Isaiah 23:18

Amharic New Standard Translation (አማርኛ አዲሱ መደበኛ ትርጉም) 2005

በንግድ የምታገኘውም ገንዘብ ሁሉ ለእግዚአብሔር የተለየ ይሆናል፤ ለራስዋ ተቀማጭ ሳታደርግ የእግዚአብሔር አገልጋዮች በሚያስፈልጋቸው ምግብና በጥሩ ልብስ ያውሉታል።

What Does This Mean?

This verse says that the wealth and earnings of Tyre will be considered holy and used for the service of God. The goods won't be stored but will be used to provide for people who live in God's presence. This means all the profits will be used to meet the needs of those who serve God.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a lemonade stand, and all the money you make is given to help people who take care of the church. Instead of saving the money, you use it to buy food and clothes for these helpers. That's what this verse is talking about.

Historical Background

The prophet Isaiah wrote this verse around 700 BC, addressing the city of Tyre, a major trading hub in ancient times. The message was to the people of Israel, warning them about the consequences of Tyre's prosperity and its end.

Living It Out Today

In today's world, a business owner might use their profits not just to grow their company, but to support their local church or community, ensuring the earnings are used to meet people's needs and support those who serve God.

Topics

• prosperity
• holiness
• giving
• service
• community
• wealth

Related Verses

• Ezekiel 28:1-10
• Hosea 14:8
• Matthew 6:19-21
• 1 Corinthians 9:13-14
• Acts 4:32-35

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Tyre in this verse?

Tyre was a powerful trading city known for its wealth and commerce. This verse emphasizes the ultimate purpose of that wealth as being for God's service.

How should Christians view their wealth according to this verse?

Christians should consider their wealth as a means to serve God and others, using it to meet the needs of those who serve in God's kingdom.

What does 'holiness to the LORD' mean in this context?

It means that the wealth and earnings should be dedicated to God's purposes, not for personal gain or storage, but for supporting those who serve God.

How can this verse be applied in a modern business context?

Business owners can use their profits not just for reinvestment, but also for charitable contributions and supporting church activities, ensuring their wealth serves a higher purpose.