Topical Bible: Tyre: Called: The Joyous City

◄ Tyre: Called: The Joyous City ►

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Introduction:
Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city, is frequently mentioned in the Bible and holds significant historical and theological importance. Known as "The Joyous City," Tyre was renowned for its wealth, commerce, and strategic location along the Mediterranean coast. Its influence extended across the ancient world, and its interactions with Israel and other nations are well-documented in Scripture.

Historical Background:
Tyre was a major maritime power and a hub of trade and commerce. The city was divided into two parts: the mainland settlement and the more famous island city. Tyre's prosperity was largely due to its skilled artisans, shipbuilders, and traders who facilitated the exchange of goods across the Mediterranean. The city's wealth and splendor earned it the moniker "The Joyous City."

Biblical References:
Tyre is mentioned numerous times in the Bible, often in the context of its relationship with Israel and its eventual judgment by God.

1. Alliance with Israel:
· Tyre had a notable alliance with Israel during the reigns of David and Solomon. King Hiram of Tyre provided materials and craftsmen for the construction of David's palace and Solomon's Temple. This relationship is highlighted in 1 Kings 5:1-12, where Hiram's cooperation and goodwill are evident.

2. Prophecies Against Tyre:
· Despite its initial positive relations with Israel, Tyre's pride and idolatry led to prophetic declarations of judgment. Isaiah 23:7 refers to Tyre as "The Joyous City," emphasizing its former glory and the impending desolation: "Is this your jubilant city, whose origin is from antiquity, whose feet have taken her to settle in far-off lands?" .
· Ezekiel 26-28 contains a detailed prophecy against Tyre, foretelling its destruction and the fall of its king. Ezekiel 28:12-19 describes the king of Tyre in terms that some interpret as a dual reference to both the earthly king and a symbolic representation of Satan's fall from grace.

3. New Testament Mentions:
· In the New Testament, Tyre is mentioned in the context of Jesus' ministry. In Matthew 15:21-28 and Mark 7:24-30, Jesus travels to the region of Tyre and Sidon, where He heals the daughter of a Syrophoenician woman, demonstrating His compassion and the extension of His ministry beyond Israel.

Theological Significance:
Tyre's account serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of pride and self-reliance. The city's wealth and influence could not save it from divine judgment. The biblical narrative of Tyre underscores the sovereignty of God over nations and His ultimate authority in executing justice.

Conclusion:
While Tyre was once celebrated as "The Joyous City," its fate serves as a cautionary tale of the transient nature of earthly power and the enduring truth of God's word. The biblical account of Tyre invites reflection on the importance of humility, righteousness, and the recognition of God's sovereignty in all aspects of life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 23:7
Is this your joyous city, whose antiquity is of ancient days? her own feet shall carry her afar off to sojourn.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Psalm LXXXVII.
... in the Trinity: no otherwise is it called than by ... through whose aid Rahab, Babylon,
the Philistines, Tyre, and the ... ver.7). As if all made joyous, all rejoicing ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxvii.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... First, She is here called a city, the very name that our primitive church went under
(Ephesians 2:19); which name she loseth all the while of her apostatizing ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... prey, if a multitude of shepherds be called forth against ... for his seat of government,
and Tyre lost by ... full of shoutings, a tumultuous city, a joyous town; thy ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

The Temple and Its Dedication
... progressing under the leadership of Hiram of Tyre, "a cunning ... give themselves up
to the sacred, joyous influences of ... house which I have built is called by Thy ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 2 the temple and.htm

Results of Transgression
... The willing service and joyous self-denial of the tabernacle ... This house which I have
built is called by Thy ... land of Edom." Trained sailors from Tyre, "with the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 4 results of transgression.htm

Altar and Temple
... them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring ... great festival of tabernacles, the most
joyous feast of ... of their ancestral fields before they were called to leave ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/altar and temple.htm

From the Birth to the Ascension of Jesus.
... This is commonly called the years of silence: (a) We have ... Jesus went up into the
coast of Tyre and Sidon where ... John chs.7-8). By this time the joyous season of ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xviii from the birth.htm

The Child-Life in Nazareth
... homes, the visible emblem of this joyous hymn: The ... have been taught what might be
called his birthday ... it stretched northwards to the possessions of Tyre on the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ix the child-life in.htm

Notes
... Tyre was the great maritime city of antiquity: its ... Creator's joy in his
creation"a joyous sympathy with ... structure.' [Page 251.] It may be called a 'triple ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/notes.htm

C. The Third Period. Chs. 6:12 to 8:56
... Judaea and Jerusalem, and the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon ... same as this discourse
which has been called by some ... upon the rich, the satisfied, the joyous, and the ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/c the third period chs.htm