It begins with Ezekiel telling the exiles that Israel (Jerusalem) is in serious trouble, and then branches out to notify the surrounding countries that they aren’t immune either. But the lesson that I take away today seems to be a subheading to the main storyline
I guess this happens sometimes, right? You are reading the Bible, and it is clearly recounting a specific time in history, or teaching a specific lesson, and yet your mind drifts off to the margin slightly and you pick up on something that has been implied, but not taught directly. Has that ever happened to you?
Today as I am reading my thoughts wandered to Tyre. Ezekiel has much to say about how Tyre will be thrown down with great prejudice. My first lesson seems fairly obvious: Don’t rejoice at God’s punishment of others. Tyre is in trouble for several reasons: they clapped their hands in excitement when Jerusalem fell, and they daydreamed and plotted about how they would become the new hub of commerce in the middle east.
Up to this point Tyre’s claim to fame was its location along the coast of the Mediterranean. The city was old, dating back almost to 3,000 BC. It was built right on the coast and nearby an very large Island that was some distance from shore. Over time, the people of Tyre developed the Island into a thriving city and port itself. It was virtually impregnable, since it was out in the sea, and had large walls all around it. Commerce flowed through Tyre like no other place in the Middle East. Jerusalem became the hub for nations to the East, and beginning with king David and then with king Solomon they elevated Tyre right along with themselves. What came ashore in Tyre often made it’s way through Jerusalem on it’s way to points in the East, and what was headed for shipment to far away lands from the East also traveled through Jerusalem on it’s way to Tyre. As I read today I realize the enormous wealth and influence over the entire middle east that Tyre brought. Everyone had a stake in Tyre’s success. In addition to wealth and variety of commerce Tyre also represented a different false god. Whereas the primary gods of the inland nations were Ba’al and Asherah, and were connected to the people through priests, the ruler of Tyre developed belief in a different false god and didn’t use the priesthood. That gave him more control over the people, and further streamlined what the king and “god” wanted.
I mention all of that simply to say that Tyre was super wealthy and no doubt very enlightened and educated…but was also wicked. They served false gods in Tyre, and that was their undoing. In fact, the very fact that they celebrated God’s punishment of Judah and didn’t do any soul searching themselves is evidence of their pride and arrogance. They should have repented and recognized that unless God showed them mercy, they would fall just like Jerusalem did. But, they didn’t….and that’s part of the reason that God is so angry with them.
What do I learn from this? When God chooses to punish someone for their bad behavior or their poor choices it isn’t cause for celebration on my part. I am not perfect either, and I have no business cheering as someone is punished for things that I am probably guilty of myself. Instead, I should be praying that God will be lenient, will not stay angry for long, and that He will look with compassion and forgiveness upon me as I humble myself in His presence.
There’s no room for pride and self-righteousness in the heart of the Christian. Be sad when others fall under the weight of their sins…even if they have caused you some difficulty along the way. Their plight is serious, and even if you aren’t friends they need help or they will suffer a terrible fate.
I wonder if the exiles prayed for the people of Tyre when their city eventually fell?
Nebuchadnezzar put the city under siege for about 14 years, but the island portion never fell. However, Alexander the Great eventually conquered Tyre and razed the city…just like the Bible describes. Whatever God says will happen always happens.
Ironically, Tyre fell because they wouldn’t allow Alexander to offer a sacrifice to their false god. He was going to spare the city, but their arrogance and pride tripped them up. He became so angry at the insult that he changed his mind and crushed the Island. He took whole buildings from the mainland and built a bridge all the way out to the Island so his war machines could wreak their havoc.
It’s a subtext for sure, but it reminds me today to remain humble, and not get too excited when others fall because of their unfaithfulness.
Faithfully,
PR