Today's Scripture Reading (September 24, 2026): Ezekiel 26
The city of Tyre holds a special place in mythology.
It is said to be the birthplace of Europa, the mythical character from which
Europe takes its name. In Greek mythology, Europa was a Phoenician princess whom
Zeus kidnapped. The earliest mention of Europa is in Homer's "Iliad,"
usually dated to the 8th century (700s) B.C.E., but the mention of Tyre as
Europa's birthplace shows the city was once prominent. Yet, despite its
possible importance, very little is known of the ancient city of Tyre. The city
still exists today, but it has never regained the glory the city appears to
have enjoyed when the "Iliad" was written. However, Nebuchadnezzar
didn't destroy the ancient city. Alexander the Great ultimately destroyed Tyre.
Ezekiel predicts the destruction of Tyre.
According to the Biblical texts, the city's destruction, along with several
others, was ultimately due to the people of these opposing cities cheering the
destruction of Jerusalem. However, Tyre's destruction was unique and intended
as a warning to other nearby cities.
In reality, Tyre's destruction was unusual.
The city actually sat on an island, with a section of the city built on the
mainland. The mainland portion of the city handled trade and kept the island
city supplied. Alexander destroyed the mainland portion of Tyre and then used stone
from the ruins to build a ramp from the mainland to the Island. Because of the
artificial ramp, Alexander could attack the Island overland without using
boats. After Alexander destroyed the island city, the artificial ramp was never
removed. As a result, Tyre became a peninsula rather than an island.
However, in keeping with the prophecy, a new
city of Tyre exists on the site of the ancient island city. Still, the mainland
portion of the city has never been rebuilt, and few artifacts from ancient
times remain on the site of the mainland community. In many ways, it is as if
the Mainland portion of the city had never existed.
The destruction of ancient Tyre set in motion
conditions that would make Carthage a Mediterranean power in Northern Africa.
It is thought that the survivors of the defeated Tyre might have fled to
Carthage. Whatever the reason, the ancient city of Tyre has never recovered,
and the historical city has never really been rediscovered.
Tomorrow's
Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 27
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