S) "17 It will come about at the end of seventy years that the Lord will visit Tyre. Then she will go back to her harlot’s wages and will play the harlot with all the kingdoms on the face of the earth."
Isaiah 23:17 (NASB)
O) Isaiah gave a devastating prophecy against Tyre, a merchant city of some considerable influence and wickedness. In this chapter, we read that many of the other nations who did business with Tyre, mourned at the loss of Tyre as a trade partner. The punishment seems to be a complete one, as there was no mention of a remnant spared. Isaiah used words like "destroyed" and "no more" to speak of the wrath God was going to execute against this nation. Yet, we see in vv.15-18, that this evil nation would continue. Their destruction would only last seventy years. Not only was their destruction temporary, it also seems to have had little effect on how the city would be run. Apparently, they would return to their same corrupted ways.
A) There are some kingdoms and cities that God chose to destroy forever, but with some, He seems to have lifted His hand from being against them. The detailed reasons for which kingdom or city received which judgment, are nuances that may remain a mystery forever. Certainly, the Bible doesn't disclose details on why God chose Tyre for a temporary destruction. However, it is important for me to remember this prophecy, because it reminds me of a few principles that persist. First, God is sovereign in His will. He may choose one for eternal annihilation, and another for a less permanent end. In either case, that is the right the LORD has, as the Maker of all things. Second, this reminds me that God is not surprised. While Tyre seemed to have been utterly destroyed, God's revelation that it would rise again, protects God's character and name. No one can say God failed, or that He was fooled. He knew what He was doing from the outset. Last, this reminds me that evil will continue to rear it's ugly head, until the final day of the LORD, when Jesus returns to remake the heavens and the earth. If God punishes evil people, and righteously vindicates the victims in the world, that will not solve the problem of sin. When I see atrocities, I should still pray that God's justice is done (according to His will). However, I cannot make the mistake of thinking that if some wicked people are destroyed, even the most wicked of them, that it will solve the problem of evil. At best, it delays the inevitable. This is why the solution to the problem of sin can only be found in Jesus Christ, either as Redeemer or as Judge (that is, when Christ returns to judge the whole earth).
P) Father, I confess and trust that Your will is best. I know that You are sovereign, and Your plans are perfect. I pray first and foremost that Your will is done. Give me patience, Father, that I may wait for Your righteous judgments. In fact, continue to soften my heart, that I would pray for salvation instead of destruction, that when Your perfect judgment is wrought, many will be saved. When I see evil in the world, let my first response be, that the wicked would be redeemed and used for Your glory, but according to Your will. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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