Title: Judgment Prophecy against Tire/Isaiah 23
Judgment Prophecy against Tire
Isaiah 23
The message of judgment on Israel's neighboring countries, which begins in Chapter 13, ends in this chapter with a prophecy of judgment on Tire, which at the time was rich in maritime trade. This chapter prophesies not only the judgment on Tire, but also the restoration that will come after 70 years of judgment.
1. Prophecy of the judgment of Tire (1-14)
Tire, located in the southernmost part of the Phoenician region, north of the coast of Palestine, was a city that enjoyed wealth and glory as an ancient voyage and commerce hub.
① The destruction of Tire and its consequences (1-5, 13-14)
The mournful cry of the ships of Tarshish speaks of the fall of Tire. There were no people, it became a dwelling place for wild animals, and the strong city was destroyed. (1, 13-14)
The news of Tire's destruction alarms the cities and countries on the Mediterranean coast that have become rich through trade with them. Egypt made great profits by selling grain and agricultural products harvested from the Nile Delta through Tire. However, with the defeat of Tire, the profits were lost. In addition, all the countries along the Mediterranean coast, which became rich by participating in the Mediterranean maritime trade with Tire, experienced the same sorrow.
Isaiah vividly shows the futility of those who depend on the power of this world. No matter how powerful a force may be, it will never become a permanent protector.
② The Sorrow of Tire (6-12)
After admonishing the defeated people of Tire to cross over to Tarshish and Kittim, where they had previously ruled and reigned, Isaiah declared that they would not be welcomed there either.
Tire, which once dominated the city-states of the Mediterranean, has now, in contrast, been reduced to a fleeing church to Tarshish, at the westernmost tip of the Mediterranean. If you are arrogant and rely on your own power and strength, you can only face disastrous results like Tire.
2. Prophecy of the Restoration of Tire (15-18)
After completing the prophecy of judgment, Isaiah prophesies of restoration.
After the destruction of Tire, it will be restored after 70 years, and as before, it will benefit greatly from the Mediterranean sea trade.
Tire realizes that all history is due to Jehovah, and gives a portion of the profits to Jehovah.