Isaiah 23:13,14

Although the words refer to the fate of Tyre, the warning about Babylon is for the people of God. They will suffer a similar fate unless they turn back to their *Lord.

• We must remember that God’s messages are usually for his own people. We would not expect foreign nations even to hear about such messages. Except, that is, for a special reason (see Jonah 1:2). But even in Jonah’s case, the lesson is really for him!

New life for Tyre

v15 Everyone will forget Tyre for 70 years. At the end of 70 years the situation will change for the people in Tyre. Then, it will be as in the popular song about a bad woman. v16 ‘Now, you bad woman, take your musical instrument. Walk about the city. Play your instrument well. Sing many songs. Remind people about yourself.’