Isaiah 23 Devotional

Wealth Set Apart for God

“The LORD of Hosts planned it, to defile all its glorious beauty, to disgrace all the renowned of the earth.”Isaiah 23:9 (BSB)

Tyre is the great merchant city of this chapter, the trader of the nations whose merchants are treated like princes (23:3, 23:8). When it falls, ships wail, Sidon is ashamed, and Egypt is in anguish at the news (23:1-5). Who planned this? The LORD of Hosts did, to bring down the pride of all its splendor and to humble the world's celebrated names (23:8-9).

Wealth looks like security, moving goods across seas and handing out crowns. But it is no match for God's hand stretched out over the sea (23:11). The end of the chapter is unexpected. After seventy years Tyre will trade again, but its profits will be set apart for the LORD, feeding and clothing those who live before him (23:15-18). Even riches gained in pride can be turned to serve God's people. Paul tells the rich not to hope in uncertain wealth but in God, who richly provides everything to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17). Money can serve God's purposes without becoming your refuge.

To think about: What would it look like for your money and possessions to be set apart for God rather than serving as your security?