Topical Bible: Tyre: City of Besieged by Nebuchadnezzar

◄ Tyre: City of Besieged by Nebuchadnezzar ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Historical Background

Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city, was renowned for its wealth, maritime prowess, and strategic location along the Mediterranean coast. It consisted of two parts: a mainland settlement and an island city. Tyre's prosperity was largely due to its role as a major trading hub, facilitating commerce between the East and the West. The city's influence extended through its colonies, most notably Carthage, and its skilled artisans were famed for producing purple dye and glassware.

Biblical Significance

In the biblical narrative, Tyre is frequently mentioned as a city of great importance and influence. Its relationship with Israel was complex, marked by both cooperation and conflict. King Hiram of Tyre provided materials and craftsmen for the construction of Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 5:1-12). However, Tyre's pride and idolatry eventually led to its downfall, as prophesied by several prophets.

Prophecies Against Tyre

The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel delivered messages of judgment against Tyre, foretelling its destruction due to its arrogance and opposition to God's people. Ezekiel's prophecy is particularly detailed, describing Tyre's impending doom at the hands of many nations, with Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, as a key instrument of divine judgment.

Ezekiel 26:7-8 states: "For this is what the Lord GOD says: 'Behold, I will bring against Tyre from the north Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, king of kings, with horses and chariots, with horsemen and a great army. He will ravage your settlements on the mainland with the sword; he will set up siege works against you, build a ramp up to your walls, and raise his shields against you.'"

Nebuchadnezzar's Siege

The siege of Tyre by Nebuchadnezzar II, which began around 586 BC, was a significant event in the city's history. The Babylonian king sought to expand his empire and subdue the rebellious city. The siege lasted for 13 years, a testament to Tyre's formidable defenses and resilience. Despite the prolonged effort, Nebuchadnezzar was unable to capture the island city completely, although he did manage to devastate the mainland portion.

Aftermath and Legacy

The siege of Tyre by Nebuchadnezzar marked a turning point in the city's history. Although the island city remained unconquered by Babylon, the prolonged conflict weakened Tyre's power and influence. The city's eventual fall came later at the hands of Alexander the Great, who succeeded in capturing the island by constructing a causeway.

The biblical account of Tyre serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of pride and defiance against God. The prophecies concerning Tyre underscore the sovereignty of God over nations and His ability to fulfill His word through historical events. Tyre's account is a testament to the accuracy of biblical prophecy and the unfolding of divine judgment in history.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 26:7
For thus said the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring on Tyrus Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, a king of kings, from the north, with horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and companies, and much people.
Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 29:18
Son of man, Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon caused his army to serve a great service against Tyrus: every head was made bald, and every shoulder was peeled: yet had he no wages, nor his army, for Tyrus, for the service that he had served against it:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Babylon.
... The pride of the city was the Temple of Bel ... the prophecies of Isaiah and Ezekiel,
by destroying Tyre. ... the besiegers suffered as much as the besieged, till, as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xi babylon.htm

Concerning Nebuchadnezzar and his Successors and How their ...
... after a becoming manner, walled the city, and adorned ... of Phoenicia, say, that this
king besieged Tyre thirteen years ... at the same time Ethbaal reigned at Tyre. ...
/.../the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 concerning nebuchadnezzar and.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Nations Round About; And How Simon Beat The People Of Tyre And Ptolemais ... The Citizens
Of Jerusalem Shut Their Gates Against Him Besieged The City And Took ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Book 9 Footnotes
... at this time he should not be besieged by the ... destruction of that city which they
called the Eternal City.". ... which was the thirteen years' siege of Tyre, Antiq. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 9 footnotes.htm

Treatise on Christ and Antichrist.
... in a garden of cucumbers, as a besieged city." [1464] What ... Thus with violence shall
that great city Babylon be ... first expedition will be against Tyre and Berytus ...
/.../treatise on christ and antichrist.htm

The Twelve Minor Prophets.
... 17:4. For this the Assyrian king besieged him in ... pausing in its course, over Syria,
Philistia, Tyre, Edom, Ammon ... When the prophet wrote, this city was still in ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxiii the twelve minor.htm

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
... find some Gentile power exercising sovereignty over the City and the ... of the Gentiles,"
or of Gentile dominion; inasmuch as Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem in ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... of Judah and the submission of Tyre; the successes ... 300,000 souls;* each separate
quarter of the city was enclosed ... town, which had to be besieged and captured ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Book 1.
... he mentions the siege of Tyre; as does ... should be demolished, because the city had
proved ... of their several kings: "Nabuchodonosor besieged Tyre for thirteen ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/book 1.htm

The Land and the People.
... to the ridge of Carmel, the coast of Tyre and Sidon ... Jerusalem, often besieged and
destroyed, and as often rebuilt ... over Mount Moriah and the holy city, we fully ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 17 the land and.htm