In Isaiah, chapter twenty-three, verses fifteen through seventeen, taking the number literally, the seventy years may coincide with those of the captivity of Judah, during which, under the Chaldaean supremacy, Tyre was reduced to a state of comparative insignificance. It seems better, however, with Cheyne, to take it as a symbolic number for a long period of indefinite duration, and so, bringing it into closer connection with the context, to reckon the period from its conquest by the Assyrians.
The desolations of Tyre were not to be forever. The Lord will visit Tyre in mercy. But when set at liberty, she will use her old arts of temptation. The love of worldly wealth is spiritual idolatry, and covetousness is spiritual idolatry. This directs those who have wealth to use it in the service of God. When we abide with God in our worldly callings, when we do all in our power to further the gospel, then our merchandise and hire are holiness to the Lord, if we look to his glory. Christians should continue business as God’s servants and use their riches as good stewards.
Tyre would “commit fornication” with the nations by using sinful and dishonest commercial practices, accompanied by immoral activity, to gain wealth from other people. The love of worldly wealth is the problem in society. Churches are continuing as if God is not coming soon. Instead of preparing for the Lord’s coming with the signs of His return, some leaders have the people’s minds on money coming. Worldly wealth cannot save souls: only God can. “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon,” as in Luke sixteen, verse thirteen.