The song of the prostitute: Take up the harp, walk through the city, O prostitute forgotten; play the harp well, sing many a song, so that you will be remembered. (Isaiah 22:15,16)
In this final installment of Isaiah's oracles against the nations, the focus turns to Phoenicia, home of two of the Mediterranean's greatest seaports, Tyre and Sidon. It is likely this prophecy takes place during the Assyrian expansion. Phoenicia was best known for its trade with other nations: it's sailing ships traveled around the Mediterranean, visiting seaports from Egypt to Spain. Rather than compete for military control of the region, Phoenicia was content to sit back and take profits wherever it could.
In that respect, Isaiah refers to Tyre and Sidon as prostitutes, plying their wares, luring in business. But Phoenicia's political neutrality would not protect its economic ventures forever. Isaiah forecasts Phoenicia's defeat at the hands of the Assyrians who wanted control over those port cities and their corresponding trade routes with other nations.
But there would come a time, after Assyria's strength ran its course, that Tyre and Sidon would once again be back in business, like old prostitutes singing their seductive songs trying to entice back customers from yesterday.
Isaiah teaches us that the strongest economy will never be a strong enough foundation on which to build. Only faith in God stands the test of time and trouble.
On what foundation are you building for the future?
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