Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city located on the Mediterranean coast, is frequently mentioned in the Bible. Known for its wealth, commerce, and strategic maritime position, Tyre's glory is a subject of both admiration and prophetic judgment in the Scriptures. The city's history and its interactions with Israel provide a rich tapestry for understanding its significance in biblical narratives. Historical Context: Tyre was a major Phoenician port city, renowned for its skilled sailors and extensive trade networks. It was composed of two parts: the mainland settlement and the island city, which was heavily fortified. Tyre's prosperity was largely due to its control over maritime trade routes and its production of the highly prized Tyrian purple dye. Biblical References: 1. Wealth and Commerce: Tyre's wealth is highlighted in Ezekiel 27, where the city is depicted as a merchant of peoples, trading with many nations. The chapter poetically describes Tyre's extensive trade network, listing various goods and trading partners. "Your wealth, your wares, your merchandise, your mariners, your sailors, your repairers of seams, your dealers in merchandise, and all your men of war who are in you, with all your company which is in your midst, will fall into the heart of the seas on the day of your overthrow" (Ezekiel 27:27). 2. Pride and Hubris: Tyre's glory led to pride, which is addressed in Ezekiel 28. The king of Tyre is described as having a heart lifted up because of his beauty and wisdom. "Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. So I cast you to the earth; I made you a spectacle before kings" (Ezekiel 28:17). This passage is often interpreted as a dual prophecy, addressing both the human king and a spiritual power behind him. 3. Judgment and Prophecy: The prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel pronounced judgments against Tyre, foretelling its downfall due to its arrogance and opposition to God's people. Isaiah 23 speaks of Tyre's destruction and eventual restoration: "The LORD of Hosts has purposed it, to defile the pride of all glory, to humble all the renowned of the earth" (Isaiah 23:9). Ezekiel 26-28 provides a detailed prophecy of Tyre's siege and destruction by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. 4. Relationship with Israel: Tyre had a complex relationship with Israel. King Hiram of Tyre was a friend and ally of King David and Solomon, providing materials and craftsmen for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 5:1-12). However, later interactions were marked by tension and hostility, as seen in the prophetic judgments. 5. Symbolism and Typology: In biblical typology, Tyre often symbolizes human pride and the futility of relying on wealth and power apart from God. The city's fall serves as a warning against the dangers of arrogance and self-sufficiency. Conclusion: The glory of Tyre, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a testament to the transient nature of human achievement and the ultimate sovereignty of God. Through its rise and fall, Tyre illustrates the biblical themes of pride, judgment, and the hope of redemption. Subtopics Glory of God: Described As Great Glory of God: Enlightens God's People Glory of God: Exhibited in Christ Glory of God: Exhibited in his Name Glory of God: Exhibited to Moses Glory of God: God is Jealous of Glory of God: Saints Desire to Behold Glory of God: The Earth is Full of Glory of God: The Knowledge of, Shall Fill the Earth Glory of God: The People of God Glory of Hypocrites Turned to Shame Glory of the Church Shall be Rich and Abundant Glory of the Gospel Exceeds That of the Law Glory of the Gospel, Exceeds That of the Law Glory of the Wicked is in Their Shame Glory of the Wicked: Ends in Destruction Glory: Christ Is, to his People Glory: Eternal of God's People Shall be Rich and Abundant Glory: Eternal: Accompanies Salvation by Christ Glory: Eternal: Afflictions of Ministers Are, to Saints Glory: Eternal: Enhanced by Afflictions Glory: Eternal: Enhanced by Present Afflictions Glory: Eternal: Inherited by Saints Glory: Eternal: Present Afflictions not Worthy to be Compared With Glory: Eternal: Procured by the Death of Christ Glory: Eternal: Saints Afore Prepared To Glory: Eternal: Saints Called To Glory: Eternal: Saints Prepared Unto Glory: Eternal: Saints Shall Be, of Their Ministers Glory: Eternal: The Bodies of Saints Shall be Raised In Glory: Saints Shall Be, of Their Ministers Glory: Spiritual is Given by Christ Glory: Spiritual is Given by God Glory: Spiritual is the Work of the Holy Spirit Glory: Temporal is Given by God Glory: Temporal of Hypocrites Turned to Shame Glory: Temporal of the Wicked is in Their Shame Glory: Temporal: Ends in Destruction Glory: Temporal: Seek Not, from Man Glory: Temporal: The Devil Tries to Seduce By Glory: The Bodies of Saints Shall be Raised In Glory: The Gospel Ordained to Be, to Saints Glory: The Joy of Saints is Full of Select Readings: The Glory of God The Glory of God: Enlightens the Church The Glory of God: Exhibited in Christ The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Holiness The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Majesty The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Name The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Power The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Works The Glory of God: Exhibited to His Church The Glory of God: Exhibited to Moses The Glory of God: Exhibited to Stephen The Glory of God: God is Jealous The Glory of God: Highly Exalted The Glory of God: Plead in Prayer The Glory of God: Saints Desire to Behold The Glory of God: The Earth is Full of The Glory of God: The Knowledge of, Shall Fill the Earth Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |