| Geneva Study Bible The ancients of Gebal and its wise men were in thee thy {d} calkers: all the ships of the sea with their mariners were in thee to exchange thy merchandise. (d) Meaning, that they built the walls of the city, which is here meant by the ship: and of these were the builders of Solomon's temple, 1Ki 5:18. Wesley's Notes 27:9 The ancients - Old experienced workmen. Gebal - A town of Phoenicia near the sea. The wise men - Skilful in their trades. Were in thee - Who dwelt in Tyre for gain. All the ships - Ships from all parts of the sea, full of mariners, not only to manage the ships at sea, but to offer their service to the Tyrians for bringing in, or carrying out their wares. King James Translators' Notes calkers: or, stoppers of chinks: Heb. strengtheners, etc Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 9. Gebal-a Phonician city and region between Beirut and Tripolis, famed for skilled workmen (1Ki 5:18, Margin; Ps 83:7). calkers-stoppers of chinks in a vessel: carrying on the metaphor as to Tyre. occupy thy merchandise-that is, to exchange merchandise with thee. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 27:1-25 Those who live at ease are to be lamented, if they are not prepared for trouble. Let none reckon themselves beautified, any further than they are sanctified. The account of the trade of Tyre intimates, that God's eye is upon men when employed in worldly business. Not only when at church, praying and hearing, but when in markets and fairs, buying and selling. In all our dealings we should keep a conscience void of offence. God, as the common Father of mankind, makes one country abound in one commodity, and another in another, serviceable to the necessity or to the comfort and ornament of human life. See what a blessing trade and merchandise are to mankind, when followed in the fear of God. Besides necessaries, an abundance of things are made valuable only by custom; yet God allows us to use them. But when riches increase, men are apt to set their hearts upon them, and forget the Lord, who gives power to get wealth. | 
