Topical Bible: Tyre: City of Riches of

◄ Tyre: City of Riches of ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction
Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a significant center of commerce and wealth. Located on the Mediterranean coast in what is now modern-day Lebanon, Tyre was renowned for its prosperity, maritime prowess, and influential trade networks. The city's history and its interactions with Israel are documented in various biblical passages, highlighting its role as a powerful and affluent city-state.

Biblical References and Historical Context
Tyre's prominence is first noted in the Old Testament, where it is described as a city of great wealth and influence. The city's prosperity was largely due to its strategic location and its skilled seafaring merchants. Ezekiel 27:3-4 captures the essence of Tyre's wealth: "You say, ‘I am perfect in beauty.’ Your borders are in the heart of the seas; your builders perfected your beauty."

The relationship between Tyre and Israel was complex, marked by both cooperation and conflict. King Hiram of Tyre played a significant role in the construction of Solomon's Temple, providing cedar wood and skilled laborers (1 Kings 5:1-12). This alliance underscores the mutual benefits derived from trade and diplomacy between the two nations.

Prophetic Judgments
Despite its wealth and influence, Tyre was not immune to prophetic judgments. The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel pronounced judgments against Tyre, foretelling its downfall due to pride and idolatry. Isaiah 23:8-9 questions, "Who planned this against Tyre, the bestower of crowns, whose merchants are princes, whose traders are renowned in the earth? The LORD of Hosts planned it, to defile all its glorious beauty, to disgrace all the renowned of the earth."

Ezekiel 26-28 provides a detailed prophecy of Tyre's destruction, emphasizing the city's arrogance and self-sufficiency. Ezekiel 28:2 states, "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 seas.’ But you are a man and not a god, though you think you are as wise as a god."

New Testament Mentions
In the New Testament, Tyre is mentioned in the context of Jesus' ministry. Jesus visited the region of Tyre and Sidon, performing miracles and teaching (Mark 7:24-30). The faith of a Syrophoenician woman from this region is highlighted, demonstrating the reach of Jesus' ministry beyond the borders of Israel.

Cultural and Economic Influence
Tyre's economic influence extended throughout the Mediterranean, with its merchants trading goods such as purple dye, glass, and fine textiles. The city's wealth and luxury are often depicted in biblical texts as symbols of human pride and materialism. Tyre's fall serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of relying on wealth and human achievement rather than on God.

Conclusion
Tyre's legacy as a city of riches is intricately woven into the biblical narrative, serving as both a historical and spiritual symbol. Its account reflects the broader themes of human pride, divine judgment, and the transient nature of earthly wealth.

Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 23:8
Who has taken this counsel against Tyre, the crowning city, whose merchants are princes, whose traffickers are the honorable of the earth?
Nave's Topical Index

Zechariah 9:3
And Tyrus did build herself a strong hold, and heaped up silver as the dust, and fine gold as the mire of the streets.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Concerning the Wife of Solomon; Concerning his Wisdom and Riches ...
... that he had not mentioned in his option, riches, glory, victory ... as this epistle of
the king of Tyre was brought ... in the mountain, and so bring them to the city. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning the wife.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... is now in captivity, there shall come a complete city, so exact in all things,
according to the laws and liberties, privileges and riches of a city, that she ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

Of the [Temple And] Cities that were Built by Herod and Erected ...
... it were vastly large also, and the riches about it ... the fortress might seem to be
a city, but, by ... temples, and market-places at Berytus and Tyre, with theatres ...
/.../chapter 21 of the temple.htm

In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned
... now, the city was filled with riches and adorned ... 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

How Agreeable all virtues are to God.
... is to say, made them fruitful in children and in temporal riches. Nabuchodonosor,
King of Babylon, had waged a just war against the city of Tyre, which the ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter i how agreeable all.htm

In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
... it stretched northwards to the possessions of Tyre on the ... Safed was truly "a city
set on an hill"; and as ... camel, mules, and asses, laden with the riches of the ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 3 in galilee at.htm

The History of Solomon
... I have given also to thee, that is to say riches and glory ... And Solomon sent letters
to Hiram, king of Tyre, for to ... to bring the Ark of God from the city of David ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of solomon.htm

The History of Simon Magus.
... for fame; or, if avarice were his predominant passion, would find an easy way to
the acquisition of riches. ... Having brought from the city of Tyre an infamous ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture x the history of.htm

Concerning Nebuchadnezzar and his Successors and How their ...
... after a becoming manner, walled the city, and adorned ... to describe whose vast height
and immense riches it would ... say, that this king besieged Tyre thirteen years ...
/.../the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 concerning nebuchadnezzar and.htm

The Syrian Persecution.
... beginning with the great Phoenician city of Carthage ... complaints to the king at Tyre,
but instead ... to change his resolution, promising him riches and prosperity ...
/.../yonge/the chosen people/lesson xvii the syrian persecution.htm