"Take a zither, roam about the city, you forgotten harlot; play melodiously, sing numerous songs, that your memory might linger." Having forsaken faithfulness to various nations, Tyre's previous admirers have abandoned her, left vulnerable and sullied by captivity. Let the lamentations soar, wandering throughout the city and washing away past errors with tears to earn God’s mercy on her soul.
In due time, the Lord shall visit Tyre after these seventy years and restore her fortunes, rekindling her relationships with the kingdoms of the earth. The testimonies of both Greek and Phoenician historians attest to the restoration of the city, regaining her previous strength and initiating trade with nations—often referred to metaphorically as illicit relations, akin to a harlot, where the merchants come to partake of the city's splendor as if they are entering a house of sin.
Moreover, the trade and goods of Tyre will be sanctified for the Lord; they will not be hoarded but shared with those who live in His presence, that they may eat and be satisfied, clothed in strength. We are left to ponder the historical fulfillment of these prophecies, perhaps suggesting that the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the renewal of Tyre established a friendly rapport, allowing the Tyrians to send offerings to the Temple. The scripture in Ezra notes that Nehemiah expelled those trading on the Sabbath, hinting that trade exchanges occurred, from which we might infer broader truths.
There are beliefs among the Jewish people that these events await a future fulfillment post-Antichrist within a millennium. It is no surprise that those who disregard Christ's truth indulge in such notions while accepting the Antichrist’s dominion. Likewise, Jewish Christians may hold that these prophecies point to a millennial reign. For my understanding, the visions concerning Babylon symbolize the consummation of times, and likewise, the altar erected in Egypt after idol destruction connects to Christ’s time, just as the vision of Moab signifies the establishment of the Savior’s throne on earth. The vision concerning Tyre relates to the era of Christian flourishing; when Tyre is reinstated, every merchant returns to their previous pursuits, and their endeavors become holy offerings to the Lord. Observing the churches that arose in Tyre, we recognize their wealth is not accumulated for clerical enrichment but to provide for the faithful who serve at the altar and partake from it. The distribution of Tyre's wealth is not meant for amassing riches but for fulfilling life’s necessities so that, as the Apostle writes, they find contentment in basic provisions.
It is crucial to note that the goods consecrated to the Lord are not specifically designated for Jerusalem's dwellers, as some Jews might believe, but for any who dwell in His presence. The Lord has ordained that gospel preachers should derive their sustenance from the gospel. Serving the Lord and living in His sight transcends physical location, pertaining instead to moral worthiness. Consequently, our discussion on Isaiah’s visions is theologically grounded, while historical interpretation remains relevant.
The prophecy states that in that day, Tyre shall be forsaken for seventy years, paralleling a man’s lifespan. After this period, Tyre shall resonate with the melody of a harlot's song. "Take the zither, wander about the city consigned to forgetfulness. Play sweetly, sing numerous songs, that you may be remembered." Upon the conclusion of these seventy years, God will intervene on behalf of Tyre, restoring it to its former glory and establishing its commerce with the kingdoms of the earth. The trade and goods of Tyre shall be sacred, intended not for private hoarding but for those who dwell in the sight of the Lord, providing abundance and sustenance as a memorial to Him.
The expressions of remembrance and reference to humanity's time frame are not present in the original Hebrew but were introduced in the Greek translation. Tyre, once deserted due to calamity, will be rescued, transforming her song of lost virtue into joyful praises to God. She shall allocate playing a zither, tuning it to regain her glory, seeking to be remembered in the divine sight—a remembrance neglected because of her past indiscretions, ultimately restoring her to a position of prominence and wealth. However, the efforts she produces will not be hoarded for her benefit, but rather offered to those who dwell in the presence of the Lord, enabling them to partake of the earth's abundance.
The divine messages urge Sidon and Tyre toward repentance, assuring that their goods and labors shall be dedicated to the Lord. Who among the sinful cannot find hope for redemption by producing beautiful melodies, overcoming former vices? Psalm 44 speaks of the union of the Bridegroom with His Bride, including the gifts of Tyre as offerings acknowledged by those in His presence. The metaphor of the queen standing adorned highlights the beauty that accompanies repentance—surely if the king has desires for the virtuous Tyrian, how much greater will be the worth of those who have turned back to God?
Thus, they who repent shall be beckoned by the Lord: "Eat and drink to your fill." Understanding this call to partake in the bounty of virtues is left to the faithful reader. The temple lay in ruins for seventy years, as noted by Jeremiah and Daniel, and similarly, Ezekiel prophesied of Sodom and Egypt’s restoration post-desolation. The number seventy symbolizes complete repentance, signifying that Tyre, after fulfilling her time of repentance, will return renewed. The wisdom of Proverbs serves as a caution against the allure of sin, inviting reflection upon the folly and destruction it leads to.
If she turns, offering harmonious songs and fulfilling her necessary penance, she will find sustenance and contentment. Let this be heard, as knowledge is passed on, as silence shall be observed.
THEOSIS