Week 27 Ezekiel
Ezekiel devotes eight chapters to prophecies against nations outside of Israel’s borders. The eight chapters – from 25 to 32 – have almost 200 verses and out of those 200 Tyre is the topic of about 85. More than 40%.
From the sound of it Tyre had as globalized an economy as any nation in the ancient world. Ezekiel names Tyres’ international connections – Senir Lebanon Bashan Cyprus Egypt Elishah Sidon Arvad Gebal Persia Lydia Libya Helech Gammad Tarshish Greece Tubal Meshech Togarmah Dedan numerous-coastlands Aram Judah Israel Damacus Arabia Kedar Sheba Raamah Haran Canneh Eden Asshur Kilmad. Tyrian merchants made the rounds.
Tyre’s manufactured goods were bartered for silver iron tin lead slaves bronze horses chariots mules ivory ebony turquoise dyes embroideries linen coral rubies wheat figs honey oil balm wine wool wrought-iron cassia calamus saddle-blankets lambs rams goats spices jewels carpets gold fabric.
Tyre. What a great little island-city-state. Prosperous. Industrious. Secure. Materially wealthy. Big reputation. Great place to live. Proud of its accomplishments.
Really proud. In fact the Lord said: in your great pride you claim, “I am a god!”…With your wisdom and understanding you have amassed great wealth…Your wisdom has made you very rich, and your riches have made you very proud.
Pride is a tricky quality. I guess a bit is okay if I’m cautious. But Tyre’s pride was over-the-top pride. Arrogant pride. Pride enough that they felt like gods.
Note: see Tyre in Ezekiel 27. Quotes from 28:2, 4-5 (NLT)