Isaiah 23:1-2

Tyre and Sidon were two busy ports. They were north of Israel in what is today part of Lebanon. When David and Solomon ruled Israel, they both enjoyed good relations with the people in Tyre (see 1 Kings 5:1-12). Then Solomon began to marry many foreign wives. And they introduced Solomon and his people to the *worship of *idols (see 1 Kings 11:1-8).

• God sent a series of *prophets to warn his special people against their wicked behaviour. But it was in vain. The people would not change their behaviour. Now severe punishment would follow. It would begin with Tyre and Sidon. This was because their people had some responsibility for Israel’s failure to obey the *Lord.

• Tarshish was a major port on the north coast of Spain. It was famous for its huge ships that carried heavy loads of goods for long distances across the seas.