יחזקאל, פרק כ״ז, פסוק ה׳

The ancient city of Tyre is envisioned as a magnificent, luxurious ship. Because the city was built in the heart of the sea, accumulated its vast wealth through maritime trade, and ultimately met its end in the ocean, it is perfectly mirrored by the image of a ship overloaded with cargo. This vessel eventually sank in a fierce east wind storm, completely beyond the saving reach of its leaders [רש״י, מצודת דוד, רד״ק, חומת אנך]. Just as a grand ship is constructed from components gathered from distant lands, the city itself was built using resources brought from far away [מלבי״ם]. The finest raw materials in the world were selected to construct this great vessel [שטיינזלץ].

For the main body of the ship, cypress trees, highly valued among non-fruit-bearing wood [מצודת ציון], were brought from Senir, the snowy peaks of Mount Hermon [רש״י, שטיינזלץ]. This specific region was famous for producing the most beautiful and choice cypress wood available [רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. These exceptional trees were crafted into all the planks and boards that formed the structure of the ship [רש״י, מצודת דוד, שטיינזלץ]. The specific arrangement of these wooden boards is understood in various ways. The planks may have been joined together in a paired structure, or the pairing might refer to the two sharp ends of the ship. Alternatively, it could describe unique vessels constructed from just two massive planks, while another perspective suggests these boards actually formed wooden bridges used to cross between different ships [רד״ק].

To complete the vessel, cedar wood was brought from the great forests of Lebanon [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. Cedar was specifically chosen for its exceptionally straight, tall, and strong qualities [שטיינזלץ]. This sturdy wood was crafted into the mast for the ships [רד״ק]. This tall, upright pole was firmly planted in the vessel to hold the sail, serving as the top anchor point for the ropes used to pull and steer the ship through the waters [רש״י, מצודת ציון, רד״ק].