Topical Bible: Tyre: Prophecies Respecting: Inhabitants of, to Emigrated to Other Countries

◄ Tyre: Prophecies Respecting: Inhabitants of, to Emigrated to Other Countries ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city located on the Mediterranean coast, holds a significant place in biblical prophecy. Known for its wealth, maritime prowess, and strategic location, Tyre was a hub of commerce and culture. The Bible contains several prophecies concerning Tyre, particularly focusing on its inhabitants and their eventual dispersion to other nations.

Prophecies Against Tyre

The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Amos all delivered messages concerning Tyre, highlighting its impending judgment due to pride and idolatry. Ezekiel's prophecies are particularly detailed, foretelling the city's downfall and the fate of its people.

Ezekiel 26:2-5 states: "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: Behold, I am against you, O Tyre, and I will bring many nations against you, like the sea casting up its waves. They will destroy the walls of Tyre and demolish her towers. I will scrape the soil from her and make her a bare rock."

This prophecy indicates that Tyre's inhabitants would face destruction and displacement due to their arrogance and rejoicing over Jerusalem's downfall.

Inhabitants of Tyre

The people of Tyre were known for their skill in trade and navigation. They established colonies and trading posts throughout the Mediterranean, contributing to their wealth and influence. However, their reliance on material prosperity and alliances with pagan nations led to their spiritual downfall.

Ezekiel 28:2-8 further elaborates on the pride of Tyre's ruler and people: "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 a god 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. Behold, you are wiser than Daniel; no secret is hidden from you! By your wisdom and understanding you have gained your wealth and amassed gold and silver for your treasuries. By your great skill in trading you have increased your wealth, but your heart has grown proud because of it. Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Because you regard your heart as that of a god, behold, I will bring strangers against you, the most ruthless of the nations. They will draw their swords against the beauty of your wisdom and defile your splendor. They will bring you down to the Pit, and you will die a violent death in the heart of the seas.'"

Emigration to Other Countries

The prophecies concerning Tyre also include the dispersion of its inhabitants. As the city faced conquest and destruction, many of its people were forced to flee, seeking refuge in other lands. This dispersion fulfilled the prophetic words spoken against Tyre, as its people were scattered among the nations.

Isaiah 23:6-7 speaks to this dispersion: "Cross over to Tarshish; wail, O inhabitants of the coastland. Is this your jubilant city, whose origin is from antiquity, whose feet have taken her to settle in far-off lands?"

The emigration of Tyre's inhabitants serves as a testament to the fulfillment of biblical prophecy, illustrating the consequences of pride and disobedience to God. The scattering of the people of Tyre is a reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and the enduring sovereignty of God over the nations.