Isaiah 23:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Thus, Tyre was destined to remain abandoned for the same number of years, reflecting the span of a human life—as the beloved David writes, "The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away" (Psalms 90:10). After the completion of seventy years, a Tyre shall arise reminiscent of the song of a wayward woman. Raise your harp, forsaken city, and sing heartily, that your name might endure. This woman, once vibrant, entices many with the allure of her youth and beauty, ensnaring those who desire her form. However, as her beauty diminishes with age, she finds her ability to lure her suitors waning, compelling her to resort to other means of attracting undesirable company, such as through song and melody; for many take delight in her music. In this pursuit, she recalls glimpses of her past, while some still commend her beauty even in her twilight years. A similar fate awaits the people of Tyre, who will become akin to the songs of a forgotten woman, stripped of their former allure; there will be music, but it will merely evoke memories of what once was. Yet, you, O Tyre, like an aging and faded seductress, lift up your harp and make your melodies known, for you have become a city reminiscent of a distant memory. As the beauty of women fades, those who once admired them tend to forget. Therefore, sing fervently and well, that you might still be remembered.

“Take a harp, wander about the city, you forgotten harlot, play deftly, sing many songs, so that you may be remembered.” You have engaged in unfaithful alliances with numerous nations; your former lovers now scorn you—abandoned, exposed, and stained by captivity. Double your lament; traverse the city, mourning for your past sins. Wash away the remnants of your former errors with tears, that you might invoke God’s mercy upon yourself.

And it shall come to pass that after seventy years, the Lord will look upon Tyre and restore its fortunes, rekindling its connections with all the kingdoms of the earth. Historical accounts from the Greeks and Phoenicians attest to Tyre's fulfillment of this prophecy, for after seventy years, the city was revived, regained its strength, and resumed trading with nations—an act that could be likened to fornication, as the merchants flocking from all around entered the city's allure as if paying for their indulgence.

The commerce and goods of Tyre will be dedicated to the Lord, not hoarded away in storehouses. The transactions will be for those who live in His presence, allowing them to partake in abundance, clothed in strength. We do not yet know of a historical fulfillment of this, except perhaps after the rebuilding of Jerusalem and Tyre. It is possible that the Tyrians maintained friendly relations and offered gifts to God’s temple. Moreover, we read in Ezra that Nehemiah expelled the Tyrians who sold fish on the Sabbath, thus illustrating the complex relationship between these communities. Many Jews anticipate a future fulfillment of this prophecy, speculating it will occur after the coming of the Antichrist within a thousand years. It is not surprising that those who have rejected the truth of Christ foresee this, as do some Jewish Christians who affirm a future millennial age.

As for me, I comprehend the imagery of destruction associated with Babylon as indicative of the completion of certain ages, just as I interpret the altar of the Lord in Egypt and the throne of the Savior in Moab in relation to Christ’s time. I see the vision of Tyre as emblematic of the flourishing of Christianity, for when it returns to its former state, merchants too will enjoy a renewed life, dedicating their goods and efforts to the Lord. Observing the churches established in Tyre, we witness their affluence not hoarded, but shared with those who serve God, drawing from the altar (1 Cor. 9:13). Their gifts are not merely for the wealthy or for clergy gain but to sustain life’s necessities, echoing the Apostle's teaching that having food and clothing should suffice (1 Tim. 6:8). Notably, it is not said that Tyre's dedicated commerce benefits only those in Jerusalem, but rather those who live in the Lord's presence. For as Scripture ordains, those who preach the gospel are to live by the gospel (1 Cor. 9:14). Serving the Lord is not confined to a specific place but is defined by virtue.

We have previously depicted Isaiah’s visions regarding known nations through historical interpretation, maintaining fidelity to the Hebrew origins. What follows is relevant to all nations and the forthcoming end of the world. You did not request me to elaborate further, and I barely managed to fulfill what you asked, leaving no time for superfluous commentary.

And it shall happen that Tyre will be left desolate for seventy years, akin to the reign of one king—a reflection of mortality. After this period, Tyre shall resonate with the tones of a harlot's melancholy. “Take the harp, roam, you city abandoned to forgetfulness. Play skillfully, sing numerous melodies, so that you might be recalled.” But by the end of seventy years, the Lord will visit Tyre, restoring it to its former stature, and its trade will reach all realms across the earth. Its commerce will be sacred unto the Lord; it will not be hoarded but shared with those who stand in His presence. It will be a commemoration before the Lord rather than a mere accumulation.

While the phrases denoting remembrance and the human timescale may not appear in the Hebrew text, they are incorporated into the Greek rendition. After seventy years of calamity, Tyre will be liberated and, upon the fulfillment of its time of desolation, the song of the former harlot shall transform into praises for God. Strings will be tuned in celebration, and through harmonious melodies, a long-forgotten memory shall be rekindled, with Tyre restored to prosperity, yielding the treasures of the world. Yet the bounty of Tyre’s endeavors will not be hoarded for the Tyrians but shared with those living in the Lord's presence, enabling them to feast and revel in the earth’s abundance, harvested through collective efforts.

Divine pronouncements call Sidon and Tyre to repentance, promising that their labor and produce will be dedicated to the Lord. Who among the sinners cannot harbor hopes for redemption, if one will but sing beautifully and tune their unstrung virtues to exalt the Lord? In Psalm forty-four, which alludes to the union of the bridegroom and bride—God and the Church—we find, “And the daughters of Tyre shall come with gifts; the rich among the people shall entreat your favor” (Psalm 44:13). The bridegroom proclaims to Tyre's bride: “Hearken, O daughters; consider and incline your ear; forget your own people and your father's house; for the King will desire your beauty” (vv. 11-12). It is proclaimed, “The queen stands at your right hand, adorned in gold” (v. 10) and, “All glorious is the princess in the chamber within” (v. 14). How much more will the goods and commerce of the repented Tyrian resemble those who dwell in the Lord's presence? Having turned back, they will hear from the Lord Himself, “Come, eat and drink.” The significance of being nourished and satisfied by the abundance of virtue is well understood by those who are faithful.

Historical accounts demonstrate that the temple lay desolate for seventy years, as noted by Jeremiah (Jer. 29), Daniel (Dan. 9), and Zechariah (Zech. 7). Likewise, Ezekiel (Ezek. 16) speaks of Sodom and Egypt’s restoration following their desolations. The number seventy signifies complete repentance; when Tyre fulfills its time of penance, it will rightly regain its former glory. Of this harlot, Solomon’s Proverbs express a deep wisdom: “Let not thy heart incline to her ways; neither go astray in her paths; for she hath cast down many wounded, and strong men have been slain by her” (Prov. 7:25-26). From her window, she watches the street for the unsophisticated; in her pleasures, she leads them to ruin. Should she turn, embrace repentance, and fulfill the period of her restoration, she will feast and revel in abundance. Let Novatian hear these words and remain silent.