Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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Isaiah
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 23
Overview:
The overthrow of
Tyre.
(1-14) It is established again.
(15-18)
1-14 Tyre was the mart of the nations. She was noted for mirth
and diversions; and this made her loath to consider the warnings
God gave
By his servants. Her merchants were princes, and lived
like princes.
Tyre being destroyed and laid waste, the merchants
should abandon her. Flee to shift for thine own safety; but
those that are uneasy in one place, will be
So in another; for
when
God's judgments pursue sinners, they will overtake them.
Whence shall all this trouble come? It is a
Destruction from the
Almighty.
God designed to convince men of the vanity and
uncertainty of all earthly
Glory. Let the ruin of
Tyre warn all
places and persons to take heed of pride; for he who exalts
himself shall be abased.
God will do it, who has all power in
his
Hand; but the Chaldeans shall be the instruments.
15-18 The desolations of
Tyre were not to be for ever. The
Lord
will visit
Tyre in
Mercy. But when set at liberty, she will use
her old arts of
Temptation. The
Love of worldly wealth is
spiritual
Idolatry; and
Covetousness is spiritual
Idolatry. This
directs those that have wealth, to use it in the service of
God.
When we abide with
God in our worldly callings, when we do all
in our power to further the
Gospel, then our merchandise and
hire are
Holiness to the
Lord, if we look to his
Glory.
Christians should carry
On business as
God's servants, and use
riches as his stewards.