And it shall come to pass after the end of seventy years, that the LORD will visit Tyre, and she shall turn to her hire, and shall commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth. And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the LORD: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the LORD, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.

Isaiah 23:17-18

Explanation:
Isaiah continues the prostitute metaphor in these verses. At the end of this time of desolation Tyre will be recognized again by the nations. She will begin again to make a profit, and do business with “all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth.” God is going to use her newly accumulated wealth for His honor and for His purposes. Instead of being used to oppress God’s people, it will be used to supply God’s people.

This serves as a reminder to the people of Judah that they need not prostitute themselves with the practices of the pagan nations around them. Jehovah God will provide for them. He will take care of them. They need to not envy the nations of the world that obtain wealth in ways that dishonors God. God is honored by obedience, and He honors those who are obedient to him.

Application:
These principles apply to us. We can begin to think that there is some disadvantage to living righteously when we see evil people prospering. We must remember that God will ultimately honor Christ’s obedience who offered His life for us. When we trust in Christ alone for salvation, God justifies us. There are blessings that come with obedience. We must trust God by being obedient even when it costs us in the short term. There will be blessings in eternity for those who put their trust in the omnipotent, sovereign God of the universe.

Response:
• Is there a pattern in your life of living like those who do not trust God?
• In what ways does your life show that you trust God and want to honor Him?