1 The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.
2 Be still, ye inhabitants of the isle; thou whom the merchants of Zidon, that pass over the sea, have replenished.
3 And by great waters the seed of Sihor, the harvest of the river, [is] her revenue; and she is a mart of nations.
4 Be thou ashamed, O Zidon: for the sea hath spoken, [even] the strength of the sea, saying, I travail not, nor bring forth children, neither do I nourish up young men, [nor] bring up virgins.
5 As at the report concerning Egypt, [so] shall they be sorely pained at the report of Tyre.
6 Pass ye over to Tarshish; howl, ye inhabitants of the isle.
7 [Is] this your joyous [city], whose antiquity [is] of ancient days? her own feet shall carry her afar off to sojourn.
8 Who hath taken this counsel against Tyre, the crowning [city], whose merchants [are] princes, whose traffickers [are] the honourable of the earth?
9 The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, [and] to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth.
10 Pass through thy land as a river, O daughter of Tarshish: [there is] no more strength.
11 He stretched out his hand over the sea, he shook the kingdoms: the LORD hath given a commandment against the merchant [city], to destroy the strong holds thereof.
12 And he said, Thou shalt no more rejoice, O thou oppressed virgin, daughter of Zidon: arise, pass over to Chittim; there also shalt thou have no rest.
13 Behold the land of the Chaldeans; this people was not, [till] the Assyrian founded it for them that dwell in the wilderness: they set up the towers thereof, they raised up the palaces thereof; [and] he brought it to ruin.
14 Howl, ye ships of Tarshish: for your strength is laid waste.
15 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.
16 Take an harp, go about the city, thou harlot that hast been forgotten; make sweet melody, sing many songs, that thou mayest be remembered.
17 And it shall come to pass after the end of seventy years, that the LORD will visit Tyre, and she shall turn to her hire, and shall commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth.
18 And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the LORD: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the LORD, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.
Overview of Isaiah Chapter 23
Isaiah Chapter 23 focuses on the prophecy concerning Tyre, a prominent city in ancient Phoenicia known for its commerce and maritime power. The chapter outlines the impending judgment against Tyre and its eventual desolation, while also touching on the broader implications for the nations surrounding it.
Key Themes
- Judgment Against Tyre: The chapter emphasizes God’s judgment against Tyre for its pride and reliance on commerce.
- Desolation and Mourning: The prophecy describes the destruction of Tyre and the mourning of its inhabitants.
- Divine Sovereignty: The narrative illustrates God’s control over the nations and their fates.
- Restoration: Despite the judgment, there is a hint of future restoration and hope for Tyre after a period of punishment.
Structure of the Chapter
- Verses 1-5: The Announcement of Judgment
- Verses 6-9: The Reaction of the Nations
- Verses 10-14: The Collapse of Tyre’s Power
- Verses 15-18: The Future of Tyre
These verses begin with a lamentation for Tyre, describing the city as a “burden” and detailing the impact of its destruction on the maritime trade and the surrounding regions.
The nations are called to mourn for Tyre, illustrating the interconnectedness of trade and the economic implications of its downfall.
This section describes the devastation of Tyre, emphasizing the loss of its strength and influence over the sea and trade routes.
Here, the prophecy shifts to the eventual restoration of Tyre, indicating that after a period of judgment, the city will once again engage in trade, but this time with a focus on the Lord.
Analysis of Key Verses
Verses 1-2: The Burden of Tyre
These opening verses set the tone for the chapter, describing Tyre as a city that has thrived on its maritime prowess. The term “burden” signifies the weight of judgment that is about to fall upon it.
Verses 3-4: Economic Impact
The text highlights Tyre’s role as a hub of trade, affecting not only its own economy but also that of surrounding nations. The lamentation reflects the deep economic ties and the shock of impending loss.
Verses 6-9: Mourning of the Nations
These verses depict the reaction of other nations to Tyre’s downfall, illustrating how interconnected the ancient world was. The mourning signifies the loss of a significant trading partner and the ripple effects of Tyre’s destruction.
Verses 10-12: The Fall of the City
The language used here is vivid, portraying the complete collapse of Tyre’s power. The imagery of the city being laid waste serves as a stark warning against pride and reliance on material wealth.
Verses 15-17: Restoration and Future Trade
After the judgment, there is a promise of restoration. Tyre will return to its trade, but this time the focus will be on the glory of the Lord, suggesting a transformation in the city’s purpose.
Theological Implications
- God’s Sovereignty: The chapter reinforces the belief that God is sovereign over all nations and their destinies.
- Judgment and Mercy: It illustrates the dual themes of judgment for sin and the possibility of redemption and restoration.
- Economic Systems and Spirituality: The text invites reflection on the relationship between economic practices and spiritual fidelity.
Conclusion
Isaiah Chapter 23 serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of pride and the transient nature of human power. It emphasizes that while nations may rise and fall, God’s ultimate plan for restoration and redemption remains steadfast. The chapter’s vivid imagery and profound themes resonate with both historical and contemporary audiences, urging a reflection on the moral and spiritual dimensions of economic and political life.
