Matthew Poole and continuators on Ezekiel 27:7

7 Fine linnen with broidered work from Egypt was that thou spreadest forth to be thy sail, blue and purple from the Isles of Elishah was that which covered thee.

Whereas Thrift teaches us to use the course Linnen for like purposes, these prodigal Tyrians used the finest silken sails, as we may render the words.

Divers Figures, curiously drawn with the needle in this fine Linnen, which made exceeding costly sailes, yet pride, and wantonness in some of them went to the charges of it.

Where was much of this fine linnen, and many of these neat embroiderers.

Or violet colour, and purple both rich, and noble colours: The Garments of Great Men and Princes were made hereof, Gen. 41.42. Pr. 31.22. see chap. 16.10. let. i.

Either from the Sea Coast of Aeolis in the lesser Asia, the Inhabitants whereof were excellent in the skil of dying wool, or from Peloponnesus, in which is one Country called Elis, famous for fine Linnen, and about the mouth of the River Eurotas. The fishing for the purple fish was famously known, so that it might be this place beside the Isles of the Aegean and Cretian Seas, as Coa, Nysirus, (called from its purples Porphyris) Cythera, and the Cyclades, which are many; some 12 of better note we might name, as now called Andro, Pario, Zea, Sdi[illegible: 1 letter]li, Micoli, &c.

He speaks not here of Garments, but of the Coverings they used in their Ships, or Gallies; Their Tilts, as our Boatmen call them, the clothes they spread over their heads on Ship-board, to keep them from Sun and Weather, were such as befitted Kings, and Princes for costliness, and beauty.

Marginal references: Or, [illegible: 1 span].