Topical Encyclopedia The ancient city of Tyre, located on the Mediterranean coast in what is now modern-day Lebanon, was renowned for its vibrant and extensive commercial activities. As a major Phoenician city, Tyre played a pivotal role in the trade networks of the ancient Near East, serving as a hub for the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas.Biblical References and Historical Context The Bible provides several references to the commercial prowess of Tyre, highlighting its significance in the ancient world. In Ezekiel 27, the prophet Ezekiel delivers a lamentation for Tyre, portraying it as a wealthy and powerful city whose merchants were renowned across the earth. The passage describes Tyre as a "merchant of the peoples on many coasts" (Ezekiel 27:3), emphasizing its extensive trade connections. Tyre's commerce was characterized by the exchange of a wide variety of goods. Ezekiel 27:12-25 details the diverse merchandise traded by Tyre, including silver, iron, tin, lead, horses, ivory, and ebony. The city was also famous for its production of purple dye, a luxury item highly sought after in the ancient world. This dye, extracted from the murex snail, was a symbol of wealth and royalty. Trade Networks and Influence The people of Tyre were skilled sailors and navigators, which enabled them to establish trade routes across the Mediterranean and beyond. Their ships, described as "ships of Tarshish" (Isaiah 23:1), were instrumental in transporting goods to distant lands. Tyre's influence extended to regions such as Egypt, Greece, and even as far as Spain, where they traded for precious metals and other commodities. The commercial success of Tyre contributed to its wealth and opulence, as noted in Isaiah 23:8, which refers to Tyre as "the bestower of crowns, whose merchants are princes, whose traders are renowned in the earth" . This prosperity, however, also led to pride and self-reliance, which the prophets often condemned. Prophetic Warnings and Judgments The prophets of the Old Testament frequently issued warnings against Tyre, condemning its arrogance and idolatry. In Ezekiel 28, the king of Tyre is rebuked for his pride, having claimed to be a god due to his wealth and wisdom. The passage serves as a reminder of the dangers of placing trust in material riches rather than in God. Isaiah 23 prophesies the downfall of Tyre, declaring that the Lord will bring judgment upon the city for its pride and reliance on its commercial success. The prophecy foretells a period of desolation, during which Tyre's trade will cease, and its wealth will be forgotten. Legacy and Lessons The account of Tyre's commerce serves as a powerful illustration of the transient nature of worldly wealth and the importance of humility before God. While Tyre's commercial achievements were remarkable, the biblical narrative emphasizes that true security and prosperity come from reliance on the Lord rather than on human endeavors. The account of Tyre's rise and fall offers valuable lessons for individuals and nations alike, reminding believers of the need to prioritize spiritual values over material gain and to acknowledge God's sovereignty in all aspects of life. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 28:5,13,16By your great wisdom and by your traffic have you increased your riches, and your heart is lifted up because of your riches: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library From the Flood to Abraham Solomon's Reign. Results of Transgression The Earlier Hebrew Histories. Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ... The Rise of the Assyrian Empire From Abraham to Egypt. The Promised Land The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Book 1. Resources What can we learn from the tribe of Dan? | GotQuestions.orgWhere was Ur of the Chaldees? | GotQuestions.org What is Christian Socialism? | GotQuestions.org Commerce: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Commerce of the Jews: Checked in Jehoshaphat's Time Commerce of the Jews: Commenced After Their Settlement in Canaan Commerce of the Jews: Greatly Extended by Solomon Commerce of the Jews: Under Strict Laws Commerce: Articles of Blue Cloth Commerce: Articles of Bodies and Souls of Men Commerce: Articles of Chariots Commerce: Articles of Chest of Rich Apparel Commerce: Articles of Chests of Rich Apparel Commerce: Articles of Cinnamon Commerce: Articles of Clothes for Chariots Commerce: Articles of Embroidery Commerce: Articles of Frankincense Commerce: Articles of Iron and Steel Commerce: Articles of Peacocks Commerce: Articles of Perfumes Commerce: Articles of Precious Stones Commerce: Articles of Sweet Cane Commerce: Articles of Thyine Wood Commerce: Articles of White Wool Commerce: Articles of, Called: Merchandise Commerce: Articles of, Called: Wares Commerce: Called: Buying and Selling Commerce: Carried on by Egyptians Commerce: Carried on by Ethiopians Commerce: Carried on by Ishmaelites Commerce: Carried on by Means of Caravans Commerce: Carried on by Means of Ships Commerce: Carried on by Ninevites Commerce: Carried on by People of Tarshish Commerce: Carried on by People of Tyre Commerce: Carried on by Syrians Commerce: Denunciations Connected With Abuses of Commerce: Evil Practices Connected With Commerce: Illustrative of Intercourse With the Apostasy Commerce: Increased the Wealth of Nations and Individuals Commerce: Persons Engaged In, Called: Chapmen Commerce: Persons Engaged In, Called: Merchants Commerce: Persons Engaged In, Called: Sellers and Buyers Commerce: Persons Engaged In, Called: Traffickers Commerce: Persons of Distinction Engaged In Commerce: Success In, Led to Pride Commerce: The Barter of One Commodity for Another Commerce: The Exchange of Commodities for Money Commerce: Transportation of Passengers Related Terms |
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