One of the great cities of the
ancient world was Tyre. It is believed to have been in existence as far
back as the time when Moses brought the Israelites out of Egypt in the
great exodus, approximately 3,500 years ago. Several Hebrew prophets
wrote about Tyre – including Isaiah, Joel, Zechariah and Ezekiel most
extensively. This article will primarily focus on Isaiah.
Situated
on the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea in what is now Lebanon,
Tyre became the most prominent of a confederation of Phoenician cities,
not the least of which was Sidon. But unlike the great plundering
powers, Tyre did not set out to conquer other peoples militarily.
It became dominant through commerce and by serving as an international
port and terminal for overland trades routes. And because its seacoast
craftsmen mastered the science of shipbuilding and navigation, Tyre was
able to establish trading posts and colonies throughout the
Mediterranean. It is believed the Phoenicians may have circumnavigated
the continent of Africa and even crossed the Atlantic in their galleys.
Because of her renowned seafaring prowess and business acumen over the
centuries the city-kingdom of Tyre became fabulously wealthy. It could
be said that the Tyrians were the first globalists.