### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Tsôr**, represented by `{{H6865}}`, refers to the prominent city of **Tyre**, or Tyrus. The name itself is the same as the word for a rock, alluding to its fortified nature. It appears 42 times in 39 unique verses, highlighting its significance as a center of power, commerce, and prophetic focus in the Old Testament.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6865}}` is presented in contrasting roles. Initially, Tyre is an ally to Israel. Hiram `{{H2438}}`, the king of Tyre, provided David with cedar `{{H730}}` trees and skilled craftsmen `{{H2796}}` to build `{{H1129}}` a royal house [[2 Samuel 5:11]]. This friendly relationship continued with Solomon, with Tyre supplying materials for the temple [[1 Kings 5:1]]. However, Tyre is more frequently the subject of divine judgment. The prophets condemn it for its overwhelming pride, with its prince boasting, "I am a God" [[Ezekiel 28:2]], and for its transgressions, such as delivering captives to Edom `{{H123}}` in violation of a covenant [[Amos 1:9]]. Prophecies detail its destruction at the hands of Nebuchadrezzar `{{H5019}}` king of Babylon `{{H894}}` [[Ezekiel 26:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define Tyre's identity and its interactions with other nations:
* `{{H6721}}` **Tsîydôwn** (fishery; Tsidon...): Tyre's sister city, Zidon, is often mentioned alongside it in prophetic oracles, indicating their close geographical and political relationship [[Jeremiah 47:4]].
* `{{H2438}}` **Chîyrâm** (Chiram or Chirom...): The king of Tyre who was an ally to David and Solomon. His name is synonymous with the era of cooperation between Tyre and Israel, especially in major building projects [[1 Kings 9:11]].
* `{{H1129}}` **bânâh** (to build): This verb connects to Tyre both positively, as it helped build `{{H1129}}` David's house [[1 Chronicles 14:1]], and in describing its own self-reliance, as Tyre "did build `{{H1129}}` herself a strong hold" [[Zechariah 9:3]].
* `{{H4692}}` **mâtsôwr** (a fastness): This term, used to describe the "strong hold" [[Zechariah 9:3]] that Tyre built for itself, underscores the city's military strength and perceived invincibility which fueled its pride.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6865}}` is significant, serving as a powerful case study in scripture.
* **Arrogance and Divine Judgment:** Tyre is a primary biblical example of worldly pride. Its king's claim to divinity [[Ezekiel 28:2]] and the city's boast of its own perfect beauty [[Ezekiel 27:3]] lead directly to prophecies of its utter ruin, demonstrating that God opposes the proud.
* **The Peril of Wealth:** The city's vast riches, described as heaps of silver `{{H3701}}` and fine gold `{{H2742}}` like mire `{{H2916}}` in the streets [[Zechariah 9:3]], are presented as a source of its corruption and a reason for its judgment.
* **God's Sovereignty over Nations:** The detailed prophecies against Tyre illustrate that God's authority extends beyond Israel. He holds all nations, including powerful commercial empires, accountable for their moral and ethical failures [[Amos 1:9-10]].
* **Broken Covenants:** The charge that Tyre "remembered not the brotherly covenant" [[Amos 1:9]] highlights the biblical importance of faithfulness in relationships and treaties, the violation of which brings divine retribution.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6865}}` is far more than a geographical name. It represents the city-state of Tyre, a symbol of immense wealth, maritime power, and worldly arrogance. While it was once an ally to Israel, its story primarily serves as a solemn scriptural warning about the pride that often accompanies power and riches, and a clear declaration of God's ultimate judgment upon all nations.
TRV