Isaiah 23:18

“And her merchandise, and her hire, &c.] Or, “but her merchandise”, &c. not the same as before; or, however, not as carried on at the same time, but many ages after, even in the times of the Gospel; for this part of the prophecy respects the conversion of the Tyrians, in the first ages of Christianity; this is prophesied of elsewhere, (<194512>Psalm 45:12 87:4) and was fulfilled in the times of the apostles, (<441119>Acts 11:19 21:3,4) and so Kimchi and Jarchi say this is a prophecy to be fulfilled in the days of the Messiahf474; and then the trade of this people, and what they got by it, should be holiness to the Lord; that is, devoted, at least, great part of it, to holy uses and service;…”

“merchandise . . . holiness--Her traffic and gains shall at last (long after the restoration mentioned in Isa 23:17) be consecrated to Jehovah. Jesus Christ visited the neighborhood of Tyre (Mat 15:21); Paul found disciples there (Act 21:3-6); it early became a Christian bishopric, but the full evangelization of that whole race, as of the Ethiopians (Isa 18:1-7), of the Egyptians and Assyrians (Isa. 19:1-25), is yet to come (Isa 60:5). not treasured--but freely expended in His service. them that dwell before the Lord--the ministers of religion. But HORSLEY translates, "them that sit before Jehovah" as disciples. durable clothing--Changes of raiment constituted much of the wealth of former…”

“And her merchandise - The prophecy here does not mean that this would take place immediately after her rebuilding, but that subsequent to the seventy years of desolation this would occur. Shall be holiness to the Lord - This undoubtedly means, that at some future period, after the rebuilding of Tyre, the true religion would prevail there, and her wealth would be devoted to his service. That the true religion prevailed at Tyre subsequently to its restoration and rebuilding there can be no doubt. The Christian religion was early established at Tyre. It was visited by the Saviour Matthew 15:21, and by Paul. Paul found several disciples of Christ there when on his way to Jerusalem Acts 21:3-6.…”

“Holiness - This is a prophecy concerning the conversion of the Tyrians to the true religion. Laid up - Either out of covetousness, or for their pride and luxury, as they formerly did; but now they shall freely lay it out upon pious and charitable uses. Shall be - For the support and encouragement of the ministers of holy things, who shall teach the good knowledge of the Lord. Although this does not exclude, but rather imply their liberality in contributing to the necessities of all Christians. Next: Isaiah Chapter 24”

“23:18 Even though Tyre’s earnings came from unrighteous commerce, the profits will be given to the Lord rather than being squandered. • There will be good food and fine clothing for the Lord’s priests. The theme of the wealth of the nations being brought to the Lord in Jerusalem is more fully developed in 60:5-11; 61:6.”

“her merchandise: Isa 60:6, Isa 60:7; Ch2 2:7-9, Ch2 2:11-16; Psa 45:12, Psa 72:10; Zac 14:20, Zac 14:21; Mar 3:8; Act 21:3-5 it shall: Mat 6:19-21; Luk 12:18-20, Luk 12:33, Luk 16:9-13 for them: Deu 12:18, Deu 12:19, Deu 26:12-14; Pro 3:9, Pro 3:10, Pro 13:22, Pro 28:8; Ecc 2:26; Mal 3:10; Mat 25:35-40; Luk 8:3; Act 9:39; Rom 15:25-27; Gal 6:6; Phi 4:17, Phi 4:18 durable: Heb. old Next: Isaiah Chapter 24”

“This restoration of the trade of Tyre is called a visitation on the part of Jehovah, because, however profane the conduct of Tyre might be, it was nevertheless a holy purpose to which Jehovah rendered it subservient. "And her gain and her reward of prostitution will be holy to Jehovah: it is not stored up nor gathered together; but her gain from commerce will be theirs who dwell before Jehovah, to eat to satiety and for stately clothing." It is not the conversion of Tyre which is held up to view, but something approaching it. Sachar (which does not render it at all necessary to assume a form sâchâr for Isa 23:3) is used here in connection with 'ethnân, to denote the occupation itself…”