Tyre’s prophesied restoration illustrates how God’s justice and mercy intertwine to direct nations according to His will.
“It will come about at the end of seventy years that the LORD will visit Tyre. Then she will go back to her harlot’s wages and will play the harlot with all the kingdoms on the face of the earth” (v.17). This verse focuses on Tyre, an important ancient city located in what is now southern Lebanon on the Mediterranean coast. Historically, Tyre was a significant Phoenician port that amassed wealth through expansive trade networks. By stating that the LORD “will visit Tyre,” the prophet Isaiah—who lived and ministered from about 740 to 680 BC—underscores God’s authority to oversee and intervene in the destinies of nations, whether powerful port cities or small territories. The specific phrase “seventy years” connects to a period of judgment or captivity, reminiscent of the seventy-year Babylonian exile (Jeremiah 25:11), indicating that Tyre would experience a season of downfall and then eventually be restored to continue its worldly pursuits.
In referring to Tyre’s “harlot’s wages,” Isaiah applies imagery of unfaithfulness and idolatry to describe the city’s pride and economic exploitations. This points to a spiritual failing: a reliance on material gain rather than devotion to the LORD. Although Tyre was highly revered for its commerce and influence, Isaiah’s prophecy reminds us of the inherent instability in trusting riches and alliances over trusting God (Matthew 6:19-21). Yet in God’s sovereignty, even Tyre’s revival does not escape His notice or His purpose. The LORD’s eventual “visit” demonstrates that no period of prosperity or decline occurs beyond His ultimate plan.
Biblical references to Tyre also appear in the New Testament, where Jesus mentions the city in His teachings (Matthew 11:21-22). Historically, Tyre’s significance continued into later eras, eventually becoming a place where Gentile believers emerged and interacted with the Jewish Messiah. Although Isaiah 23:17 specifically anticipates a return of political and commercial engagement for Tyre, it also suggests a global dimension to God’s plan, showing how He can use the wealth and influence of nations to serve His purposes, even when they seem far from righteousness.
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Isaiah 23:17 meaning
“It will come about at the end of seventy years that the LORD will visit Tyre. Then she will go back to her harlot’s wages and will play the harlot with all the kingdoms on the face of the earth” (v.17). This verse focuses on Tyre, an important ancient city located in what is now southern Lebanon on the Mediterranean coast. Historically, Tyre was a significant Phoenician port that amassed wealth through expansive trade networks. By stating that the LORD “will visit Tyre,” the prophet Isaiah—who lived and ministered from about 740 to 680 BC—underscores God’s authority to oversee and intervene in the destinies of nations, whether powerful port cities or small territories. The specific phrase “seventy years” connects to a period of judgment or captivity, reminiscent of the seventy-year Babylonian exile (Jeremiah 25:11), indicating that Tyre would experience a season of downfall and then eventually be restored to continue its worldly pursuits.
In referring to Tyre’s “harlot’s wages,” Isaiah applies imagery of unfaithfulness and idolatry to describe the city’s pride and economic exploitations. This points to a spiritual failing: a reliance on material gain rather than devotion to the LORD. Although Tyre was highly revered for its commerce and influence, Isaiah’s prophecy reminds us of the inherent instability in trusting riches and alliances over trusting God (Matthew 6:19-21). Yet in God’s sovereignty, even Tyre’s revival does not escape His notice or His purpose. The LORD’s eventual “visit” demonstrates that no period of prosperity or decline occurs beyond His ultimate plan.
Biblical references to Tyre also appear in the New Testament, where Jesus mentions the city in His teachings (Matthew 11:21-22). Historically, Tyre’s significance continued into later eras, eventually becoming a place where Gentile believers emerged and interacted with the Jewish Messiah. Although Isaiah 23:17 specifically anticipates a return of political and commercial engagement for Tyre, it also suggests a global dimension to God’s plan, showing how He can use the wealth and influence of nations to serve His purposes, even when they seem far from righteousness.