Topical Bible: Tyre: City of Fortified

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Topical Encyclopedia

Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city, is frequently mentioned in the Bible and holds significant historical and theological importance. Located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, in what is now modern-day Lebanon, Tyre was renowned for its strong fortifications, maritime prowess, and economic prosperity. The city was divided into two parts: the mainland settlement and the more famous island city, which was heavily fortified and considered nearly impregnable.

Historical Background

Tyre's origins date back to the third millennium BC, and it became a prominent city-state in the Phoenician civilization. Known for its skilled sailors and traders, Tyre established colonies across the Mediterranean, including the famous city of Carthage. The city's wealth was largely derived from its production of purple dye, made from the murex shellfish, which was highly prized in the ancient world.

Biblical References

Tyre is mentioned numerous times in the Bible, often in the context of its interactions with Israel and its eventual judgment by God. In the Old Testament, Tyre's relationship with Israel is initially positive. King Hiram of Tyre was a friend and ally of King David and later provided materials and craftsmen to Solomon for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 5:1-12, 2 Chronicles 2:3-16).

However, Tyre's pride and idolatry eventually led to its condemnation by the prophets. Isaiah prophesied the downfall of Tyre, describing it as a city of revelry that would be forgotten for seventy years (Isaiah 23:1-18). Ezekiel delivered a more detailed prophecy against Tyre, foretelling its destruction and the scraping of its soil into the sea, leaving it a bare rock (Ezekiel 26:1-21). This prophecy was partially fulfilled by the conquests of Nebuchadnezzar II and later by Alexander the Great, who famously built a causeway to the island city, leading to its capture.

In the New Testament, Jesus mentions Tyre in His teachings, highlighting the city's historical significance and its eventual judgment. In Matthew 11:21-22, Jesus compares the unrepentant cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida to Tyre and Sidon, stating that if the miracles performed in them had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago.

Theological Significance

Tyre serves as a symbol of human pride and the futility of relying on wealth and fortifications for security. The city's eventual downfall, despite its formidable defenses and economic power, underscores the biblical theme that God's judgment is inescapable for those who exalt themselves against Him. Tyre's history is a testament to the sovereignty of God over nations and His ability to humble the proud.

The prophecies concerning Tyre also demonstrate the accuracy and reliability of biblical prophecy, as historical events unfolded in accordance with the words spoken by the prophets. Tyre's account serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, repentance, and reliance on God rather than on human strength and achievements.

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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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2 Samuel 24:7
And came to the strong hold of Tyre, and to all the cities of the Hivites, and of the Canaanites: and they went out to the south of Judah, even to Beersheba.
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Library

How Solomon Fortified the City of Jerusalem, and Built Great ...
... CHAPTER 6. How Solomon Fortified The City Of Jerusalem, And Built ... Berenice, and is
not far from the city Eloth ... from the donations of Hiram king of Tyre; for he ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how solomon fortified.htm

How Pompey when the Citizens of Jerusalem Shut their Gates against ...
... and in the palace, to secure them, and fortified the houses ... for on the parts towards
the city were precipices ... engines and battering-rams from Tyre, and placing ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how pompey when.htm

Phasaelus is Too Hard for Felix; Herod Also Overcomes Antigonus in ...
... had already possessed himself of three fortified places; but ... good-will to himself
from the city, and hatred ... again a thousand ambassadors to Tyre, where Antony ...
/.../chapter 12 phasaelus is too.htm

Israel in Canaan.
... Many a fortified town was still held by the Canaanites ... These were called Tyre and
Zidon, and their inhabitants ... thought that each had some one city or people to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson v israel in canaan.htm

Results of Transgression
... All these cities were strongly fortified. ... Sea, in the land of Edom." Trained sailors
from Tyre, "with the ... which came to be known as "His own city." Matthew 9:1 ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 4 results of transgression.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... CHAPTER 6. How Solomon Fortified The City Of Jerusalem ... How Alexander Made His Entry
Into The City Jerusalem, And ... How Simon Beat The People Of Tyre And Ptolemais ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned
... first, or old wall, which was fortified by sixty ... Descending from the Temple into
the city, there was ... Gaza), the ancient Phoenician maritime towns (Tyre and Acco ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i in jerusalem when.htm

The Arian Controversy Before Nic??a, 319-325.
... his opinions (his letter to Paulinus of Tyre, Thdt. ... confusion reigned: parties formed
in every city, bishops, to ... of the Egyptian Synod of 321, fortified by the ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/section 2 the arian controversy.htm

How Trypho after He had Beaten Demetrius Delivered the Kingdom to ...
... over the forces, from the Ladder of Tyre unto Egypt. ... Palestine, as far as Askelon,
and fortified the strong ... were disposed to deliver up the city to Demetrius's ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how trypho after.htm

The Old Testament and Archeology
... From the Euphrates to the land of the Hatti, the west country in its entire compass,
Tyre, Sidon, the ... his royal city; the walls I fortified against him ...
/.../the christian view of the old testament/chapter iv the old testament.htm