Topical Bible: Tyre: Insular Position of

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Topical Encyclopedia

Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city, holds a significant place in biblical history and prophecy. Its insular position, located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, contributed to its prominence as a major maritime and commercial hub. The city was originally situated on the mainland, but over time, it expanded to include an island just off the coast, which became the heart of its power and wealth.

Geographical and Historical Context

Tyre's insular position provided natural defenses against invasions, making it a formidable city-state in the ancient world. The island was separated from the mainland by a narrow strait, which was later bridged by a causeway built by Alexander the Great during his siege of the city in 332 BC. This strategic location allowed Tyre to control maritime trade routes and establish itself as a leading center of commerce and culture.

Biblical References

The Bible frequently mentions Tyre, highlighting its wealth, influence, and eventual downfall. In the Old Testament, Tyre is often associated with its king, Hiram, who provided materials and craftsmen for the construction of Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 5:1-12). The city's prosperity and pride, however, led to prophetic declarations of judgment against it.

Ezekiel 26-28 contains a detailed prophecy against Tyre, foretelling its destruction due to its arrogance and idolatry. Ezekiel 26:4-5 states, "They will destroy the walls of Tyre and demolish her towers. I will scrape the soil from her and make her a bare rock. She will become a place to spread nets in the sea, for I have spoken, declares the Lord GOD. She will become plunder for the nations."

Isaiah also prophesied against Tyre, emphasizing its fall from glory. Isaiah 23:1 declares, "An oracle concerning Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is laid waste, without house or harbor. From the land of Cyprus word has come to them."

Symbolism and Theological Significance

Tyre's insular position and subsequent downfall serve as a powerful symbol of the dangers of pride and reliance on material wealth. The city's destruction, as foretold by the prophets, underscores the sovereignty of God over nations and His ability to humble those who exalt themselves. Tyre's fate is a reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and the ultimate authority of God in human affairs.

In the New Testament, Jesus references Tyre in His teachings, using it as a point of comparison to illustrate the hardness of heart among the people of His own time. In Matthew 11:21-22 , Jesus says, "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you."

Conclusion

Tyre's insular position, while initially a source of strength and prosperity, ultimately could not protect it from divine judgment. The biblical narrative of Tyre serves as a testament to the enduring truth that no earthly power can withstand the decrees of the Almighty.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 26:17
And they shall take up a lamentation for you, and say to you, How are you destroyed, that were inhabited of seafaring men, the renowned city, which were strong in the sea, she and her inhabitants, which cause their terror to be on all that haunt it!
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 27:4,25
Your borders are in the middle of the seas, your builders have perfected your beauty.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... valley of Avlona, around a small temple of Heracles, in a position commanding the ...
emporia on its way to attract customers in the markets of Tyre, Sidon, Babylon ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... of Blulai, had not only rescued Sidon from the dominion of Tyre, but had ... in the Cilician
mountains;* but neither this alliance nor the insular position of his ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... of Adonis"Berytus and its god El; Sidon and its suburbs"Tyre: its foundation ... of meaning
did not abolish the old conception of their position, and hence ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... The last convulsions of Judah and the submission of Tyre; the successes ... The position
of most ... Hormuz) on the mainland, the forerunner of the insular Hormuz of ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm