewhat cryptic verse! Here’s what it essentially means, explained in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a group of people who were involved in shipping and navigation – specifically, they were responsible for guiding ships across the Red Sea. However, there’s a strange and unsettling detail about them. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “The inhabitants of Zidon and Arvad…” : This refers to two specific places: Zidon: A city located in the Levant (modern-day Lebanon) – a region known for its complex religious beliefs and practices, particularly involving a deity called “Arvad” (often translated as “Arvath”). It’s a place with a lot of mystery. Arvad: This is a key word. It's often interpreted as a mythical or shadowy figure in Jewish tradition, representing a chaotic, deceptive force that seeks to undermine and mislead people. Think of it as a "darkness" or an opposing force. “…thy mariners: thy pilots.” : This means they were responsible for guiding ships across the Red Sea – the crucial waterway connecting the Mediterranean and the East. They were skilled navigators and controllers of these vessels. The Twist - The “Arvad” Connection: This is where it gets really strange. The verse says "Arvad" were "thy mariners." This suggests a connection to the beliefs and practices of the people in Zidon, particularly concerning their worship of this shadowy entity. Overall Meaning & Interpretation (It's open to interpretation!): The verse is suggesting that these people weren’t simply skilled navigators; they were involved with or perhaps even controlled by a powerful, deceptive force – Arvad. They were tasked with guiding ships through dangerous waters, and the fact that they were connected to this shadowy being adds a layer of complexity and possibly suggests a hidden or unsettling truth about their role. Important Note: This is a complex passage. It's been interpreted in various ways throughout history, and it’s important to remember that the original meaning was likely very nuanced and specific to the ancient Jewish context. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious scholar. This explanation is based on common interpretations of biblical texts and should be considered one possible understanding. Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? For example, would you like to explore: The historical context surrounding Zidon and Arvad? Different interpretations of the "Arvad" concept?