Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Tyrus, and will cause many nations to come up against thee, as the sea causeth his waves to come up.
Tyrus, or Tyre, as she is also called, is a lesson in tragedy. Tyrus was a wealthy and influential city in her day. There was a friendship between her and King David that extended to Solomon. They were involved in building the temple, providing lumber, laborers, and lading in ships for the work. But though she was “friendly” toward David and Solomon, she was not a friend of God. Tyrus was well known as a place of idolatry and wicked activity, as is true in many port cities. One of Solomon’s wives was from there and influenced him in sin.[1] Eventually, the friendship withered, as it must between people dedicated to the Lord and those who are not. After Jerusalem fell to Babylon, Tyrus saw it as an opportunity to benefit from the ruins. Though Tyrus did not aid in the destruction, she did not render help and rejoiced in the fall. God saw it and promised judgment against her.
God uses Tyrus as a parallel of Satan. In chapter 28:12-19 the King of Tyrus is used as a metaphor for Satan. Mind you, the analogy is of the king of Tyrus, but the description of Satan is literal and actual. Satan began as Lucifer, next to the throne of God. He was “wealthy” in the sense that he was decked with beauty and precious stones. He was talented and influential in the realm of the angels. But he turned. In pride, he lifted himself. He wanted more than God had provided, and, in His pride, he fell.
This same pattern may be seen in Judas Iscariot. Chosen by the Lord as one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, his potential influence in the gospel was enormous. Having walked with Christ, witnessed His miracles, and heard His messages, Judas Iscariot was poised to be foundational to the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Serving as the “treasurer” of the Lord’s early church, Judas held the money. His relationship with the Lord was so close that he knew where Jesus would be that night the soldiers came for Him. Judas identified Christ to them with a kiss. But he, like Lucifer and like Tyrus, fell
There is a twisted situation that happens among men of corrupt nature that, often, those who seem nearest to God are those capable of doing the greatest hurt to the cause of Christ. Yea, it is possible to destroy a work for the Lord and, at the same time, believe you are in the middle of God’s will – doing God service.
John 16:2 (KJV)
They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
1 Corinthians 10:12 (KJV)
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
[1] 1 Kings 11:1-3 (KJV)
But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites;
Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.
And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.
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