In this chapter, Isaiah informs Tyre and its people why it was destroyed. Here’s how the chapter begins: “This message came to me concerning Tyre: Weep, O ships of Tarshish, returning home from distant lands! Weep for your harbor at Tyre because it is gone! The rumors you heard in Cyprus are all true. Mourn in silence, you people of the coast and you merchants of Sidon. Your traders crossed the sea, sailing over deep waters. They brought you grain from Egypt and harvests from along the Nile. You were the merchandise mart of the world.
But now you are put to shame, city of Sidon, fortress on the sea. For the sea says, “Now I am childless; I have no sons or daughters.” When Egypt hears the news about Tyre, there will be great sorrow. Flee now to Tarshish! Wail, you people who live by the sea! How can this silent ruin be all that is left of your once joyous city? What a history was yours! Think of all the colonists you sent to distant lands.
Who has brought this disaster on Tyre, empire builder and chief trader of the world? The Lord Almighty has done it to destroy your pride and show his contempt for all human greatness. (Wow! Our pride and how great we THINK we are will destroy us.) Come, Tarshish, sweep over our mother Tyre like the flooding Nile, for the city is defenseless. The Lord holds out his hand over the seas. He shakes the kingdoms of the earth. He has spoken out against Phoenicia and depleted its strength. He says, “Never again will you rejoice, O daughter of Sidon. Once you were a lovely city, but you will never again be strong. Even if you flee to Cyprus, you will find no rest.”
The chapter ends with Isaiah informing the people that Tyre will be forgotten for seventy years.
As usual, read the rest of the chapter for yourself, draw some conclusions, make some connections, and strive to deepen your knowledge.
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us, Lord, expel our haughtiness and pride. Help us be humble, modest , and grateful. Lord, we love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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