Isaiah 23

Chap. XXIII. Ver. 1—18. An oracle concerning Tyre and Tarshish—This prophecy denounces the destruction of Tyre by Nebuchadnezzar. It was delivered at least 125 years before its accomplishment, at a time when the Babylonians were the subjects and slaves of the Assyrian empire, (ver. 13.) and when such an event was, in human appearance, very improbable. It opens with an address to the Tyrian traders and Eliakim is understood to be the successor of Shebna, and a type of the Messiah. Enlarged upon, and contrasted with its impending ruin. After this, the prophet foretels it should again recover its splendour, when the period fixed for the duration of the Babylonian empire should expire; which accordingly it did; not only after its first destruction by Nebuchadnezzar, but also after a second destruction by Alexander.

Tyre, on account of her promiscuous commerce with all nations, is compared to a harlot, receiving all comers. Her hire is the produce of her commerce, and that, being consecrated to the Lord, is thought to refer to her early conversion to Christianity. St. Paul found a number of Christians there, in his journey to Jerusalem. ((Acts 21:4).) Thus God tempers his judgments with mercy; but that mercy, when abused, calls for judgments still more severe. Accordingly Tyre, which continued Christian to the seventh prophet, bare rock—“a place to spread nets upon.” (Ezek.