Text: Isaiah 23:17
OT Text Referred to: Deuteronomy 23:18
Subject: wages of Tyre's prostitution sanctified to Yahweh
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type: Allusion
Connection Method(s): Contrast
Significance: Deuteronomy 23:18 prohibits bringing the wages of a prostitute (אֶתְנַן זוֹנָה, etnan zonah) into the house of the LORD, declaring such earnings "detestable." Isaiah 23:17 shockingly reverses this prohibition: after Tyre returns to her "prostitution" (trade with all kingdoms), her profits and wages will be "set apart to the LORD" (קֹדֶשׁ לַיהוָה, qodesh la-YHWH) — going to feed and clothe those who serve before Him (23:18). What Deuteronomy categorically excluded from the sanctuary, Isaiah envisions being consecrated for holy use, suggesting a future transformation where even pagan commercial wealth is redirected to serve God's purposes.