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Isaiah 23

Isaiah 23 is a prophecy about the downfall of Tyre, a prominent Phoenician port city known for its wealth and influence in maritime trade. The chapter predicts the destruction of this city due to its pride and reliance on its economic power. However, the prophecy also speaks of eventual restoration after a period of seventy years. The fall of Tyre serves as a warning to those who trust in their material wealth rather than in God.

Isaiah 23:1 (NKJV)
1 The burden against Tyre. Wail, you ships of Tarshish! For it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no harbor; from the land of Cyprus it is revealed to them.

This verse announces the downfall of Tyre, a city known for its maritime trade. The destruction is so severe that there is no house or harbor left. The ships of Tarshish, which were part of Tyre's extensive trade network, are called to mourn. They learn of this calamity from Cyprus, highlighting how far-reaching Tyre's influence was.

Isaiah 23:2 (NKJV)
2 Be still, you inhabitants of the coastland, you merchants of Sidon, whom those who cross the sea have filled.

The inhabitants of Sidon and the coastlands, who were closely connected to Tyre through trade, are called to silence in shock. Tyre’s fall affects them deeply because their prosperity depended on the maritime commerce that Tyre dominated. Those who crossed the sea to trade with Tyre had enriched Sidon and other coastal cities.

Isaiah 23:3 (NKJV)
3 And on great waters the grain of Shihor, the harvest of the River, is her revenue; and she is a marketplace for the nations.

This verse reflects the significance of Tyre as a marketplace for the nations. Tyre’s wealth came from controlling trade routes, including importing grain from Egypt (referred to here as Shihor, a branch of the Nile). The city’s prosperity and influence extended far beyond its borders, making its fall a critical event for many nations.

Isaiah 23:4 (NKJV)
4 Be ashamed, O Sidon; for the sea has spoken, the strength of the sea, saying, “I do not labor, nor bring forth children; neither do I rear young men, nor bring up virgins.”

Sidon is instructed to feel ashamed as the sea, personifying Tyre’s source of power, laments the loss of its strength. The sea, once a symbol of Tyre’s vitality and prosperity, now says it no longer produces life. This poetic imagery underscores the total collapse of Tyre’s influence and power.

Isaiah 23:5 (NKJV)
5 When the report reaches Egypt, they also will be in agony at the report of Tyre.

Even Egypt, a major trading partner of Tyre, will feel the pain of its destruction. The report of Tyre’s fall spreads far and wide, affecting nations that relied on its trade. Egypt, in particular, will experience distress due to the economic and political consequences of this event.

Isaiah 23:6-7 (NKJV)
6 Cross over to Tarshish; wail, you inhabitants of the coastland!
7 Is this your joyous city, whose antiquity is from ancient days, whose feet carried her far off to dwell?

The inhabitants of Tyre are advised to flee to Tarshish, a distant trading partner, as their home is destroyed. The verse reflects on the former glory of Tyre, a city known for its joy and wealth, dating back to ancient times. Tyre had spread its influence far and wide, but now its people must leave and mourn its downfall.

Isaiah 23:8 (NKJV)
8 Who has taken this counsel against Tyre, the crowning city, whose merchants are princes, whose traders are the honorable of the earth?

This verse marvels at Tyre’s downfall, asking who could have brought down such a powerful city. Tyre’s merchants and traders were like princes and were highly respected throughout the world. The question emphasizes the unexpected nature of Tyre’s destruction, highlighting how no human power could have done this.

Isaiah 23:9 (NKJV)
9 The Lord of hosts has purposed it, to bring to dishonor the pride of all glory, to bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth.

The answer to the previous question is revealed: it was God Himself who planned Tyre’s downfall. The purpose of this judgment is to humble the pride of those who rely on their wealth and worldly glory. Even those who are considered honorable on earth will be brought low when they place their trust in material things.

Isaiah 23:10 (NKJV)
10 Overflow through your land like the River, O daughter of Tarshish; there is no more strength.

Tarshish, a trading partner of Tyre, is told to flow freely through the land because Tyre, their source of strength, is no longer able to support them. Without Tyre’s power, the people of Tarshish must find new ways to sustain themselves, signifying the collapse of their economic connection.

Isaiah 23:11-12 (NKJV)
11 He stretched out His hand over the sea, He shook the kingdoms; the Lord has given a commandment against Canaan to destroy its strongholds.
12 And He said, “You will rejoice no more, O you oppressed virgin daughter of Sidon. Arise, cross over to Cyprus; there also you will have no rest.”

God’s judgment reaches over the sea, shaking kingdoms and bringing destruction to Canaan’s strongholds, including Tyre. Sidon, a neighboring city, is also affected and is told that it will no longer rejoice. Even if the people flee to Cyprus, they will find no peace, showing that God's judgment is inescapable.

Isaiah 23:13 (NKJV)
13 Behold, the land of the Chaldeans, this people which was not; Assyria founded it for wild beasts of the desert. They set up its towers, they raised up its palaces, and brought it to ruin.

The Chaldeans (Babylonians), who were once insignificant, are now seen as the instruments of Tyre’s destruction. Assyria originally established the land of the Chaldeans, but Babylon rose to prominence and became a powerful force. The imagery of towers and palaces being brought to ruin reflects the complete destruction that Tyre will face.

Isaiah 23:14 (NKJV)
14 Wail, you ships of Tarshish, for your strength is laid waste!

The ships of Tarshish, dependent on Tyre for trade, are called to mourn once more. The destruction of Tyre means that their source of strength and wealth has been laid to waste. The collapse of Tyre’s trading empire has far-reaching consequences for its partners.

Isaiah 23:15-16 (NKJV)
15 Now it shall come to pass in that day that Tyre will be forgotten seventy years, according to the days of one king. At the end of seventy years it will happen to Tyre as in the song of the harlot:
16 “Take a harp, go about the city, you forgotten harlot; make sweet melody, sing many songs, that you may be remembered.”

Tyre will be forgotten for seventy years, a symbolic period of judgment. Afterward, Tyre will attempt to regain its influence, but like a forgotten harlot trying to attract attention, its efforts will be in vain. This reflects the futility of relying on wealth and trade alone for restoration.

Isaiah 23:17 (NKJV)
17 And it shall be, at the end of seventy years, that the Lord will deal with Tyre. She will return to her hire, and commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world on the face of the earth.

After seventy years, Tyre will resume its trade, once again engaging with many nations. However, this is seen as “fornication,” a symbol of its corrupt influence on the world. Tyre’s restoration is not entirely righteous, as it returns to its old ways of relying on wealth and commerce.

Isaiah 23:18 (NKJV)
18 Her gain and her pay will be set apart for the Lord; it will not be treasured nor laid up, for her gain will be for those who dwell before the Lord, to eat sufficiently, and for fine clothing.

In the end, Tyre’s wealth will no longer be hoarded for selfish purposes but will be consecrated to the Lord. The profits from Tyre’s trade will be used for the benefit of those who serve God, indicating that even the gains of a once-corrupt city can be redirected for a divine purpose.

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