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Tyre (Tzor) was a Phoenician port city located in present-day Lebanon. Built on an island, it was secure from invading armies, which helped it become prosperous. Although Tyre was allied with Israel under King Hiram, it was more frequently viewed as a rival to Israel.
Notable Sources
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The Perfection of Beauty
TANAKH
Tyre's self-perception of being 'perfect in beauty' and its boastful attitude is a fascinating study in ancient hubris. The prophet Ezekiel, speaking from Babylonian exile, delivers a lamentation over Tyre, highlighting its pride and self-proclaimed perfection due to its strategic location and extensive trade.
Jerusalem vs. Tyre: Spiritual Showdown
KABBALAH
The relationship between Jerusalem and Tyre serves as a metaphor for the cosmic battle between holiness and impurity. The Zohar, a foundational work of Jewish mysticism from the medieval period, explores these spiritual dynamics through esoteric interpretations of the Torah.
Economic Opportunism in Tyre
COMMENTARY
Tyre's reaction to Jerusalem's fall was driven by economic motivations rather than hatred. The 19th-century commentator Malbim explains how Tyre saw the destruction of Jerusalem as an opportunity to benefit economically.
The Forgotten City of Tyre
TANAKH
The prophecy foretells that Tyre will be forgotten for seventy years, only to return to its commercial activities in a manner likened to a prostitute seeking attention. The Book of Isaiah contains this vivid prophecy, using metaphorical language to describe Tyre's fall and eventual resurgence.
The Exemption of Tyre and Sidon
COMMENTARY
The land including Tyre and Sidon was never conquered by the Israelites, and therefore the laws of sheviit (the Sabbatical year) do not apply there, even though many Jews may have been living there during the mishnaic period. The Mishnah Sheviit, a foundational Jewish legal text, discusses the regions where the laws of the Sabbatical year do not apply.
The Fall of the King of Tyre
COMMENTARY
The transformation of the king of Tyre from a figure of fear and superiority to one of vulnerability and humanity following the destruction of Tyre is a powerful lesson in humility. Ezekiel's prophecy highlights the vulnerability of even the most powerful rulers, symbolizing the downfall of arrogance and hubris.
The Betrayal of Tyre
COMMENTARY
Tyre betrayed Israel by sending Israelite refugees to Edom, breaking a covenant of peace made during the days of King Hiram and King Solomon. Don Isaac Abarbanel, a 15th-century Jewish scholar, provides historical context to the Book of Amos, offering deep insights into Jewish history and biblical interpretation.
Commerce on the Sabbath
TANAKH
The Tyrians sold fish and various wares to the Judahites in Jerusalem on the Sabbath, highlighting the commercial interactions and the challenges of maintaining Sabbath observance. The book of Nehemiah, part of the Hebrew Bible, recounts Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem and enforce religious laws, including the observance of the Sabbath.
Solomon and Hiram's Intellectual Bond
SECOND TEMPLE
The intellectual and diplomatic relationship between King Solomon and King Hiram of Tyre is a fascinating example of mutual respect and wisdom. Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, details their cooperation and exchange of riddles in his historical work, 'The Antiquities of the Jews'.
The Fire of Divine Retribution
COMMENTARY
The prophecy of fire consuming the palaces of Tyre reveals a unique form of divine retribution that spares some of the city's inhabitants. Amos, one of the twelve minor prophets, delivers a message of divine judgment against Tyre for its transgressions.
The Rise and Fall of Tyre
TARGUM
The ancient city of Tyre experienced a dramatic shift from prosperity to downfall, reflecting its historical significance. The Targum Jonathan, an Aramaic translation and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible, provides insights into the rise and fall of Tyre.
The Wisdom and Hubris of Tyre
COMMENTARY
Tyre's self-perception as exceedingly wise and its belief in its enduring dominance offer a fascinating insight into its historical and theological significance. Rashi, the renowned medieval French rabbi, provides a comprehensive commentary on Zechariah 9:2:2, reflecting on Tyre's wisdom and self-perception.
A Diplomatic Alliance in Ancient Israel
TANAKH
The longstanding friendship and alliance between the rulers of Tyre and Israel extended to Solomon, showcasing a unique diplomatic relationship in ancient times. The biblical narrative in Kings I highlights the diplomatic etiquette and alliances between ancient kingdoms, exemplified by the delegation sent to Solomon upon his anointment.
Allies in Building
TANAKH
The cooperative relationship between King Solomon and the ruler of Tyre shows the effectiveness of alliances and mutual support in achieving great endeavors. II Chronicles recounts how the ruler of Tyre provided essential materials to King Solomon, just as he had previously assisted Solomon's father, David.
The Wealth and Fortifications of Tyre
COMMENTARY
Tyre's strategic location and fortifications made it a hub of wealth and trade in ancient times. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz’s modern translation and commentary on the Hebrew Bible provides insights into the economic and strategic significance of Tyre as mentioned in Zechariah 9:3.
The ruins of Tyre, Meyer's Universum by Hermann J. Meyer, 1836
The ruins of Tyre, Meyer's Universum by Hermann J. Meyer, 1836
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