'Her Profit Must Become Something Holy'

How remarkable are the following prophetic words!   "Her profit and her hire must become something holy to Jehovah.  It will not be stored up, nor be laid up, because her hire will come to be for those dwelling before Jehovah, for eating to satisfaction and for elegant covering."  (Isaiah 23:18)  How does Tyre's material profit become something holy?  Jehovah maneuvers matters so that  it is used accordingly to his will-for the eating to satisfaction of his people and for their covering.  This comes about following the Israelite's return from Babylonian exile.  The people of Tyre assist them by supplying cedar timbers for rebuilding the temple.  They also resume trade with the city of Jerusalem. -Ezra 3:7; Nehemiah 13:16.

Despite this, Jehovah inspires a further pronouncement against Tyre.  Zechariah prophesies concerning the now wealthy island city:  "Look! Jehovah himself will dispossess her, and into the sea he will certainly strike down her military force; and in the fire she herself will be devoured."  (Zechariah 9:4)  This is fulfilled  in July 332 B.C.E. when Alexander the Great demolishes that proud mistress of the sea.

Next time: Avoid Materialism and Pride

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