Topical Encyclopedia Tyre, an ancient and prosperous Phoenician city located on the Mediterranean coast, holds a significant place in biblical prophecy. Known for its wealth, maritime prowess, and strategic location, Tyre was a hub of commerce and culture in the ancient world. The Bible contains several prophecies concerning Tyre, particularly focusing on its downfall and subsequent period of desolation.Prophecy of Desolation for Seventy Years The prophet Isaiah delivers a striking prophecy concerning Tyre's fate, foretelling a period of desolation lasting seventy years. This prophecy is found in Isaiah 23, where the city is depicted as a once-glorious entity that will face divine judgment and be forgotten for a specified time. Isaiah 23:15-17 states: "At that time Tyre will be forgotten for seventy years, the span of a king’s life. But at the end of seventy years, it will happen to Tyre as in the song of the prostitute: 'Take up your harp, stroll through the city, O forgotten harlot; make sweet melody, sing many a song, so you will be remembered.' And at the end of seventy years, the LORD will restore Tyre, and she will return to her hire and prostitute herself with all the kingdoms on the face of the earth." This prophecy indicates that Tyre would experience a period of obscurity, likened to the lifespan of a king, during which it would be forgotten by the nations. The imagery of a forgotten harlot suggests a city that once thrived on trade and interaction with other nations but would be reduced to insignificance. Historical Context and Fulfillment Historically, Tyre faced numerous sieges and attacks, most notably by the Assyrians and later by Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon. The Babylonian siege, which lasted for thirteen years, significantly weakened the city. Although Tyre was not completely destroyed at that time, its power and influence were greatly diminished, aligning with the prophetic vision of a period of decline. The seventy-year period mentioned in Isaiah's prophecy is often interpreted as a symbolic timeframe representing a complete cycle of judgment and restoration. This period of desolation would serve as a divine chastisement for Tyre's pride and idolatry, as well as its role in leading Israel astray. Restoration and Continued Influence Following the prophesied seventy years, Isaiah foretells a restoration of Tyre. The city would regain its commercial activities, symbolized by the harlot's return to her trade. However, this restoration is not depicted as a return to former glory but rather a continuation of its mercantile role among the nations. Isaiah 23:18 further elaborates: "Yet her profits and her earnings will be set apart for the LORD; they will not be stored or hoarded, for her profits will go to those who live in the presence of the LORD, for abundant food and fine clothes." This suggests that Tyre's renewed wealth would ultimately serve a divine purpose, contributing to the sustenance and adornment of those devoted to the LORD. The prophecy underscores the sovereignty of God over the nations and His ability to use even the wealth of a city like Tyre for His purposes. In summary, the prophecy concerning Tyre's seventy-year desolation serves as a testament to the fulfillment of divine judgment and the eventual restoration of the city, albeit in a manner that aligns with God's overarching plan for the nations. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 23:15And it shall come to pass in that day, that Tyre shall be forgotten seventy years, according to the days of one king: after the end of seventy years shall Tyre sing as an harlot. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Resources Why did Jesus mention Tyre and Sidon in Luke 10:14? | GotQuestions.orgIs the king of Tyre prophecy in Ezekiel 28 referring to Satan? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of the city of Sidon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Tyre: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Tyre: Called: The Crowning City Tyre: Called: The Daughter of Tarshish Tyre: Called: The Daughter of Zidon Tyre: Called: The Renowned City Tyre: Celebrated For: Its Beauty Tyre: Celebrated For: Its Commerce Tyre: Celebrated For: Its Wealth Tyre: Celebrated For: Strength and Beauty of Its Ships Tyre: Christ was Followed by Many From Tyre: Christ: Alluded to the Depravity of Tyre: Christ: Depended for Provision Upon Galilee Tyre: Christ: Paul Found Disciples At Tyre: Christ: Visited the Coasts of Tyre: City of Besieged by Nebuchadnezzar Tyre: City of Heals the Daughter of the Non-Jewish, Syrophenician Woman Near Tyre: City of Jesus Goes to the Coasts of Tyre: City of Multitudes From, Come to Hear Jesus, and to be Healed of Their Diseases Tyre: City of On the Northern Boundary of the Tribe of Asher Tyre: City of Pleasant Site of Tyre: City of Prophecies Relating To Tyre: City of The Hostility of Herod Agrippa I Toward Tyre: City of To be Judged According to Its Opportunity and Privileges Tyre: David and Solomon Formed Alliances With Tyre: Inhabitants of Mercantile Men Tyre: Inhabitants of Proud and Haughty Tyre: Inhabitants of Sea-Faring Men Tyre: Inhabitants of Self-Conceited Tyre: Inhabitants of Superstitious Tyre: Kingdom of Hiram, King of Tyre: Kingdom of Sends Material to David for his Palace Tyre: Often Confederated Against the Jews and Rejoiced in Their Tyre: Prophecies Respecting: All Nations to be Terrified at Its Destruction Tyre: Prophecies Respecting: Envy Against the Jews a Cause of Its Destruction Tyre: Prophecies Respecting: Inhabitants of, to Emigrated to Other Countries Tyre: Prophecies Respecting: Its Inhabitants to be Sold As Slaves, As a Recompence For Tyre: Prophecies Respecting: Its Restoration to Commercial Greatness After Seventy Years Tyre: Prophecies Respecting: Its Second Destruction by the Macedonians Tyre: Prophecies Respecting: Never to Recover Its Greatness Tyre: Prophecies Respecting: Pride a Cause of Its Destruction Tyre: Prophecies Respecting: The King of Babylon to be Rewarded With the Spoil of Egypt Tyre: Prophecies Respecting: The Ruins of the First City to be Employed in Making A Tyre: Prophecies Respecting: To be Destroyed by the King of Babylon Tyre: Prophecies Respecting: To be Scraped As the Top of a Rock, and to be a Place For Tyre: Prophecies Respecting: To Lie Waste and be Forgotten for Seventy Years Tyre: Prophecies Respecting: To Participated in the Blessings of the Gospel Tyre: Propitiated the Favour of Herod Tyre: Soldiers of, Supplied by Persia Tyre: Supplied: A Master-Builder for the Temple Tyre: Supplied: Seamen for Solomon's Navy Tyre: Supplied: Stones and Timber for Building the Temple Tyre: Supplied: Timber for Rebuilding the Temple and City Tyre: The Jews Condemned for Purchasing from the People of, on The Related Terms Nebuchadrez'zar (31 Occurrences) Misrephothmaim (2 Occurrences) |