Isaiah 23:17

Translation
King James Version
And it shall come to pass after the end of seventy years, that the LORD will visit Tyre, and she shall turn to her hire, and shall commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And it shall come to pass after the end H7093 of seventy H7657 years H8141, that the LORD H3068 will visit H6485 Tyre H6865, and she shall turn H7725 to her hire H868, and shall commit fornication H2181 with all the kingdoms H4467 of the world H776 upon the face H6440 of the earth H127.
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Complete Jewish Bible
After seventy years are over ADONAI will remember Tzor. She will receive her wages again and prostitute herself to all the world's kingdoms on the face of the earth.
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Berean Standard Bible
And at the end of seventy years, the LORD will restore Tyre. Then she will return to hire as a prostitute and sell herself to all the kingdoms on the face of the earth.
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American Standard Version
And it shall come to pass after the end of seventy years, that Jehovah will visit Tyre, and she shall return to her hire, and shall play the harlot with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth.
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World English Bible Messianic
It will happen after the end of seventy years that the LORD will visit Tyre, and she shall return to her wages, and will play the prostitute with all the kingdoms of the world on the surface of the earth.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And at the ende of seuentie yeres shall the Lord visite Tyrus, and shee shall returne to her wages, and shall commit fornication with all the kingdomes of the earth, that are in the world.
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Young's Literal Translation
And it hath come to pass, At the end of seventy years Jehovah inspecteth Tyre, And she hath repented of her gift, That she committed fornication With all kingdoms of the earth on the face of the ground.
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See also
Nahum 3:4Ezekiel 27:6Ezekiel 27:36Revelation 19:21 Timothy 3:3Ezekiel 16:31Micah 3:11
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Prophecy Against Tyre
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In the KJVVerse 18,095 of 31,102

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SUMMARY

Isaiah 23:17 prophesies a future for Tyre, the ancient Phoenician maritime power, after a divinely appointed period of seventy years of desolation. This verse reveals that the LORD will "visit" Tyre, allowing it to resume its extensive commercial activities. However, this restoration is not presented as a spiritual revival or a return to righteousness, but rather a reassertion of its characteristic global trade, vividly described as "turning to her hire" and "committing fornication with all the kingdoms of the world," highlighting a persistent pattern of unprincipled, self-serving economic alliances and a relentless pursuit of profit.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Isaiah 23 forms a distinct "burden" or oracle, one of several prophecies against foreign nations found in Isaiah 13-23. Specifically, it targets Tyre, a preeminent Phoenician city-state renowned for its naval power and mercantile empire. The preceding verses (Isaiah 23:1-14) detail Tyre's impending destruction and humiliation, lamenting its fall from glory as a global trading power. The "seventy years" mentioned in verse 15 and reiterated here in verse 17 marks a specific, divinely ordained period of desolation, after which a partial restoration is foreseen. This verse serves as a concluding statement to the oracle, emphasizing that even after a period of divine judgment, Tyre's inherent nature—its commercial ambition and unprincipled pursuit of wealth—would reassert itself. It contrasts sharply with a more hopeful, albeit still conditional, future for Tyre alluded to in Isaiah 23:18, where its profits might one day be consecrated to the LORD.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: Tyre was a formidable city, strategically located on the Mediterranean coast, renowned for its naval fleet, extensive trade networks, and the production of highly prized purple dye. It was a hub of international commerce, often called the "mistress of kingdoms" due to its vast economic influence. The "seventy years" of desolation likely refers to the period of Babylonian subjugation under Nebuchadnezzar, which significantly impacted Tyre's power and trade, though a complete seventy-year siege is not historically attested for Tyre specifically. This period parallels the seventy-year exile prophesied for Judah in Jeremiah 25:11 and Jeremiah 29:10, suggesting a common period of divine judgment for the region. Culturally, the metaphor of a city "turning to her hire" and "committing fornication" would have been readily understood. In the ancient Near East, "hire" (or "harlot's wages") was associated with prostitution, and "fornication" or "harlotry" was a common prophetic metaphor for spiritual unfaithfulness, idolatry, or illicit political and economic alliances with foreign powers that compromised a nation's covenant relationship with God. Here, it is applied to Tyre's unrestrained and morally compromised commercial dealings.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. It underscores Divine Sovereignty over all nations, demonstrating that even the most powerful and self-sufficient commercial empires are subject to the LORD's will and timing. It also highlights the Cycles of Judgment and Conditional Restoration, where a period of divine discipline is followed by a return to former ways, rather than true repentance or spiritual transformation. Most significantly, it vividly portrays the Nature of Commercialism and Unholy Alliances. Tyre's "fornication" symbolizes the dangers of unchecked materialism and the pursuit of profit at any cost, where economic gain becomes an idol, leading to morally compromised partnerships and a disregard for ethical boundaries. This theme resonates with warnings against the love of money found in 1 Timothy 6:10 and the spiritual dangers of serving wealth instead of God as articulated in Matthew 6:24. The prophet emphasizes that Tyre's inherent character, driven by avarice, would reassert itself even after severe judgment.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • visit (Hebrew, pâqad', H6485): This primitive root carries a wide semantic range, meaning "to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit." In the context of divine action, pâqad signifies God's active intervention or attention. Here, "the LORD will visit Tyre" indicates a divine intervention that allows for the cessation of its desolation and the resumption of its commercial life, rather than a visit of judgment or blessing in a redemptive sense. It implies God's sovereign permission for Tyre to return to its former activities, underscoring His ultimate control over the city's destiny.
  • hire (Hebrew, ʼethnan', H868): Derived from a root meaning "to give," this word specifically refers to a "gift (as the price of harlotry or idolatry); hire, reward." It denotes the wages or payment received for illicit sexual services. In Isaiah 23:17, Tyre's "hire" is a powerful metaphor for the profits and gains it accrues through its morally compromised, indiscriminate commercial dealings. It signifies the illicit or unprincipled nature of its renewed trade, likening its economic pursuits to the transactional nature of prostitution, where self-interest and material gain supersede ethical considerations.
  • commit fornication (Hebrew, zânâh', H2181): This primitive root means "to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (the Jewish people being regarded as the spouse of Jehovah)." In prophetic literature, zânâh is a potent metaphor for spiritual unfaithfulness, idolatry, or illicit alliances with foreign powers that compromise devotion to God. Applied to Tyre, it describes its relentless and morally unprincipled pursuit of wealth and trade connections with all nations, prioritizing profit over any ethical or spiritual considerations. This "economic harlotry" mirrors the spiritual harlotry condemned elsewhere in Scripture, emphasizing a betrayal of true values for worldly gain.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And it shall come to pass after the end of seventy years,": This clause establishes a specific divine timetable for Tyre's desolation and subsequent restoration. The "seventy years" signify a divinely appointed period of judgment and inactivity for the city, mirroring the duration of Judah's Babylonian exile. It underscores God's meticulous control over historical events and the destinies of nations, demonstrating that even the most powerful human enterprises are subject to His sovereign clock.
  • "that the LORD will visit Tyre,": This signifies God's active and sovereign involvement in Tyre's future. The visitation here is not necessarily punitive but rather an act of divine attention that allows for a change in Tyre's circumstances, enabling it to emerge from its period of desolation. It is God who orchestrates the timing and nature of its restoration, highlighting His ultimate authority even over a pagan commercial empire.
  • "and she shall turn to her hire,": This phrase indicates Tyre's immediate post-visitation activity and its primary motivation. "Her hire" refers to the profits or wages gained from its commercial activities, especially those pursued without moral constraint, akin to a prostitute returning to her trade. It suggests that Tyre's fundamental character remains unchanged; its primary motivation is economic gain, and its restored activity will be characterized by the same self-serving and ethically ambiguous practices that defined its past.
  • "and shall commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth.": This is the most vivid and damning part of the prophecy. The "fornication" is a powerful metaphor for Tyre's indiscriminate and unprincipled commercial dealings. It implies that Tyre will engage in trade with any nation, regardless of moral or political alignment, solely for profit. The phrase "all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth" emphasizes the global reach and pervasive nature of Tyre's commercial "harlotry," highlighting its relentless pursuit of wealth across the known world, prioritizing gain over integrity or loyalty.

Literary Devices

Isaiah 23:17 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. Personification is central, as Tyre is depicted as a harlot or prostitute. This transforms the city-state from an inanimate entity into a living character capable of moral action, making its "turning to her hire" and "committing fornication" a vivid and visceral image of its economic and moral character. The entire description of Tyre's commercial activity as "fornication" is a potent metaphor. This metaphor extends beyond mere illicit sexual activity to symbolize spiritual unfaithfulness, idolatry, and morally compromised alliances, particularly in the context of economic pursuits. It suggests that Tyre's relentless pursuit of wealth with all nations is akin to a betrayal of true values or a form of idolatry where profit is worshipped. Furthermore, the phrase "all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth" serves as a form of hyperbole, emphasizing the vast extent and indiscriminate nature of Tyre's global trade, underlining its insatiable commercial ambition and its pervasive influence.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Isaiah 23:17 offers profound theological insights into God's sovereignty over human affairs, especially over the rise and fall of nations and their economic systems. It teaches that even powerful commercial empires, seemingly self-sufficient and globally influential, operate within the bounds of God's ultimate authority and timetable. The prophecy highlights the inherent dangers of unchecked materialism and economic idolatry, where the pursuit of profit becomes an all-consuming passion, leading to moral compromise and unprincipled alliances. Tyre's "fornication" serves as a timeless warning against prioritizing worldly gain over integrity, righteousness, or faithfulness to God, revealing that true prosperity is not merely material accumulation but is rooted in ethical conduct and divine favor.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Isaiah 23:17 serves as a powerful cautionary tale for individuals, communities, and nations in every age, including our own. It challenges us to examine the underlying motivations and ethical frameworks of our economic pursuits. When the accumulation of wealth and the expansion of trade become the ultimate goals, divorced from moral principles or a commitment to justice, they can lead to practices that exploit others, compromise integrity, and foster unholy alliances. This verse calls us to consider whether our economic activities, personal or corporate, are characterized by a relentless pursuit of "hire"—profit at any cost—or by a commitment to righteous stewardship and ethical conduct that honors God and serves humanity. It reminds us that true prosperity is not merely material accumulation but is rooted in faithfulness to God and a just engagement with the world. Believers are called to be salt and light in the marketplace, demonstrating integrity and compassion, rather than mirroring the world's "fornication" by prioritizing gain above all else.

Questions for Reflection

  • How might unchecked commercial ambition manifest in our lives or society today, echoing Tyre's "fornication"?
  • What does it mean for a nation or individual to "turn to her hire" in an economic sense, and what are the potential spiritual and ethical consequences?
  • How can believers engage in commerce and financial dealings ethically, avoiding "fornication" with the world's systems while honoring God's sovereignty and pursuing His kingdom first?

FAQ

What do the "seventy years" in this prophecy refer to?

Answer: The "seventy years" mentioned in Isaiah 23:17, and also in verse 15, is widely understood by scholars to refer to a period of desolation and subjugation for Tyre, likely at the hands of the Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar. While a literal seventy-year siege on Tyre is not explicitly recorded, this period signifies a divinely appointed duration of judgment and diminished influence. It parallels the seventy-year Babylonian exile prophesied for Judah in Jeremiah 25:11 and Jeremiah 29:10, suggesting a common period of divine discipline for the nations in the region. After this period of divine judgment, Tyre was permitted by God to regain some of its former commercial prominence, though not necessarily its full political independence, highlighting God's sovereign control over the destinies of nations.

Why is Tyre's commercial activity described as "fornication"?

Answer: The description of Tyre's commercial activity as "fornication" (or harlotry) is a powerful prophetic metaphor, common in biblical literature to denote spiritual unfaithfulness. In this context, it highlights Tyre's relentless and indiscriminate pursuit of profit with "all the kingdoms of the world." For Tyre, a city renowned for its vast global trade, this metaphor implies that it would engage in any commercial partnership, regardless of ethical, moral, or even political alignment, solely for economic gain. This "economic harlotry" suggests that wealth and commerce had become an idol for Tyre, leading it to compromise its integrity and pursue self-interest above all else, much like a prostitute sells herself to anyone for "hire." This imagery is also used elsewhere in Scripture to describe Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness through idolatry and illicit alliances, such as in Hosea 4:12.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While Isaiah 23:17 specifically addresses the commercial fate of ancient Tyre, its underlying themes find profound Christ-centered fulfillment and application. The prophecy of Tyre's return to "fornication" with the kingdoms of the world underscores the persistent human tendency towards idolatry, particularly the worship of wealth and worldly systems. In Christ, we see the ultimate alternative to this "harlotry." Jesus declared that His kingdom is "not of this world" (John 18:36), standing in stark contrast to the worldly kingdoms driven by profit and power. He teaches that one "cannot serve God and money" (Matthew 6:24), calling His followers to a singular devotion to God alone. The New Testament consistently warns against the "spirit of the world" (1 Corinthians 2:12) and the love of money, which is a "root of all kinds of evil" (1 Timothy 6:10). Christ's redemptive work liberates believers from the bondage of worldly systems and calls them to live by kingdom principles, where integrity, justice, and love for God and neighbor supersede the pursuit of material gain. Ultimately, the prophetic vision of Revelation culminates in the New Jerusalem, where there is no more "fornication" or compromise with worldly systems, but perfect devotion to the Lamb, and the "kings of the earth" bring their glory into it, not as a source of idolatry, but as an offering consecrated to God (Revelation 21:23-27).

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Commentary on Isaiah 23 verses 15–18

Here is, I. The time fixed for the continuance of the desolations of Tyre, which were not to be perpetual desolations: Tyre shall be forgotten seventy years, Isa 23:15. So long it shall lie neglected and buried in obscurity. It was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar much about the time that Jerusalem was, and lay as long as it did in its ruins. See the folly of that proud ambitious conqueror. What the richer, what the stronger, was he for making himself master of Tyre, when all the inhabitants were driven out of it and he had none of his own subjects to spare for the replenishing and fortifying of it? It is surprising to see what pleasure men could take in destroying cities and making their memorial perish with them, Psa 9:6. He trampled on the pride of Tyre, and therein served God's purpose; but with greater pride, for which God soon after humbled him.

II. A prophecy of the restoration of Tyre to its glory again: After the end of seventy years, according to the years of one king, or one dynasty or family of kings, that of Nebuchadnezzar; when that expired, the desolations of Tyre came to an end. And we may presume that Cyrus at the same time when he released the Jews, and encouraged them to rebuild Jerusalem, released the Tyrians also, and encouraged them to rebuild Tyre. Thus the prosperity and adversity of places, as well as persons, are set the one over against the other, that the most glorious cities may not be secure nor the most ruinous despair. It is foretold, 1. That God's providence shall gain smile upon this ruined city (Isa 23:17): The Lord will visit Tyre in mercy; for, though he contend, he will not contend for ever. It is not said, Her old acquaintance shall visit her, the colonies she has planted, and the trading cities she has had correspondence with (they have forgotten her); but, The Lord shall visit her by some unthought-of turn; he shall cause his indignation towards her to cease, and then things will run of course in their former channel. 2. That she shall use her best endeavours to recover her trade again. She shall sing as a harlot, that has been some time under correction for her lewdness; but, when she is set at liberty (so violent is the bent of corruption), she will use her old arts of temptation. The Tyrians having returned from their captivity, and those that remained recovering new spirits thereupon, they shall contrive how to force a trade, shall procure the best choice of goods, under-sell their neighbours, and be obliging to all customers; as a harlot that has been forgotten, when she comes to be spoken of again, recommends herself to company by singing and playing, takes a harp, goes about the city, perhaps in the night, serenading, makes sweet melody, and sings many songs. These are innocent and allowable diversions, if soberly, and moderately, and modestly used; but those that value themselves upon their virtue should not be over-fond of them, nor ambitious to excel in them, because, whatever they are now, anciently they were some of the baits with which harlots used to entice fools. Tyre shall now by degrees come to be the mart of nations again; she shall return to her hire, to her traffic, and shall commit fornication (that is, she shall have dealings in trade, for the prophet carries on the similitude of a harlot) with all the kingdoms of the world that she had formerly traded with in her prosperity. The love of worldly wealth is a spiritual whoredom, and therefore covetous people are called adulterers and adulteresses (Jam 4:4), and covetousness is spiritual idolatry. 3. That, having recovered her trade again, she shall make a better use of it than she had done formerly; and this good she should get by her calamities (Isa 23:18): Her merchandise, and her hire, shall be holiness to the Lord. The trade of Tyre, and all the gains of her trade, shall be devoted to God and to his honour and employed in his service. It shall not be treasured and hoarded up, as formerly, to be the matter of their pride and the support of their carnal confidence; but it shall be laid out in acts of piety and charity. What they can spare from the maintenance of themselves and their families shall be for those that dwell before the Lord, for the priests, the Lord's ministers, that attend in his temple at Jerusalem; not to maintain them in pomp and grandeur, but that they and theirs may eat sufficiently, may have food convenient for them, with as little as may be of that care which would divert them from their ministration, and that they may have, not rich and fine clothing, but durable clothing, that which is strong and lasting, clothing for old men (so some read it), as if the priests, though they were young, must wear such plain grave clothing as old men used to wear. Now, (1.) This supposes that religion should be set up in New Tyre, that they should come to the knowledge of the true God and into communion with the Israel of God. Perhaps their being fellow-captives with the Jews in Babylon (who had prophets with them there) disposed them to join with them in their worship there, and turned them from idols, as it cured the Jews of their idolatry: and when they were released with them, and as they had reason to believe for their sakes, when they were settled again in Tyre, they would send gifts and offerings to the temple, and presents to the priests. We find men of Tyre then dwelling in the land of Judah, Neh 13:16. Tyre and Sidon were better disposed to religion in Christ's time than the cities of Israel; for, if Christ had gone among them, they would have repented, Mat 11:21. And we meet with Christians at Tyre (Act 21:3, Act 21:4), and, many years after, did Christianity flourish there. Some of the rabbin refer this prophecy of the conversion of Tyre to the days of the Messiah. (2.) It directs those that have estates to make use of them in the service of God and religion, and to reckon that best laid up which is so laid out. Both the merchandise of the tradesmen and the hire of the day-labourers shall be devoted to God. Both the merchandise (the employment we follow) and the hire (the gain of our employments) must be holiness to the Lord, alluding to the motto engraven on the frontlet of the high priest (Exo 39:30), and to the separation of the tithe under the law, Lev 27:30. See a promise like this referring to gospel times, Zac 14:20, Zac 14:21. We must first give up ourselves to be holiness to the Lord before what we do, or have, or get, can be so. When we abide with God in our particular callings, and do common actions after a godly sort - when we abound in works of piety and charity, are liberal in relieving the poor, and supporting the ministry, and encouraging the gospel - then our merchandise and our hire are holiness to the Lord, if we sincerely look at his glory in them. And our wealth need not be treasured and laid up on earth; for it is treasured and laid up in heaven, in bags that wax not old, Luk 12:33.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 15–18. Public domain.
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Aphrahat the Persian SageAD 345
DEMONSTRATION 21:6
Now we see that Tyre was inhabited and was opulent after it had “wandered seventy years,” and after it had received the reward of its prostitutions.
JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Isaiah
(Verse 15 and following) 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, Tyre shall sing as a harlot. Take a harp, go about the city, O harlot that has been forgotten; make sweet melody, sing many songs, that you may be remembered. After seventy years, the LORD will visit Tyre, and she shall return to her hire, and shall commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth. And his merchandise shall be holy unto the Lord: it shall not be gathered nor laid up; for his merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the Lord, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing. This that is spoken of: a memorial before the Lord: and upon the face of the earth. And as the time of a man's life, which is not contained in the Hebrew, but is added in the Greek. And Tyre, after the seventy years of her captivity, shall return, and shall play the harlot with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth. And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the Lord: it shall not be treasured nor laid up, for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the Lord, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing. The divine discourse exhorts Sidon and Tyre to repentance, and promises that his labors and rewards are to be sanctified by the Lord. Who does not have hope for salvation from sins, if indeed he has sung well, and all the strings of virtues, which were once slackened, are to be composed into praises of the Lord? We read in the forty-fourth psalm, which specifically pertains to the union of the bridegroom and the bride, that is, to God the Savior and the sacraments of the Church, it is said among other things: The daughters of Tyre will offer you gifts, the rich among the people will seek your favor (Ps. XLIV, 13). And the bridegroom himself speaks again to the Tyrian bride: Listen, daughter, and see, and incline your ear; and forget your people and your father's house, for the king desires your beauty. (Ibid. 11, 12). Hence, in the description of her beauty, it is said: The queen stands at your right hand, in a golden robe, adorned with various ornaments (Ibid., 10). And again: All the glory of the king's daughter is within (Ibid., 14). But if the king desires the beauty of penitent Tyre, and having the ornaments of various virtues, how much more will his reward and business be not in Tyre, where he does not dwell, but among those who live in the sight of the Lord! After they have repented, they will hear from the Lord and Savior: 'Eat, my friends, and drink, and be intoxicated, my beloved' (Song of Solomon 5:1). What it means to eat and drink, and be satisfied with the gathering of all virtues, the faithful reader understands. The temple was desolate for seventy years, as Jeremiah (Chapter 29), Daniel (Chapter 9), and Zechariah (Chapter 7) teach. And in Ezekiel (Chapter 16) we read about Sodom being restored to its former state, and about Egypt receiving its former abundance after the desolation and dryness of the land and the seven rivers. The number seventy signifies complete and perfect repentance, either in the span of seven days or in the completion of seven decades, so that just as Tyre, when the time of repentance is fulfilled, may return to its former state. Concerning this, I believe that the prostitute is referred to in the mystical language of Solomon's Proverbs: Do not look at the worst woman; for honey drips from the lips of the harlot, who fattens your throat for a short time, and afterwards you will find it bitter as gall (Prov. V, 2-4). For she peers through the window of her house onto the streets (Matth. VII): for the way that leads to death is wide and spacious, and she dares not tempt the wise, for she only lures the foolish, and she walks beside the corners, having lost the straight line: she talks to him in darkness and in gloom, and under the guise of pleasures she leads him like a victim to death. If she has been converted and has sung well, and has completed the time of perfect penance of years, she will eat and drink, and will be satisfied. Let Novatian hear, and let him be silent.
JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Isaiah
(Verse 17) And it will be, after seventy years, the Lord will visit Tyre, and He will restore it to its merchandise, and again it will commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the earth on the face of the earth. All these things are indicated by the consonant letters of the Greeks and the Phoenicians, that after seventy years, it was restored and returned to its former power, and it became a market for all nations, which I think are called fornications, just as one who commits fornication enters a brothel and gives a fee for immorality: in the same way, the instigator, coming together from the whole world, will fill the beauty of the city like that of a harlot.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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