Topical Encyclopedia Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city located on the Mediterranean coast, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of pride and hubris. Its wealth, strategic location, and impressive fortifications contributed to its reputation as a powerful and influential city-state. However, the biblical narrative often highlights Tyre's pride as a precursor to its downfall, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of arrogance and self-reliance.Historical and Biblical Context Tyre was a major center of trade and commerce in the ancient Near East. Its prosperity was largely due to its skilled seafarers and traders who established extensive trade networks across the Mediterranean. The city was renowned for its production of purple dye, a luxury item in the ancient world, and its artisanship in glass and metalwork. This economic success led to a sense of self-sufficiency and pride among its inhabitants. In the Bible, Tyre's pride is most notably addressed in the prophetic books, where it is often depicted as a city that exalted itself above others. The prophets condemned Tyre for its arrogance and predicted its eventual destruction as a divine judgment. Prophetic Denunciations The prophet Isaiah speaks against Tyre, highlighting its pride and eventual downfall. In Isaiah 23:9 , it is written, "The LORD of Hosts has purposed it, to defile the pride of all glory, to humble all the renowned of the earth." This passage underscores the idea that God opposes the proud and will bring low those who exalt themselves. Ezekiel provides a more detailed account of Tyre's pride and its consequences. In Ezekiel 28, the prophet delivers a lamentation over the king of Tyre, who is portrayed as a figure of immense pride and self-deification. Ezekiel 28:2 states, "Son of man, say to the ruler of Tyre, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: Your heart is proud, and you have said, “I am a god; I sit in the seat of a god in the heart of the sea.” Yet you are a man and not a god, though you have regarded your heart as that of a god." This passage illustrates the king's inflated self-image and the divine rebuke that follows. Judgment and Destruction The Bible records that Tyre's pride ultimately led to its downfall. The city faced numerous sieges and attacks throughout its history, most notably by Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon and later by Alexander the Great. These events are seen as fulfillments of the prophetic warnings against Tyre. Ezekiel 26:3-4 proclaims, "Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against you, O Tyre, and I will raise up many nations against you, as the sea brings up its waves. They will destroy the walls of Tyre and demolish her towers; I will scrape the soil from her and make her a bare rock." This vivid imagery emphasizes the totality of Tyre's destruction as a result of its pride. Theological Implications The account of Tyre serves as a powerful reminder of the biblical principle that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6). Tyre's fate illustrates the transient nature of human power and the ultimate sovereignty of God over the nations. The narrative warns against the dangers of pride, encouraging believers to cultivate humility and reliance on God rather than on worldly wealth and achievements. In summary, Tyre's pride and subsequent judgment are emblematic of the broader biblical theme that pride precedes destruction. The city's account is a testament to the enduring truth that humility before God is the path to true wisdom and security. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 23:9The LORD of hosts has purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xv. 21,"Jesus Went Out Thence ... If this Queen Ye See Not, Now Rich Also with Royal Progeny. If She ... Babylon. Whether Boasting is a Mortal Sin? Letter cxlvii. To Sabinianus. Barriers Broken Down True Greatness Never a Man Like Him Isaiah Whether it was Fitting that God Should Become Incarnate in the ... 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 |
    |