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.
Isaiah Chapter 23 is a part of a series of oracles against the nations, prophesying their downfall. Specifically, this chapter focuses on the city of Tyre, a prosperous Phoenician city known for its maritime trade. The chapter is often referred to as "The Burden of Tyre," signifying the judgment and calamity prophesied to befall the city.
The chapter starts with a clear prophecy of doom for Tyre. The city is described as being laid waste, with no house or harbor. The inhabitants are called to mourn the loss of their city. This prophecy of destruction is not only limited to Tyre but extends to all the lands with whom Tyre had trading relationships. These nations are called to be silent and grieve as their source of wealth is destroyed.
Tyre symbolizes worldly wealth and commerce. The city was renowned for its riches and was a major trading hub in the ancient world. Its destruction, therefore, signifies the downfall of worldly wealth and the futility of placing trust in material possessions. This theme is a recurring one in the Bible, emphasizing that earthly riches are fleeting and that true wealth is found in a relationship with God.
The prophecy against Tyre is also a judgment against the pride and arrogance that often accompany wealth. Tyre is described as a "crowning city" whose merchants are princes and whose traders are the world's honorable men. However, the Lord is set to disgrace her pride and bring her into contempt. This serves as a reminder that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
The prophecy against Tyre was fulfilled in history. The city was laid siege by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, and later by Alexander the Great. These sieges resulted in the destruction of the city and the scattering of its inhabitants. This historical fulfillment of prophecy underscores the reliability of the Bible and the sovereignty of God in controlling the affairs of nations.
Interestingly, the prophecy also includes a period of restoration for Tyre after seventy years. This is reminiscent of the period of Babylonian captivity prophesied for the nation of Israel. It suggests that God's judgments are not only punitive but also redemptive. They serve to correct and restore rather than merely to destroy.
Isaiah's role as a prophet is also a key theme in this chapter. As a prophet, Isaiah was called to deliver God's messages to the people. This often involved delivering unpleasant news of impending judgment. However, the prophet's role was not only to foretell doom but also to call the people to repentance and to offer hope for restoration. This underscores the role of prophets as intermediaries between God and the people.
In delivering the prophecy, Isaiah employs vivid imagery and poetic language. This is characteristic of prophetic literature in the Bible and serves to engage the audience and underscore the gravity of the message. The use of such language also suggests that the message is not only historical but also symbolic, offering timeless truths for all generations.
The sovereignty of God is another major theme in Isaiah Chapter 23. The chapter underscores that God is in control of the affairs of nations. He raises and brings down kingdoms according to His will. This truth is comforting, especially in times of turmoil and uncertainty. It assures us that despite the chaos and confusion that may reign in the world, God is still in control and His plans will ultimately prevail.
In conclusion, Isaiah Chapter 23 is a prophetic oracle against the city of Tyre. It serves as a reminder of the futility of worldly wealth and the dangers of pride. It underscores the reliability of God's word, the redemptive nature of His judgments, and His sovereignty over the affairs of nations. While the prophecy is specific to Tyre, its lessons and truths are timeless and relevant for all generations.
As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded to place our trust not in the fleeting riches of this world but in God who is our everlasting treasure. We are called to humility, recognizing that all we have is from God and should be used for His glory. And amidst the uncertainties of life, we are comforted by the knowledge that our God is sovereign and His plans will ultimately prevail.
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