The Trye of old Phoencia was situated on an island about one-half mile off the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. This narrow water barrier fostered some protection and security for the citizens of the island. Of course, being an island-city, there were disadvantages; it meant having to maintain supplies from the mainland. The greatest import regarding Trye was her strategic location for overseas trade. She became a city to emulate, and many around the Mediterranean theater took economic and military cues from her.
Isaiah 23, Jeremiah 25, Ezekiel 26-28, Joel 3, Amos 1 and Zechariah 9 bring words of judgment, in fact, each prophet made doubly-sure that the inhabitants of Tyre knew that complete devastation was in the forecast. Why the strong words against Trye?
1. The alliance between Ahab and the Phoenician wife, Jezebel? (1 Kings 16:30-31)
2. The self-proclamation of being a 'god'? (Ezek. 28)
3. For selling the inhabitants of Jerusalem into slavery? (Amos 1)
Scholars make the case that it was Alexander the Great that ultimately brought Tyre to her knees (332 B.C.).
Jesus heaped up words of confrontation to His very own people of Galilee, and He refers to Tyre: Matthew 11:21-2 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.
Trye, along with these other cities, should register a recall for us, a recall to plead with God for pliable consciences and supple hearts, to heed His Word.
G. Mark Sumpter
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