Topical Bible: Tyre: City of On the Northern Boundary of the Tribe of Asher

◄ Tyre: City of On the Northern Boundary of the Tribe of Asher ►

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Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city, is located on the Mediterranean coast in what is now modern-day Lebanon. It is renowned for its historical significance and its mention in various biblical texts. Tyre was a prominent city in the ancient world, known for its wealth, trade, and skilled artisans, particularly in the production of purple dye, which was highly prized in antiquity.

Biblical References and Historical Context

In the Bible, Tyre is often mentioned in the context of its interactions with Israel and its role in the broader geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East. The city is first mentioned in the context of the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. According to the Book of Joshua, Tyre was situated on the northern boundary of the tribe of Asher: "The fifth lot came out for the tribe of Asher according to its clans. Their territory included... Ummah, Aphek, and Rehob; twenty-two cities, with their villages. This was the inheritance of the tribe of Asher, according to its clans—these cities and their villages" (Joshua 19:24-31). Although Tyre itself was not part of the land allotted to Asher, it was a significant neighboring city.

Relations with Israel

Tyre's relationship with Israel was complex, marked by both cooperation and conflict. During the reign of King David, Hiram, the king of Tyre, established a friendly alliance with Israel. This relationship continued into the reign of Solomon, who enlisted the help of Tyrian craftsmen and materials for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. As recorded in 1 Kings 5:1-12 , Hiram provided cedar and cypress timber, as well as skilled laborers, in exchange for wheat and olive oil.

Despite these periods of cooperation, Tyre was also subject to prophetic denunciations due to its pride and idolatry. The prophet Isaiah foretold the downfall of Tyre, describing it as a city that would be forgotten for seventy years (Isaiah 23:15-17). Similarly, the prophet Ezekiel delivered a series of oracles against Tyre, condemning its arrogance and predicting its destruction by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon (Ezekiel 26-28).

Symbolism and Prophetic Significance

In biblical literature, Tyre often symbolizes human pride and the futility of relying on wealth and earthly power. The city's eventual downfall serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God over the nations. Ezekiel's lament over the king of Tyre (Ezekiel 28:11-19) is particularly notable for its vivid imagery and has been interpreted by some as a typological reference to the fall of Satan, due to its description of a being who was once perfect and full of wisdom.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, Tyre is mentioned in the context of Jesus' ministry. Jesus traveled to the region of Tyre and Sidon, where He performed miracles and healed the daughter of a Syrophoenician woman (Mark 7:24-30). This account highlights the extension of Jesus' ministry beyond the borders of Israel, emphasizing the inclusivity of the Gospel message.

Archaeological and Historical Legacy

Today, the ruins of ancient Tyre are a testament to its historical grandeur. The city was originally built on an island, and later expanded to the mainland. It was known for its impressive harbors, fortifications, and monumental architecture. Tyre's legacy as a center of commerce and culture continues to be a subject of interest for historians and archaeologists alike.

In summary, Tyre's role in biblical history is multifaceted, encompassing themes of alliance, judgment, and redemption. Its interactions with Israel and its prophetic significance underscore the enduring lessons of humility and reliance on divine providence.

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Joshua 19:29
And then the coast turns to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre; and the coast turns to Hosah; and the outgoings thereof are at the sea from the coast to Achzib:
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Library

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... god El; Sidon and its suburbs"Tyre: its foundation ... excepting to the god of their
city, assumed the ... Egyptians became acquainted beyond its northern limits were ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The walls of the city fell of themselves at the blowing ... as far north as the borders
of Tyre and Sidon ... to the north of the Yarmuk and its northern affluents in ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... isolated districts, and by thus restricting each tribe to a ... which so closely hemmed
in the city of Bel. ... one rule first all the kingdoms of Northern and finally ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm