1. Isaiah 23:8 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why is Tyre called the bestower of crowns, and why are the merchants called princes?

Isaiah 23:8 (ESV)

8 Who has purposed this against Tyre, the bestower of crowns, whose merchants were princes, whose traders were the honored of the earth?

The city of Tyre was mighty enough to crown other kings (in the colonies). The might of Tyre was such that its merchants were exalted, like princes. The question is asked: who was mighty enough to destroy a city like Tyre?