Ezekiel 27:11
The men of Arvad with thine army were upon thy walls round about, and the Gammadims were in thy towers: they hanged their shields upon thy walls round about; they have made thy beauty perfect.
Ezekiel 27:11 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the Book of Ezekiel, the prophet describes the beauty and strength of the ancient city of Tyre. The men of Arvad and the Gammadims were instrumental in fortifying the city, as they were stationed on the walls and towers, hanging their shields as a display of their readiness for battle. Their presence not only added to the physical defense of Tyre but also enhanced its aesthetic appeal, making its beauty perfect. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving common goals. It highlights the significance of working together to protect and enhance the beauty and strength of a community or city. It also showcases the strategic military tactics employed in ancient times to defend cities from external threats.
Theological Overview
One of the interesting aspects of this verse is the mention of the men of Arvad and the Gammadims. Arvad was an island city known for its skilled sailors and seafaring people. The mention of the men of Arvad in this verse could signify the contribution of their naval expertise to the defense of the city. The Gammadims were likely a group of skilled warriors or craftsmen who were known for their precision and craftsmanship in battle. The act of hanging their shields upon the walls around the city symbolizes both the readiness for battle and the display of their strength and unity. This verse highlights the importance of collaboration and the utilization of diverse skills in defending and beautifying the city. It also emphasizes the visual impact of the shields hung on the walls, enhancing the beauty of the city and making it more formidable to potential attackers.
Ezekiel 27:11 in other translations
American Standard Version
The men of Arvad with thine army were upon thy walls round about, and valorous men were in thy towers; they hanged their shields upon thy walls round about; they have perfected thy beauty.
World English Bible
The men of Arvad with your army were on your walls all around, and valorous men were in your towers; they hanged their shields on your walls all around; they have perfected your beauty.
Douay-Rheims
The men of Arad were with thy army upon thy walls round about: the Pygmeans also that were in thy towers, hung up their quivers on thy walls round about: they perfected thy beauty.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The men of Aruad with thine armie were vpon thy walles round about, and the Gammadims were in thy towres: they hanged their shields vpon thy walles round about: they haue made thy beautie perfite.