Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city, holds a significant place in biblical prophecy, particularly concerning its destruction. The city was renowned for its wealth, maritime prowess, and strategic location along the Mediterranean coast. The prophecies regarding Tyre's downfall are notably detailed in the Old Testament, with a specific focus on its second destruction by the Macedonians under Alexander the Great.

Biblical Prophecies

The prophecies concerning Tyre's destruction are primarily found in the books of Ezekiel and Isaiah. Ezekiel 26-28 provides a comprehensive account of the judgments pronounced against Tyre. Ezekiel 26:3-4 states, "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."

Ezekiel's prophecy is remarkable for its specificity, predicting that many nations would come against Tyre, culminating in its complete devastation. This prophecy was partially fulfilled during the Babylonian siege under Nebuchadnezzar, but its ultimate fulfillment came with the Macedonian conquest.

The Macedonian Conquest

The second destruction of Tyre occurred in 332 BC when Alexander the Great laid siege to the city. Tyre, at that time, was divided into two parts: the mainland city and the island city. The island city was particularly fortified and considered impregnable. However, Alexander, determined to conquer Tyre, constructed a causeway from the mainland to the island, using debris from the mainland city, fulfilling the prophecy of Tyre being made "a bare rock."

The siege lasted seven months, and despite Tyre's formidable defenses and naval strength, Alexander's forces eventually breached the city. The fall of Tyre was brutal, with many of its inhabitants killed or sold into slavery, and the city was left in ruins, aligning with the prophetic declarations.

Isaiah's Prophetic Insight

Isaiah also prophesied concerning Tyre, highlighting its eventual downfall. Isaiah 23:1 declares, "An oracle concerning Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is destroyed, without house or harbor. From the land of Cyprus word has come to them." This prophecy underscores the far-reaching impact of Tyre's destruction, affecting trade and commerce across the region.

Historical and Theological Significance

The fulfillment of these prophecies serves as a testament to the accuracy and divine inspiration of biblical prophecy. Tyre's destruction by the Macedonians is a historical event that corroborates the biblical narrative, demonstrating God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to bring about His purposes through historical events.

The prophecies against Tyre also serve as a moral and spiritual lesson, illustrating the consequences of pride and defiance against God. Tyre's wealth and self-sufficiency led to its downfall, a theme echoed throughout Scripture, warning against the dangers of hubris and the neglect of divine authority.Ezekiel 27:32
And in their wailing they shall take up a lamentation for you, and lament over you, saying, What city is like Tyrus, like the destroyed in the middle of the sea?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 28:7,8,18
Behold, therefore I will bring strangers on you, the terrible of the nations: and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of your wisdom, and they shall defile your brightness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Zechariah 9:2-4
And Hamath also shall border thereby; Tyrus, and Zidon, though it be very wise.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... of Judah and the submission of Tyre; the successes ... down from generation to generation
in all its original purity.*. ... given at the beginning of his prophecies (i.1 ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

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