Topical Bible: Tyre: Prophecies Respecting: Never to Recover Its Greatness

◄ Tyre: Prophecies Respecting: Never to Recover Its Greatness ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city located on the Mediterranean coast, was renowned for its wealth, commerce, and strategic maritime position. Throughout biblical history, Tyre is frequently mentioned, particularly in the context of its interactions with Israel and its eventual downfall as prophesied by several biblical prophets.

Prophecies of Destruction

The city of Tyre is the subject of significant prophetic declarations, particularly in the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. These prophecies foretell the city's destruction and its inability to regain its former glory.

Isaiah's Prophecy

Isaiah prophesied against Tyre, predicting its downfall due to its pride and self-sufficiency. In Isaiah 23:1-18, the prophet describes the lamentation over Tyre's destruction and the cessation of its trade. Isaiah 23:8-9 states, "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 all its glorious beauty, to disgrace all the renowned of the earth."

Ezekiel's Detailed Prophecy

Ezekiel provides a detailed account of Tyre's impending judgment. In Ezekiel 26:1-21, the prophet speaks of Tyre's destruction by many nations, led by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Ezekiel 26:14 declares, "I will make you a bare rock, and you will become a place to spread nets. You will never be rebuilt, for I, the LORD, have spoken, declares the Lord GOD."

Ezekiel 27 and 28 further elaborate on Tyre's fall, describing its wealth and splendor, and the pride that led to its downfall. Ezekiel 28:2 highlights the city's arrogance: "Son of man, say to the ruler of Tyre, ‘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."

Jeremiah's Confirmation

Jeremiah also prophesies against Tyre, aligning with the declarations of Isaiah and Ezekiel. In Jeremiah 25:22 and 27:3, Tyre is listed among the nations that will drink the cup of the LORD's wrath, indicating its impending judgment and subjugation.

Historical Fulfillment

Historically, Tyre experienced several sieges and destructions, most notably by Nebuchadnezzar II and later by Alexander the Great. The city never fully recovered its former status as a dominant maritime power. The fulfillment of these prophecies is seen as a testament to the accuracy and divine inspiration of the biblical text, as Tyre's greatness was permanently diminished, aligning with the prophetic declarations that it would "never be rebuilt" to its former glory.

The prophecies concerning Tyre serve as a powerful reminder of the consequences of pride and the sovereignty of God over nations, as well as the fulfillment of His word through the prophets.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 26:21
I will make you a terror, and you shall be no more: though you be sought for, yet shall you never be found again, said the Lord GOD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200
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their prophecies; for which ... third book of the Exegetics, respecting those that ...
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