Isaiah 23:15

KJV

¶ And it shall come to pass in that day, that Tyre shall be forgotten seventy years, according to the days of one king: after the end of seventy years shall Tyre sing as an harlot.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass in that day {H3117}, that Tyre {H6865} shall be forgotten {H7911} seventy {H7657} years {H8141}, according to the days {H3117} of one {H259} king {H4428}: after the end {H7093} of seventy {H7657} years {H8141} shall Tyre {H6865} sing {H7892} as an harlot {H2181}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When that day comes, Tzor will be forgotten for seventy years, the lifetime of a king. After seventy years, its fate will be the same as that of the prostitute in this song:

Berean Standard Bible

At that time Tyre will be forgotten for seventy years—the span of a king’s life. But at the end of seventy years, it will happen to Tyre as in the song of the harlot:

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass in that day, that Tyre shall be forgotten seventy years, according to the days of one king: after the end of seventy years it shall be unto Tyre as in the song of the harlot.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 23:15 prophesies a period of seventy years during which the powerful maritime city of Tyre would be forgotten, experiencing a profound decline in its global prominence. This period of obscurity, likened to the reign of a single king, would be followed by Tyre's resurgence. However, its re-emergence is depicted not as a glorious restoration, but as a city that "sings as an harlot," implying a return to its former, often morally questionable, commercial enticements and a pursuit of worldly gain without true repentance or spiritual renewal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 23 is a distinct prophetic oracle, part of a larger collection of "burdens" or judgments against foreign nations (Isaiah 13-23). These oracles demonstrate Yahweh's universal sovereignty, asserting His control over all peoples and empires, not just Israel. Within this chapter, verses 1-14 detail Tyre's impending destruction and desolation, mourning its fall and the impact on its trading partners. Verse 15 then shifts focus to a specific duration of its forgotten state and its subsequent, albeit tainted, re-emergence, setting the stage for the concluding verses (Isaiah 23:16-18) which elaborate on its "harlot" like activity and ultimate dedication of its gain to the Lord. This verse acts as a pivot, marking the transition from immediate judgment to a longer-term prophetic outlook.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was a preeminent Phoenician city-state, located on the Mediterranean coast. It was renowned throughout the ancient world for its immense wealth, naval power, and extensive commercial network, which stretched across the Mediterranean. Its merchants were princes, and its fortifications were legendary. The "seventy years" is a significant prophetic period in the Old Testament, often associated with the duration of the Babylonian captivity (compare [Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - Seventy Years of Desolation") and [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Fulfillment of Seventy Years")). While Tyre was not part of the Judahite exile, it experienced significant sieges and periods of subjugation, notably by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, which lasted for thirteen years (c. 586-573 BC), and later by Alexander the Great. The phrase "according to the days of one king" likely refers to the duration of a dominant empire's sway, such as the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which profoundly reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating that even the most powerful and seemingly untouchable worldly entities like Tyre are subject to God's ultimate decree. Their wealth and influence cannot exempt them from accountability. Secondly, it introduces the theme of **Temporal Punishment and Limited Restoration**. The seventy-year period signifies a complete, divinely appointed duration of judgment, after which a measure of activity, though not necessarily full glory or moral purity, is permitted. This contrasts with prophecies of utter destruction for other nations. Lastly, the vivid metaphor of Tyre singing "as an harlot" highlights the theme of **Spiritual Adultery and Worldly Enticement**. In prophetic literature, "harlotry" often symbolizes idolatry or spiritual unfaithfulness, but here it extends to Tyre's commercial practices, suggesting a city that, even after judgment, returns to its alluring, perhaps morally compromised, ways of enticing trade and accumulating wealth, prioritizing material gain over righteous living. This resonates with the broader prophetic critique of nations whose pride and prosperity lead them away from God, as seen in the warnings against Judah's own unfaithfulness throughout [Isaiah](/isaiah/1 "The Book of Isaiah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **forgotten (Hebrew, _shâkach'_):** (H7911) This primitive root means to mislay, to be oblivious of, or to be disregarded due to lack of memory or attention. In the context of Tyre, it signifies a period of profound obscurity, a loss of its former prominence and influence on the world stage. It implies a cessation of its bustling commercial activity and a diminished reputation, as if it had vanished from the collective consciousness of nations.
* **seventy (Hebrew, _shibʻîym'_):** (H7657) This numeral signifies the number seventy. In biblical prophecy, "seventy years" often denotes a complete, divinely ordained period of judgment or desolation, as seen in the seventy years of Babylonian captivity for Judah. For Tyre, it marks a fixed, divinely determined duration of its forgotten state, emphasizing that God's judgment is not arbitrary but measured and purposeful.
* **harlot (Hebrew, _zânâh'_):** (H2181) This primitive root means to commit adultery or fornication, often used figuratively to describe idolatry or spiritual unfaithfulness, where the Jewish people are seen as the spouse of Jehovah. In the context of Tyre, it describes the city's post-judgment character. It does not necessarily imply literal sexual immorality, but rather a city that has lost its former esteemed position and now seeks to regain influence and wealth through alluring, perhaps morally questionable, commercial practices. It suggests a desperate or unprincipled return to its old ways of enticing trade and engaging in worldly pursuits, much like a harlot seeks to attract customers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass in that day":** This phrase introduces a specific, divinely appointed time in the prophetic future, indicating a moment when God's decree concerning Tyre will be enacted. It points to a decisive turning point in the city's history.
* **"that Tyre shall be forgotten seventy years, according to the days of one king":** This clause details the nature and duration of Tyre's judgment. "Forgotten" implies a period of obscurity, a loss of its commercial and political prominence. The "seventy years" signifies a complete, predetermined period of divine judgment, while "according to the days of one king" likely refers to the duration of a dominant empire's reign (e.g., Babylon), under whose shadow Tyre would languish in diminished status.
* **"after the end of seventy years shall Tyre sing as an harlot":** This final clause describes Tyre's re-emergence after its period of judgment. "Sing as an harlot" is a vivid metaphor, indicating that Tyre would resume its commercial activity, but in a manner characterized by enticement, allure, and a lack of moral integrity, much like a harlot seeks to attract clients. It suggests a return to its old, materialistic, and unprincipled ways of pursuing wealth and trade, rather than a genuine transformation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, particularly in the phrase "Tyre shall sing as an harlot." This does not suggest literal prostitution but rather a city that, after its period of judgment, will once again attempt to attract and entice traders and nations, resuming its bustling commercial life with a morally compromised or desperate spirit. It speaks to a return to its "old profession" of enticing global trade, even if its reputation is tarnished and its methods are questionable. The duration of "seventy years" functions as **Symbolism**, representing a complete and divinely appointed period of judgment, rather than a precise literal duration of absolute non-existence. This number often signifies a full cycle of discipline or a specific era of foreign dominion. Furthermore, the entire verse is an example of **Prophetic Language**, using declarative future tense to announce God's sovereign decree over a powerful nation, demonstrating His control over the rise and fall of empires and the unfolding of history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 23:15 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and the temporal nature of earthly power and wealth. It serves as a stark reminder that no human empire, however mighty or prosperous, can escape divine judgment for its pride, materialism, and moral corruption. The "seventy years" signifies a period of divine discipline, not annihilation, allowing for a limited restoration, yet the "harlot" metaphor highlights the spiritual danger of reverting to old patterns of sin and worldly enticement even after experiencing God's hand. This passage challenges the notion that material success is a sign of divine favor, instead revealing it as a potential source of spiritual decay and a target for God's righteous judgment.

* [Ezekiel 26:1](/ezekiel/26-1 "Ezekiel's Prophecy Against Tyre")
* [Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - Seventy Years of Desolation")
* [Revelation 18:1](/revelation/18-1 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This ancient prophecy concerning Tyre holds profound implications for believers today. It serves as a powerful caution against placing our ultimate trust, security, or identity in material wealth, worldly influence, or fleeting earthly successes. Just as Tyre, despite its immense power, faced a divinely appointed period of obscurity, so too are all human endeavors and achievements subject to God's sovereign will and temporal limitations. The warning of Tyre "singing as an harlot" after its judgment is particularly poignant, reminding us of the human tendency to revert to old, ungodly patterns of behavior—seeking gain through morally ambiguous means, prioritizing self-interest, and chasing fleeting pleasures—even after experiencing the consequences of our actions or a season of divine discipline. True spiritual transformation involves a fundamental shift in our affections and priorities, moving away from the allure of the world and towards the kingdom of God. It calls us to examine where our deepest loyalties lie and to cultivate a heart that seeks righteousness and eternal value over temporary prosperity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to place my security in "Tyre-like" wealth or influence, rather than in God?**
* **After experiencing a period of difficulty or divine discipline, what "old patterns" or worldly enticements might I be tempted to revert to, rather than pursuing genuine transformation?**
* **How does God's ultimate sovereignty over nations and economies inform my perspective on current global events and my personal financial decisions?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "seventy years" in this prophecy?**

Answer: The "seventy years" is a significant prophetic period in the Old Testament, often symbolizing a complete, divinely appointed duration of judgment or desolation. While it directly relates to the Babylonian captivity of Judah in passages like [Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - Seventy Years of Desolation"), for Tyre, it signifies a fixed period of its decline and obscurity under the influence of a dominant empire, likely Babylon. It underscores that God's judgments are not arbitrary but measured and purposeful, with a set beginning and end.

**What does it mean for Tyre to "sing as an harlot"?**

Answer: This vivid metaphor does not imply literal sexual immorality but rather describes Tyre's post-judgment character and commercial activity. In prophetic literature, "harlotry" often symbolizes spiritual unfaithfulness or idolatry. Here, it extends to Tyre's economic practices, suggesting that after its period of obscurity, the city would re-emerge and resume its trade, but in a manner characterized by alluring, enticing, and potentially morally compromised methods to attract wealth and influence. It implies a desperate or unprincipled return to its old ways of seeking material gain, without true repentance or a change in its underlying worldly spirit, much like a harlot seeks to attract customers. This is further elaborated in [Isaiah 23:17](/isaiah/23-17 "Isaiah 23:17 - Tyre's Return to Harlotry").

**Did this prophecy concerning Tyre's judgment and re-emergence come true?**

Answer: Yes, historical records confirm that Tyre faced significant periods of decline and subjugation. Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon besieged Tyre for thirteen years (c. 586-573 BC), greatly diminishing its power. Later, Alexander the Great famously destroyed the mainland city and built a causeway to the island city in 332 BC, leading to its capture and further devastation. While Tyre never regained its former unchallenged glory, it did experience periods of resurgence and continued to be an important port city throughout the Hellenistic and Roman eras, consistent with the prophecy of its return to commercial activity, albeit with a tarnished reputation and under foreign dominion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 23:15, with its prophecy of Tyre's judgment and subsequent "harlot-like" re-emergence, points forward to the ultimate and decisive judgment of all worldly systems that oppose God, and the establishment of Christ's eternal kingdom. Tyre, a symbol of human pride, commercial prowess, and materialism, represents the fleeting nature of earthly power and wealth when contrasted with the enduring sovereignty of God. The "seventy years" of obscurity and the subsequent return to its old ways highlight humanity's perpetual tendency to seek security and identity in temporal things, even after experiencing divine discipline. In Christ, we find the true and lasting fulfillment of all promises and the ultimate antidote to the "harlotry" of worldly enticement. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering a kingdom [not of this world](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")—a kingdom built on righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, rather than on fleeting material gain. The call to [seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God") stands in stark contrast to Tyre's continued pursuit of worldly allure. Ultimately, Christ's triumph over all earthly kingdoms, as depicted in passages like [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Eternal Dominion") and realized in His resurrection and ascension, assures us that all "Tyre-like" systems will eventually fall, culminating in the new heavens and new earth where [God dwells with His people](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with Humanity"), and there is no more curse or need for worldly enticement.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 25:22

And all the kings of Tyrus, and all the kings of Zidon, and the kings of the isles which [are] beyond the sea,

Daniel 7:14

And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed.

Daniel 8:21

And the rough goat [is] the king of Grecia: and the great horn that [is] between his eyes [is] the first king.

Jeremiah 25:9

Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.

Jeremiah 25:11

And this whole land shall be a desolation, [and] an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.

Jeremiah 29:10

For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.

Jeremiah 27:3

And send them to the king of Edom, and to the king of Moab, and to the king of the Ammonites, and to the king of Tyrus, and to the king of Zidon, by the hand of the messengers which come to Jerusalem unto Zedekiah king of Judah;