Exultant "From Her Early Times"

Tyre is an ancient city, as Isaiah reminds us when he asks:  "Is this your city that was exultant from days of long ago, from her early times?"  (Isaiah 23:7)  Tyre's prosperous history extends at least as far back as Joshua's  time.  (Joshua 19:29) Over the years, Tyre has become famous as a manufacturer of metal objects, glassware, and purple dye.  Robes of Tyrian purple command the highest prices, and Tyre's costly fabrics are sought after by the nobility.  (Compare Ezekiel 27:7, 24)  Tyre is also a trading center for overland caravans as well as a great import-export depot.

Moreover, the city is militarily strong. L. Sprague de Camp writes:  "Although not especially warlike-they were businessmen, not soldiers-the Phoenicians defended their cities with fanatical courage and stubbornness.  These qualities, as well as their naval might, enabled the Tyrians to hold out against  the Assyrian army, the strongest of its time." 

Indeed, Tyre makes her mark on the Mediterranean world.  "Her feet used to bring her far away to reside as an alien."  (Isaiah 23:7b)  Phoenicians travel to distant places, setting up trading posts and ports of call, which in some instances grow into colonies.  For example, Carthage, on the north coast of Africa, is a colony of Tyre.  In time, it will surpass Tyre and rival Rome for influence in the Mediterranean world.

Next time: Her Pride Will Be Profaned

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000