Topical Bible: Tyre: Often Confederated Against the Jews and Rejoiced in Their

◄ Tyre: Often Confederated Against the Jews and Rejoiced in Their ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Historical and Geographical Context

Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city, was located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, in what is now modern-day Lebanon. Known for its wealth, maritime prowess, and production of the famous Tyrian purple dye, Tyre was a significant commercial hub in the ancient world. The city consisted of two parts: the mainland settlement and an island fortress, which made it a formidable stronghold.

Biblical References and Relations with Israel

Throughout the biblical narrative, Tyre is frequently mentioned in relation to its interactions with the Israelites. The city is often depicted as a powerful and influential neighbor, sometimes in alliance with Israel, but more often in opposition or rivalry.

1. Alliance and Trade with Israel: Initially, Tyre had a positive relationship with Israel, particularly 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 (1 Kings 5:1-12, 1 Chronicles 14:1). This cooperation highlights a period of mutual benefit and respect between the two nations.

2. Confederation Against Israel: Despite early alliances, Tyre is later depicted as part of coalitions against Israel. The Psalms reference Tyre in a list of nations conspiring against God's people: "For they have conspired with one accord; they form an alliance against You: the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek, Philistia with the people of Tyre" (Psalm 83:5-7). This passage underscores Tyre's participation in efforts to undermine Israel.

3. Rejoicing in Israel's Calamity: Tyre's animosity towards Israel is further illustrated by its reaction to Jerusalem's downfall. The prophet Ezekiel records Tyre's gloating over Jerusalem's destruction: "Son of man, because Tyre has said of Jerusalem, ‘Aha! The gateway of the peoples is broken; it has swung open to me; I will be filled now that she lies in ruins,’ therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I am against you, O Tyre, and I will bring many nations against you, as the sea brings up its waves" (Ezekiel 26:2-3). Tyre's rejoicing in Israel's misfortune is met with divine judgment, as prophesied by Ezekiel.

4. Prophetic Judgments: The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel all pronounce judgments against Tyre, foretelling its downfall due to its pride and opposition to God's people. Isaiah prophesies Tyre's destruction and eventual restoration (Isaiah 23), while Ezekiel provides a detailed lament over Tyre's impending doom (Ezekiel 27-28). These prophecies emphasize the consequences of Tyre's arrogance and hostility towards Israel.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, Tyre's interactions with Israel serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride, materialism, and opposition to God's chosen people. The biblical narrative portrays Tyre as a city that, despite its initial cooperation with Israel, ultimately succumbed to the temptations of wealth and power, leading to its downfall. Tyre's account is a reminder of the sovereignty of God and the futility of opposing His divine plan.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 83:7
Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre;
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Ezekiel 26:2
Son of man, because that Tyrus has said against Jerusalem, Aha, she is broken that was the gates of the people: she is turned to me: I shall be replenished, now she is laid waste:
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Amos 1:9
Thus said the LORD; For three transgressions of Tyrus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom, and remembered not the brotherly covenant:
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