And Tyrus did build herself a strong hold, and heaped up silver as the dust, and fine gold as the mire of the streets.
Ver. 3. And Tyrus did build herself a stronghold] Thor did build herself Matsor; an elegance not to be translated (such as are many in the Old Testament, but especially in Isaiah). It is as if it should be said, A stronghold (such as Tyre, which was naturally fortified) did build itself a stronghold, sc. by the industry and diligence of men; so that she might seem impregnable; yet all should not do. Alexander, after seven months' siege, took it, and destroyed it.
And heaped up silver as dust] Pulverizavit argentum quasi pulverem. She had money enough (by means of her long and great trade with all the world, Eze 27:1-36), and so might hire what soldiers she pleased for her defence. The sinews of war were not wanting to her. She heaped up her hoards as it were to heaven; her magazines were full fraught. The word here rendered heaped up signifieth to comport and gather in money, as men do grain into barns and granaries, Exo 8:10 Psalms 39:7. But riches avail not in the day of wrath. And Tyre converted, leaves laying up and treasuring, and falls to feeding and clothing God's saints, Isaiah 23:18 .