Bible Commentaries
Isaiah 23

Verses 1-18

The burden of Tyre opens with a graphic description of her desolation. Her harbors are closed. Her borders are desolate. The sea, which had been her highway, is abandoned, and Egypt, her ally, is affrighted at the report. The desolation is then contemplated, and the inquiry, "Who hath purposed this against Tyre?" is answered. This desolation is the act of Jehovah.

In view of this fact, the utter overthrow is again described. The prophet then declares definitely that for seventy years Tyre is to be forgotten. After seventy years she is to be visited by Jehovah, and restored to a position of influence. There is no hint of Tyre turning at any time to God. According to this prophecy, when restored she will still play the harlot with the kings of the earth. Her restoration is to be in some way in the economy of God, of service to His own people. Nothing more than this is intended.