Topical Bible: Tyre: Governed by Kings

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Topical Encyclopedia

Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city located on the Mediterranean coast, played a significant role in biblical history and prophecy. Known for its wealth, maritime prowess, and strategic location, Tyre was a hub of commerce and culture. The city was governed by a series of kings, whose reigns are documented in various biblical passages.

Historical Context

Tyre's prominence is evident from its early mention in the Bible. The city was renowned for its skilled artisans, traders, and seafarers. Its wealth and influence were largely due to its strategic position as a major port and its control over trade routes across the Mediterranean.

Biblical References to Tyrian Kings

The Bible provides several references to the kings of Tyre, highlighting their interactions with Israel and their role in biblical events. One of the most notable kings was Hiram I, who reigned during the time of King David and King Solomon. Hiram is celebrated for his alliance with Israel, providing materials and craftsmen for the construction of Solomon's Temple. In 1 Kings 5:1-12, the relationship between Solomon and Hiram is described, emphasizing the mutual respect and cooperation between the two kingdoms.

Another significant mention of Tyrian royalty is found in the book of Ezekiel. The prophet Ezekiel delivers a series of oracles against Tyre, particularly focusing on its king. In Ezekiel 28:2, the king of Tyre is rebuked for his pride and self-deification: "Son of man, say to the ruler of Tyre that 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 gods 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 underscores the king's arrogance and the impending judgment from God.

Prophetic Significance

The prophecies concerning Tyre, particularly those in Ezekiel and Isaiah, highlight the city's eventual downfall due to its pride and idolatry. Isaiah 23:8-9 speaks of the Lord's purpose to humble the pride of all glory, including Tyre: "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 the pride of all glory, to humble all the renowned of the earth."

Cultural and Religious Influence

Tyre's influence extended beyond commerce and politics. The city was a center of religious activity, often associated with the worship of Baal and other Canaanite deities. This religious influence occasionally seeped into Israel, as seen in the marriage of King Ahab to Jezebel, a Tyrian princess, which led to the introduction of Baal worship in Israel (1 Kings 16:31).

Conclusion

The kings of Tyre, through their interactions with Israel and their portrayal in biblical prophecy, serve as a testament to the city's historical and spiritual significance. Tyre's legacy, marked by both its grandeur and its eventual judgment, offers a profound narrative within the biblical text.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 5:1
And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was ever a lover of David.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 25:22
And all the kings of Tyrus, and all the kings of Zidon, and the kings of the isles which are beyond the sea,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Book ii.
... said that the emotions can be subdued and governed, not extirpated ... "He went into
the borders of Tyre and Sidon ... 1 Kings xiv.8. It was God who gave Jeroboam the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii.htm

Concerning Nebuchadnezzar and his Successors and How their ...
... years, while at the same time Ethbaal reigned at Tyre. ... and that he should exceed
all the kings in riches ... world, nor that the universe is governed and continued ...
/.../the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 concerning nebuchadnezzar and.htm

Preparation for Advent
... He told the kings and the people of all the nations ... women; but in the cases of Gaza,
of Tyre, and of ... man, for they believe that the world is governed, not by ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon ii preparation for advent.htm

Israel in Canaan.
... These were called Tyre and Zidon, and their inhabitants ... thought the only colour fit
for kings, and these ... High Priest, while judges and elders governed in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson v israel in canaan.htm

Concerning the Wife of Solomon; Concerning his Wisdom and Riches ...
... a degree as no other mortal man, neither kings nor ordinary ... Benaiah, the son of Achilus;
he also governed all the ... 6. Moreover Hiram, king of Tyre, when he had ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning the wife.htm

Canaan
... Ebed-Asherah and his son Aziru governed the Amorites in ... and henceforth we hear only
of "the kings of the ... letters refer to the riches of Tyre, and excavations ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

Book 9 Footnotes
... which was the thirteen years' siege of Tyre, Antiq ... and Persians, and, in all probability
governed under Baltasar ... stones of the sepulchers of the kings of Persia ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 9 footnotes.htm

Questions.
... What was to be the recompence for the toils of the siege of Tyre? 22. ... 17. What had
been the prayer of Solomon?"1 Kings, viii.46 to 50. ... Who governed Babylon? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

Sovereignty of God in Administration
... evil men as well as good, are governed by the ... the people imagine a "vain thing";
the kings of earth ... Mighty works which would have subdued Tyre and Sidon left ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter three sovereignty of god.htm

Book 1.
... Now when he was writing about those kings that had ... where he mentions the siege of
Tyre; as does ... He governed public affairs after an illegal and impure manner ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/book 1.htm