Isaiah 23:8
Who planned this against Tyre, the bestower of crowns, whose traders are princes, whose merchants are renowned on the earth?
Who planned this
This phrase invites us to consider the sovereignty and omniscience of God. In the Hebrew text, the word for "planned" is "יעץ" (ya'atz), which implies a deliberate and wise counsel. It suggests that the events concerning Tyre are not random but are part of a divine plan. This reflects the biblical theme that God is in control of history and the affairs of nations, orchestrating events according to His purposes.

against Tyre
Tyre was a significant ancient Phoenician city known for its wealth and strategic location as a major maritime power. The mention of Tyre here is significant because it was a city renowned for its commerce and influence. Historically, Tyre was a hub of trade and culture, and its downfall would have been seen as a monumental event. The prophecy against Tyre serves as a reminder of the transient nature of human power and wealth when set against the eternal purposes of God.

the bestower of crowns
This phrase highlights Tyre's influence and power in the ancient world. The city was known for its ability to establish and support kings, indicating its political and economic clout. The Hebrew word "מכתיר" (makhtir) suggests the act of crowning or conferring authority. This underscores the idea that earthly power and authority, no matter how significant, are ultimately subject to God's will.

whose merchants are princes
The merchants of Tyre are described as "princes," indicating their high status and the wealth they accumulated through trade. The Hebrew word "סחר" (socher) for "merchants" conveys the idea of commerce and trade, while "שרים" (sarim) for "princes" denotes nobility and leadership. This reflects the biblical principle that material wealth and social status do not equate to spiritual standing before God.

whose traders are renowned in the earth
Tyre's traders were famous worldwide, emphasizing the city's global reach and influence. The Hebrew word "כנעניה" (kena'aneha) for "traders" is related to the Canaanites, known for their trading skills. The phrase "renowned in the earth" suggests a reputation that transcends local boundaries, yet it also serves as a cautionary tale of how worldly fame and success can be fleeting when not aligned with God's purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Tyre
An ancient Phoenician city known for its wealth and trade. It was a significant maritime power and a hub of commerce in the ancient world.

2. Merchants and Traders
The people of Tyre were renowned for their trading skills and wealth. They were influential, often compared to princes due to their economic power.

3. Isaiah
The prophet who delivered God's message concerning the judgment and fate of Tyre.

4. God's Sovereignty
The underlying theme of the passage is the sovereignty of God over nations and their destinies.

5. Judgment
The event of God's judgment against Tyre for its pride and reliance on wealth.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God is in control of all nations, regardless of their power or wealth. Tyre's downfall serves as a reminder that no earthly power is beyond God's reach.

The Danger of Pride and Wealth
Tyre's merchants were like princes, yet their pride and reliance on wealth led to their downfall. Believers should guard against pride and the false security of riches.

The Temporary Nature of Earthly Success
Tyre's renowned status was temporary. Christians are encouraged to focus on eternal values rather than temporary earthly success.

God's Judgment is Just and Inevitable
God's judgment on Tyre was a result of its actions. This serves as a warning that God's justice will prevail, and we must live righteously.

Trust in God's Plan
Even when powerful entities seem invincible, God's plan will ultimately unfold. Believers should trust in God's timing and purpose.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the description of Tyre in Isaiah 23:8 reflect the city's economic and political influence in the ancient world?

2. In what ways can the downfall of Tyre serve as a warning to modern societies that prioritize wealth and power?

3. How does the theme of God's sovereignty in Isaiah 23:8 provide comfort and assurance to believers today?

4. What are some practical steps Christians can take to avoid the pitfalls of pride and reliance on material wealth?

5. How can the account of Tyre's judgment encourage believers to focus on eternal values rather than temporary successes?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezekiel 27
This chapter provides a lament for Tyre, describing its wealth and eventual downfall, similar to Isaiah's prophecy.

Proverbs 16:18
This verse speaks about pride leading to destruction, which is relevant to Tyre's situation as described in Isaiah 23:8.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon is depicted with similar themes of judgment against a wealthy and prideful city, drawing a parallel to Tyre's fate.
Commerce and DiscoveryW. H. Murray.Isaiah 23:8
God in CommerceW. H. Murray.Isaiah 23:8
God's Design in CommerceW. H. Murray.Isaiah 23:8
MerchantsT. De Witt Talmage, D. D.Isaiah 23:8
Rivalry in BusinessC. Kingsley, M. A.Isaiah 23:8
The Ancient Estimate of TradeW. H. Murray.Isaiah 23:8
The Folly of Reckless SpeculationT. De Witt Talmage, D. D.Isaiah 23:8
The Origin of CommerceW. H. Murray.Isaiah 23:8
Trade Gave Birth to Our Modern CitiesW. H. Murray.Isaiah 23:8
Tyre, The Crowning CityJ. Parker, D. D.Isaiah 23:8
Aspects of Divine JudgmentW. Clarkson Isaiah 23:1-15
The Church's Love of Worldly PatronageJ. Parker, D. D.Isaiah 23:1-18
The Fall of TyreE. Johnson Isaiah 23:1-18
The PhoeniciansProf. G. A. Smith, D. D.Isaiah 23:1-18
The Prophecy Against Tyre: LessonsJ. Parker, D. D.Isaiah 23:1-18
The Prophet's Attitude Towards Cities and StatesJ. Parker, D. D.Isaiah 23:1-18
TyreF. Delitzsch.Isaiah 23:1-18
People
Assyrians, Isaiah, Kittim, Tarshish, Zidon
Places
Assyria, Canaan, Cyprus, Egypt, Nile River, Shihor, Sidon, Tarshish, Tyre
Topics
Bestower, Business, Chiefs, Counsel, Counselled, Crowning, Crowns, Dealers, Devised, Distributor, Giver, Honorable, Honored, Honourable, Honoured, Merchants, Planned, Princes, Purposed, Renowned, Town, Traders, Traffickers, Tyre
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Isaiah 23:8

     5280   crown
     5587   trade

Isaiah 23:8-9

     5857   fame
     5917   plans

Library
The Agony, and the Consoler
Is this your joyous city, whose antiquity is of ancient days? Isaiah xxiii. 7. It is difficult to describe the agony of terror which fell on the wretched inhabitants of the gayest city of the East when they awoke to a sense of the folly into which they had been driven. These soft Syrians had no real leaders and no settled purpose of rebellion. They had simply yielded to a childish impulse of vexation. They had rebelled against an increase of taxation which might be burdensome, but was by no means
Frederic William Farrar—Gathering Clouds: A Tale of the Days of St. Chrysostom

A Prayer for the Spirit of Devotion
6. O Lord my God, Thou art all my good, and who am I that I should dare to speak unto Thee? I am the very poorest of Thy servants, an abject worm, much poorer and more despicable than I know or dare to say. Nevertheless remember, O Lord, that I am nothing, I have nothing, and can do nothing. Thou only art good, just and holy; Thou canst do all things, art over all things, fillest all things, leaving empty only the sinner. Call to mind Thy tender mercies, and fill my heart with Thy grace, Thou
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

How those are to be Admonished who have had Experience of the Sins of the Flesh, and those who have Not.
(Admonition 29.) Differently to be admonished are those who are conscious of sins of the flesh, and those who know them not. For those who have had experience of the sins of the flesh are to be admonished that, at any rate after shipwreck, they should fear the sea, and feel horror at their risk of perdition at least when it has become known to them; lest, having been mercifully preserved after evil deeds committed, by wickedly repeating the same they die. Whence to the soul that sins and never
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

On the Interpretation of Scripture
IT is a strange, though familiar fact, that great differences of opinion exist respecting the Interpretation of Scripture. All Christians receive the Old and New Testament as sacred writings, but they are not agreed about the meaning which they attribute to them. The book itself remains as at the first; the commentators seem rather to reflect the changing atmosphere of the world or of the Church. Different individuals or bodies of Christians have a different point of view, to which their interpretation
Frederick Temple—Essays and Reviews: The Education of the World

The Essay which Brings up the Rear in this Very Guilty Volume is from The...
The Essay which brings up the rear in this very guilty volume is from the pen of the "Rev. Benjamin Jowett, M.A., [Fellow and Tutor of Balliol College, and] Regius Professor of Greek in the University of Oxford,"--"a gentleman whose high personal character and general respectability seem to give a weight to his words, which assuredly they do not carry of themselves [143] ." His performance is entitled "On the Interpretation of Scripture:" being, in reality, nothing else but a laborious denial of
John William Burgon—Inspiration and Interpretation

Isaiah
CHAPTERS I-XXXIX Isaiah is the most regal of the prophets. His words and thoughts are those of a man whose eyes had seen the King, vi. 5. The times in which he lived were big with political problems, which he met as a statesman who saw the large meaning of events, and as a prophet who read a divine purpose in history. Unlike his younger contemporary Micah, he was, in all probability, an aristocrat; and during his long ministry (740-701 B.C., possibly, but not probably later) he bore testimony, as
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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