And it shall come to pass in that day, that Tyre shall be forgotten seventy years, according to the days of one king: after the end of seventy years shall Tyre sing as an harlot.
Tyre shall be forgotten. Having lost its former renown, Tyre shall be in obscurity. Seventy years - the duration of the captivity of the Jews in Babylon (so Jeremiah 25:11-12; Jeremiah 29:10). This proves that the capture of Tyre here meant ultimately is that by Nebuchadnezzar.
Days of one king. - i:e., dynasty. The Babylonian monarchy lasted properly but 70 years. From the first year of Nebuchadnezzar to the taking of Babylon by Cyrus, was 70 years; then the subjected nations would be restored to liberty. Tyre was taken in the middle of that period, but it is classed in common with the rest, some conquered sooner and others later-all, however, alike about to be delivered at the end of the period. So "king" is used for dynasty (Daniel 7:17; Daniel 8:20). Nebuchadnezzar, his son Evil-merodach, and his grandson Belshazzar, formed the whole dynasty (Jeremiah 25:11-12; Jeremiah 27:7; Jeremiah 29:10).
After the end of seventy years shall Tyre sing as an harlot - it shall be to Tyre as the song of the harlot-namely, a harlot that has been forgotten, but who attracts notice again by her song. Large marts of commerce are often compared to harlots seeking many lovers - i:e., they court merchants of all nations, and admit any one for the sake of gain (Nahum 3:4; Revelation 18:3). The image is appropriate, as covetousness, the besetting sin of Tyre, is closely akin to idolatry and licentiousness (Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5: cf. Isaiah 2:6-8; Isaiah 2:18).