Topical Encyclopedia The ancient city of Tyre, located on the Mediterranean coast in what is now modern-day Lebanon, was a significant center of trade and commerce in the ancient Near East. The kings of Tyre are often noted in the Bible for their wealth, influence, and, notably, their pride. This pride is particularly highlighted in the prophetic literature, where it becomes a focal point for divine judgment.Historical Context Tyre was a prominent Phoenician city known for its skilled artisans, maritime prowess, and extensive trade networks. The city was divided into two parts: a mainland settlement and an island fortress. Its strategic location and economic power made it a key player in regional politics and commerce. The kings of Tyre, therefore, wielded considerable influence and were often in contact with neighboring kingdoms, including Israel and Judah. Biblical References The Bible references several kings of Tyre, most notably Hiram, who was a contemporary of King David and King Solomon. Hiram is depicted as a friend and ally to Israel, providing materials and craftsmen for the construction of Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 5:1-12). However, the prophetic books, particularly Isaiah and Ezekiel, focus on the pride and eventual downfall of Tyre and its rulers. Isaiah's Prophecy In Isaiah 23, the prophet delivers an oracle against Tyre, predicting its destruction due to its arrogance and self-sufficiency. Isaiah 23:9 states, "The LORD of Hosts has planned it, to defile all the glorious beauty, to disgrace all the renowned of the earth." This passage underscores the theme that human pride, especially when it leads to self-exaltation over God, will ultimately be humbled. Ezekiel's Lament Ezekiel 26-28 provides a more detailed account of Tyre's pride and the resulting judgment. Ezekiel 28:2 addresses the ruler of Tyre directly: "Son of man, say to the ruler of Tyre that this is what the Lord GOD says: 'In the pride of your heart you say, "I am a god; I sit on the throne of a god in the heart of the sea." But you are a man and not a god, though you regard your heart as the heart of a god.'" This passage highlights the king's hubris, equating himself with deity, which is a direct affront to the sovereignty of the true God. Ezekiel continues with a lamentation over the king of Tyre, describing his fall from grace due to his pride and corruption. Ezekiel 28:17 declares, "Your heart grew proud of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I cast you to the earth; I made you a spectacle before kings." The imagery used here is vivid, portraying the king's downfall as a public spectacle, a warning to all who might follow in his footsteps. Theological Implications The narrative of the kings of Tyre serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride. In the biblical worldview, pride is not merely an internal vice but a rebellion against God's rightful authority. The kings of Tyre, in their self-glorification and perceived invincibility, exemplify the ultimate futility of human arrogance. Their account is a reminder of the biblical principle found in Proverbs 16:18 : "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." The account of Tyre and its kings underscores the biblical theme that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). It serves as a timeless reminder of the need for humility and the recognition of God's sovereignty over all nations and rulers. Nave's Topical Index Ezekiel 28:2Son of man, say to the prince of Tyrus, Thus said the Lord GOD; Because your heart is lifted up, and you have said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the middle of the seas; yet you are a man, and not God, though you set your heart as the heart of God: Nave's Topical Index Library Babylon. True Greatness Results of Transgression In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord Isaiah Book ii. The True Sign From the Flood to Abraham The Doom of the Antichrist The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Resources What does the Bible say about pride? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Pride of Jacob (Amos 8:7)? | GotQuestions.org What is the pride of life? | GotQuestions.org Pride: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Pride is Followed by Debasement Pride is Followed by Destruction Pride: A Characteristic: False Teachers Pride: A Characteristic: The Devil Pride: A Characteristic: The Wicked Pride: A Characteristic: The World Pride: A Hindrance to Improvement Pride: A Hindrance to Seeking God Pride: General Scriptures Concerning Pride: Hezekiah, in Displaying his Resources Pride: Leads Men to a Persecuting Spirit Pride: Leads Men to Contempt and Rejection of God's Word and Ministers Pride: Leads Men to Contention Pride: Leads Men to Self-Deception Pride: Naaman, Refusing to Wash in the Jordan River Pride: Often Originates in Inexperience Pride: Often Originates in Possession of Power Pride: Often Originates in Possession of Wealth Pride: Often Originates in Religious Privileges Pride: Often Originates in Self-Righteousness Pride: Often Originates in Unsanctified Knowledge Pride: Saints: Hate, in Others Pride: Saints: Mourn Over, in Others Pride: Saints: Respect Not, in Others Pride: Shall Abound in the Last Days Pride: The Wicked Encompassed With Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Abased Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Brought Into Contempt Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Brought Low Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Marred Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Punished Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Recompensed Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Resisted Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Scattered Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Subdued Related Terms |
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