This chapter is a prophesy against Tyre / Sidon / Tarshish, a vibrant and wealthy merchant city to the North of Judah.
“The Lord of hosts has purposed it, to defile the pompous pride of all glory, to dishonor all the honored of the earth. In that day Tyre will be forgotten for seventy years… At the end of seventy years, the Lord will visit Tyre, and she will return to her wages and will prostitute herself with all the kingdoms of the world on the face of the earth. Her merchandise and her wages will be holy to the Lord… her merchandise will supply abundant food and fine clothing for those who dwell before the Lord. (v9, 15a, 17-18 abr)
This city was well known for it’s economical prostitution – doing anything, making any deal with any person for the sake of capitalism. This made them incredibly wealthy, but it came at the steep cost of sacrificing their morals. Paul later worked with a young church here once God had begun its reformation.
This passage goes to prove that God can definitely use all things and people to His glory and the growth of Jesus’ kingdom. Even though Isaiah prophesied that the city would return to its old ways of ‘financial prostitution’, he says all of their goods will be used for the Lord’s purposes and His people. God can make all things clean again, whether that’s dirty hearts or ill-gotten gains. Literally all things fall under God and His sovereignty, to work with as he sees fit. Believe it or not, we too, being created by God, belong to Him and fall under His domain. Why not serve Him voluntarily, and joyfully, rather than be made to serve Him against our wishes (like those in Tyre)?
Father God, our Sovereign and Ruling Creator, You have created all things for Your glory and purpose. Please help us to serve You voluntarily, and joyfully, devoting everything to obeying Your will. May we not serve You the hard way like Tyre did, against their original intent. May we honor, glorify and praise You with every word and action, each and every day, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training