Topical Bible: Riches: Examples of Wicked Men Possessing: People of Tyre

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The ancient city of Tyre, a prominent Phoenician seaport, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of wealth and commercial success. However, the Scriptures also portray the people of Tyre as embodying the moral and spiritual corruption that can accompany great riches. The prophets often condemned Tyre for its pride, idolatry, and exploitation, highlighting the dangers of wealth when it leads to wickedness.

Biblical References:

1. Ezekiel's Lamentation over Tyre:
The prophet Ezekiel provides a detailed account of Tyre's wealth and subsequent downfall in Ezekiel 27 and 28. Tyre is depicted as a thriving hub of commerce, trading with many nations and amassing great riches. However, Ezekiel condemns the city for its arrogance and self-exaltation. In Ezekiel 28:5 , it is written, "By your great skill in trading you have increased your wealth, but your heart has grown proud because of it." This passage underscores the spiritual peril of allowing material success to foster pride and self-reliance, leading to moral decay.

2. Judgment Pronounced by Isaiah:
The prophet Isaiah also speaks against Tyre, predicting its downfall due to its sinful ways. In Isaiah 23:8-9 , the prophet asks, "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." Here, Isaiah highlights the divine judgment that awaits those who misuse their wealth and status, emphasizing that God will not tolerate the arrogance and idolatry that often accompany great riches.

3. The Fall of Tyre:
Tyre's eventual destruction serves as a historical testament to the biblical warnings against the corrupting influence of wealth. The city's fall is seen as a fulfillment of prophetic declarations, illustrating the consequences of prioritizing material gain over righteousness. The narrative of Tyre serves as a cautionary tale, reminding believers of the transient nature of earthly riches and the importance of maintaining a humble and God-centered life.

Theological Implications:

The biblical portrayal of Tyre and its people serves as a powerful reminder of the moral responsibilities that accompany wealth. The Scriptures consistently warn against the dangers of allowing riches to lead to pride, idolatry, and exploitation. The people of Tyre exemplify how material prosperity can result in spiritual impoverishment when it becomes an end in itself rather than a means to serve God and others.

In the broader biblical context, the account of Tyre encourages believers to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33), rather than placing their trust in uncertain riches. It calls for a heart that is rich in faith and good works, rather than one that is consumed by the pursuit of wealth and the power it can bring.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 28:5
By 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

Book iii when She Finished Her Lay, Its Soothing Tones Left Me ...
... And this brings its penalty with it: wicked people bring a ... are full of examples of
the contrary; examples of men ... lest he should part with the riches which he ...
/.../boethius/the consolation of philosophy/book iii when she finished.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... abroad but that which tells of its riches, its industry ... of the world was explained
by examples borrowed from the ... and the stumbling-blocks with the wicked; and I ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... to distribute implements of husbandry to pions men, or to ... young woman, the ugliest
and most wicked it had ... These examples reveal a blending of Grecian types and ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm