Topical Bible: Tyre: Celebrated For: Its Commerce

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Introduction

Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city, is renowned in biblical history for its significant role in commerce and trade. Located on the Mediterranean coast, Tyre was a major maritime power and a hub of economic activity. Its influence extended throughout the ancient world, and it is frequently mentioned in the Bible for its wealth and commercial prowess.

Biblical References

Tyre's prominence in trade is highlighted in several biblical passages. In Ezekiel 27, the prophet provides a detailed account of Tyre's extensive trade network, describing it as a "merchant of the peoples on many coasts" (Ezekiel 27:3). The chapter lists various goods traded by Tyre, including silver, iron, tin, and lead from Tarshish; horses and mules from Beth Togarmah; ivory and ebony from Dedan; and many other commodities from different regions.

The wealth and splendor of Tyre are further emphasized in Isaiah 23, where the city is referred to as the "bestower of crowns, whose merchants are princes, whose traders are renowned in the earth" (Isaiah 23:8). This passage underscores Tyre's status as a leading economic power, with its merchants and traders holding significant influence.

Historical Context

Tyre's strategic location on the Mediterranean coast facilitated its rise as a commercial powerhouse. The city was known for its skilled sailors and shipbuilders, which enabled it to establish trade routes across the Mediterranean and beyond. Tyre's economy was bolstered by the production and export of purple dye, a luxury item highly sought after in the ancient world.

The city's prosperity attracted the attention of neighboring powers, and it played a crucial role in regional politics and economics. Tyre's wealth and influence are evident in its interactions with Israel, as seen in the alliance between King Hiram of Tyre and King Solomon of Israel. Hiram provided materials and skilled labor for the construction of Solomon's Temple, as recorded in 1 Kings 5:1-12.

Prophetic Judgments

Despite its commercial success, Tyre's pride and reliance on wealth led to prophetic judgments against it. Ezekiel 28:2-8 contains a lament against the ruler of Tyre, who is accused of arrogance and self-deification due to the city's riches. The passage warns of impending destruction as a consequence of Tyre's hubris.

Similarly, Isaiah 23 prophesies the downfall of Tyre, predicting that its wealth and splendor will be brought to ruin. The chapter concludes with a promise of restoration after seventy years, indicating that Tyre's commercial activities would eventually resume, albeit under divine sovereignty.

Conclusion

Tyre's legacy as a center of commerce is firmly established in biblical history. Its economic achievements and subsequent judgments serve as a testament to the complexities of wealth, power, and divine providence.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 23:2,3
Be still, you inhabitants of the isle; you whom the merchants of Zidon, that pass over the sea, have replenished.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 27:3,12-25
And say to Tyrus, O you that are situate at the entry of the sea, which are a merchant of the people for many isles, Thus said the Lord GOD; O Tyrus, you have said, I am of perfect beauty.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... rescued Sidon from the dominion of Tyre, but had ... be doubted, seeing that he inserted
its name on ... This ceremony, celebrated at Tanis with the usages customary ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... valley of the Nahr-Ibrahim, the festivals of the death and resurrection of
Adonis"Berytus and its god El; Sidon and its suburbs"Tyre: its foundation, its ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ...
... sea-shore from Egypt up to Tyre, whence a ... Thus, from its position, Nazareth was on
the world's ... such loving memories cling, were specially celebrated for their ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 4 travelling in palestineroads.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... It surrendered at the first attack, and by its fall the ... His entry into Egypt was
celebrated by solemn festivities ... The Phoenicians of Tyre and Sidon had too many ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... Judah and the submission of Tyre; the successes ... immemorial; Mount Bikni was specially
celebrated for the ... stone which were obtained there.*** Its mountains were ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... The poem became celebrated. ... way towards Assyria and Babylon, while others embarked
at Tyre or Sidon ... the revenue which the state drew from its foreign commerce. ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

The Preacher as a Man of the Word.
... Nineveh and Babylon, Tyre and Memphis"where are they? ... to be acquainted with a good
many celebrated preachers; and I ... or not, in the week of its composition, I ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture iv the preacher as.htm

Index i. Of Subjects
... Death, Jewish ideas of its cause, i.166; ... how celebrated, 229, ii.227, 228; ... heals the
Syro?Phoenician's daughter in the borders of Tyre and Sidon, 37-43; ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/index i of subjects.htm

The Unjust Steward - Dives and Lazarus - Jewish Agricultural Notes ...
... which was obtained from the coasts of Tyre, [4619] wool ... 38 b). The great R. Meir
was celebrated as a ... letting land and lending money for its better cultivation ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xviii the unjust steward.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... as far north as the borders of Tyre and Sidon ... of the people of Shechem, who celebrated
under his ... account of its strategic position and its favourable situation ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm