Old Testament
Isaiah 23:17
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After those seventy years are over, the LORD will turn His attention back to Tyre, and she will return to her trade and commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world on the face of the earth.
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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.
What Isaiah 23:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse speaks about the future of Tyre, a significant trading city in ancient times. After a period of seventy years, which likely symbolizes a time of judgment or exile, God will once again focus on Tyre. The city will resume its commercial activities, but this revival is depicted negatively as it will involve 'fornication' with other kingdoms. This metaphor suggests that Tyre will engage in immoral alliances and trade relationships, prioritizing profit over faithfulness to God. The use of 'fornication' indicates a betrayal of spiritual integrity, as Tyre is expected to turn away from God and pursue worldly desires. This reflects a broader theme of nations and individuals who, after experiencing God's judgment, may return to their old ways without true repentance, seeking worldly gain instead of spiritual fidelity.
How to apply Isaiah 23:17 to your life
This verse reminds us to evaluate our priorities and relationships. Are we pursuing worldly success at the expense of our spiritual integrity? It encourages us to seek a balance between our professional lives and our commitment to God, ensuring that our actions align with our faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
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Keep studying Isaiah 23:17
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At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 23:17 mean?
Isaiah 23:17 describes the future of Tyre after a period of seventy years, indicating that God will restore the city’s trade. However, this revival is portrayed negatively, as Tyre will engage in immoral alliances with other kingdoms, symbolizing a betrayal of spiritual integrity.
What is the significance of seventy years in Isaiah 23:17?
The seventy years in Isaiah 23:17 likely represents a time of judgment or exile for Tyre. This period signifies a complete cycle of punishment before God refocuses His attention on the city, allowing it to return to its commercial activities.
What does 'fornication' mean in Isaiah 23:17?
In Isaiah 23:17, 'fornication' is a metaphor for Tyre's immoral alliances with other kingdoms. It suggests that the city will prioritize profit and worldly desires over faithfulness to God, indicating a spiritual infidelity.
What themes are present in Isaiah 23:17?
Isaiah 23:17 encompasses themes of judgment, restoration, worldly alliances, and spiritual infidelity. It highlights the tension between commercial success and maintaining spiritual integrity in the face of God's judgment.
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