Topical Bible: Tyre: Soldiers of, Supplied by Persia

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Topical Encyclopedia

Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city located on the Mediterranean coast, was renowned for its strategic maritime position and its role as a significant trading hub. Throughout its history, Tyre maintained a complex relationship with surrounding empires, including Persia. The soldiers of Tyre, known for their maritime prowess and skilled craftsmanship, were at times supplied and supported by the Persian Empire, particularly during periods of mutual interest and alliance.

Historical Context

Tyre's relationship with Persia can be traced back to the Achaemenid Empire's expansion under Cyrus the Great and his successors. The Persians, recognizing the strategic importance of Tyre's naval capabilities, often sought alliances with the city to bolster their own military endeavors, especially in campaigns that required naval support.

Biblical References

While the Bible does not explicitly detail the military alliances between Tyre and Persia, it provides context for the geopolitical landscape of the region. In the Book of Ezekiel, Tyre is depicted as a powerful and wealthy city, whose influence extended across the seas. Ezekiel 27:3-4 states, "Say to Tyre, who is situated at the gateway of the sea, merchant of the peoples on many coasts, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: You have said, O Tyre, ‘I am perfect in beauty.’ Your borders are in the heart of the seas; your builders perfected your beauty."

The prophetic literature often highlights Tyre's interactions with surrounding nations, including its eventual downfall due to its pride and reliance on foreign alliances. Ezekiel 28:7 warns, "Behold, I will bring strangers against you, the most ruthless of the nations, and they will draw their swords against the beauty of your wisdom and defile your splendor."

Persian Influence and Military Support

During the Persian period, Tyre's soldiers were likely integrated into the broader military strategies of the empire. The Persians, known for their administrative acumen and ability to incorporate various peoples into their military, would have valued Tyre's naval expertise. This relationship was mutually beneficial, as Tyre gained protection and support from the vast resources of the Persian Empire.

The Book of Ezra provides insight into the Persian policy of supporting local powers to achieve their objectives. Ezra 3:7 notes, "Then they gave money to the masons and carpenters, and food and drink and oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre, so that they would bring cedar logs from Lebanon to the sea at Joppa, as authorized by Cyrus king of Persia." This passage, while focused on the rebuilding of the temple, illustrates the broader Persian strategy of utilizing local resources and expertise.

Military and Cultural Exchange

The collaboration between Tyre and Persia was not limited to military endeavors. Cultural and technological exchanges were common, as Tyre's artisans and craftsmen contributed to the Persian Empire's architectural and artistic projects. This exchange further solidified the bond between Tyre and Persia, as both entities benefited from shared knowledge and resources.

In summary, the soldiers of Tyre, supplied and supported by Persia, played a crucial role in the military and cultural dynamics of the ancient Near East. Their alliance with the Persian Empire highlights the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations and the strategic importance of Tyre's maritime capabilities.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 27:10,11
They of Persia and of Lud and of Phut were in your army, your men of war: they hanged the shield and helmet in you; they set forth your comeliness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Ecclesiastical History of Theodoret
... Chapter X.--The daily wants of the Church supplied by the Emperor, and an account
of his other virtues. ... Chapter XXVIII.--The Council of Tyre. ... To the Soldiers. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/

Book 1.
... of Nebuchadnezzar he began to besiege Tyre, and Cyrus ... order thereto, he commanded
all his soldiers in general ... was with him, while the country supplied all that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/book 1.htm

Sozomen as Author.
... with the finest linen cloth, and supplied him with ... idolatry and introduce the faith,
Sozomen says, "Soldiers were not ... of Constantine to the Synod of Tyre (ii.28 ...
/.../sozomen/the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/part ii sozomen as author.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... were bands of adventurers, consisting of soldiers belonging to ... through wide wadys,
tolerably well supplied with water ... The Phoenicians of Tyre and Sidon had too ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... and Babylon, while others embarked at Tyre or Sidon ... soldiers themselves, always ready,
as soldiers are, to ... The latter, indeed, supplied more than she received ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... of Judah and the submission of Tyre; the successes ... national vigour, in the number
of its soldiers, in the ... the time of the Seleucides, Media supplied nearly the ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... Sidon from the dominion of Tyre, but had ... been dispersed among distant provinces were
supplied with clothes ... and lightly equipped foot-soldiers, and despatched ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... as a house"with which the good deity supplied him ... and passed over from Cambyses to
him, Persia and Media ... Tyre had led a far from peaceful existence ever since ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... After his return to the camp, where his soldiers were allowed a short ... with their
wonted prudence, hastened to anticipate his demands"Tyre, Sidon, Byblos ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... It had been applied to the whole country of Elam, and afterwards to Persia. ... favourably
situated, and possessed so much wealth and so many soldiers, while its ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm