Isaiah 23:18

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Isaiah 23:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Yet her profits and wages will be set apart to the LORD; they will not be stored or saved, for her profit will go to those who live before the LORD, for abundant food and fine clothing.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to Jehovah: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before Jehovah, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And her goods and her trade will be holy to the Lord: they will not be kept back or stored up; for her produce will be for those living in the Lord's land, to give them food for their needs, and fair clothing.

Free Bible Version FBV

However, her profits and what she earns will be consecrated to the Lord. They won't be kept or saved up, for her business earnings will go to those who worship the Lord, to provide them with plenty of food and good clothes.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Yet her occupying and her wages shall bee holy vnto the Lord: it shall not be laied vp nor kept in store, but her marchandise shalbe for them that dwell before the Lord, to eate sufficiently, and to haue durable clothing.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And her merchandise and her gift have been holy to Jehovah, Not treasured up nor stored, For to those sitting before Jehovah is her merchandise, To eat to satiety, and for a lasting covering!

World English Bible WEB

Her merchandise and her wages will be holiness to the LORD. It will not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise will be for those who dwell before the LORD, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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, for sufficient food, and for durable clothing.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And her merchandise and her hire shall be sanctified to the Lord: they shall not be kept in store, nor laid up: for her merchandise shall be for them that shall dwell before the Lord, that they may eat unto fulness, and be clothed for a continuance.

Translation for Translators T4T

But their profits will be given to Yahweh. The merchants will not hoard their money; instead, they will give it to Yahweh’s priests in order that they can buy food and nice clothes.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 23:18

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Isaiah 23:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/הָיָ֨ה סַחְרָ֜/הּ וְ/אֶתְנַנָּ֗/הּ קֹ֚דֶשׁ לַֽ/יהוָ֔ה לֹ֥א יֵֽאָצֵ֖ר וְ/לֹ֣א יֵֽחָסֵ֑ן כִּ֣י לַ/יֹּשְׁבִ֞ים לִ/פְנֵ֤י יְהוָה֙ יִֽהְיֶ֣ה סַחְרָ֔/הּ לֶ/אֱכֹ֥ל לְ/שָׂבְעָ֖ה וְ/לִ/מְכַסֶּ֥ה עָתִֽיק

וְ/הָיָ֨ה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3ms

סַחְרָ֜/הּ çachar H5504 profit N-ms | Suff

וְ/אֶתְנַנָּ֗/הּ ʼethnan H868 wages Conj | N-ms | Suff

קֹ֚דֶשׁ qôdesh H6944 Holy Place N-ms

לַֽ/יהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Prep | N-proper

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part

יֵֽאָצֵ֖ר ʼâtsar H686 to store V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

יֵֽחָסֵ֑ן châçan H2630 to hoard V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

לַ/יֹּשְׁבִ֞ים yâshab H3427 to dwell Prep | V-Qal

לִ/פְנֵ֤י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

יִֽהְיֶ֣ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

סַחְרָ֔/הּ çachar H5504 profit N-ms | Suff

לֶ/אֱכֹ֥ל ʼâkal H398 to eat Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

לְ/שָׂבְעָ֖ה sobʻâh H7654 satiety Prep | N-fs

וְ/לִ/מְכַסֶּ֥ה mᵉkaççeh H4374 covering Conj | Prep | N-ms

עָתִֽיק ʻâthîyq H6266 surpassing Adj

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 23:18

וְ/הָיָ֨ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

סַחְרָ֜/הּ çachar H5504 "profit" N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to profit or gain from trade or business. It describes the income or benefit that comes from buying and selling goods. This word is used to talk about the benefits of commerce and trade.

Definition: 1) traffic, gain, profit, gain from merchandise 1a) traffic, gain from traffic Also means: sa.char (סָ֫חַר "merchandise" H5505)

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: merchandise. See also: Proverbs 3:14; Proverbs 31:18; Isaiah 23:18.

וְ/אֶתְנַנָּ֗/הּ ʼethnan H868 "wages" Conj | N-ms | Suff

This word refers to the wages or reward of a prostitute or idolatrous practices in the Bible. It is often used to describe the price of sin or unfaithfulness, as seen in the stories of Israel and Tyre.

Definition: 1) hire of prostitute, price 1a) hire (of harlot) 1b) of idolatrous Israel, Jerusalem, Tyre (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: hire, reward. See also: Deuteronomy 23:19; Ezekiel 16:34; Isaiah 23:17.

קֹ֚דֶשׁ qôdesh H6944 "Holy Place" N-ms

The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.

Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)

Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.

לַֽ/יהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Prep | N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יֵֽאָצֵ֖ר ʼâtsar H686 "to store" V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

This Hebrew verb means to store up or save something, like treasure. It is used in the Bible to describe setting aside resources for the future, as seen in the book of Proverbs.

Definition: 1) to store up, save, lay up 1a) (Qal) to store up, make treasurer 1b) (Niphal) treasured

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: (lay up in) store, [phrase] (make) treasure(-r). See also: 2 Kings 20:17; Isaiah 23:18; Isaiah 39:6.

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

יֵֽחָסֵ֑ן châçan H2630 "to hoard" V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

This word means to store up or hoard something valuable. In the Bible, it's used to describe laying up treasure in heaven, as Jesus teaches in Matthew. It's about saving for the future.

Definition: (Niphal) to be treasured up, be hoarded, be laid up, be stored Aramaic equivalent: cha.san (חֲסַן "to possess" H2631)

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: lay up. See also: Isaiah 23:18.

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

לַ/יֹּשְׁבִ֞ים yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Prep | V-Qal

This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.

Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)

Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.

לִ/פְנֵ֤י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

יִֽהְיֶ֣ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

סַחְרָ֔/הּ çachar H5504 "profit" N-ms | Suff

Definition: 1) traffic, gain, profit, gain from merchandise 1a) traffic, gain from traffic Also means: sa.char (סָ֫חַר "merchandise" H5505)

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: merchandise. See also: Proverbs 3:14; Proverbs 31:18; Isaiah 23:18.

לֶ/אֱכֹ֥ל ʼâkal H398 "to eat" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.

Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)

Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.

לְ/שָׂבְעָ֖ה sobʻâh H7654 "satiety" Prep | N-fs

Satiety refers to the feeling of being full or satisfied, having enough of something. It can also describe something that is never satisfied.

Definition: satisfaction, satiety, one's fill

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: (to have) enough, [idiom] till...be full, (un-) satiable, satisfy, [idiom] sufficiently. See also: Isaiah 23:18; Ezekiel 16:28; Isaiah 55:2.

וְ/לִ/מְכַסֶּ֥ה mᵉkaççeh H4374 "covering" Conj | Prep | N-ms

This word describes a covering, like a garment, bed cover, or awning, and is also used to describe the omentum in the body. It appears in various books, including Exodus and Deuteronomy.

Definition: covering, that which covers

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: clothing, to cover, that which covereth. See also: Leviticus 9:19; Isaiah 23:18; Isaiah 14:11.

עָתִֽיק ʻâthîyq H6266 "surpassing" Adj

This Hebrew word means something or someone that is very impressive and surpasses others. It can also mean something that lasts a long time. In the Bible, it describes things that are durable and splendid.

Definition: 1) eminent, surpassing, choice, splendid 2) (TWOT) durable

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: durable. See also: Isaiah 23:18.

Study Notes — Isaiah 23:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Isaiah 23:18 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 23:18
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 23:18
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 23:18
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 23:18
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 23:18
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 23:18
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 23:18
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 23:18
Sermons on Isaiah 23:18

Context — The Burden against Tyre

16“Take up your harp, stroll through the city, O forgotten harlot. Make sweet melody, sing many a song, so you will be remembered.” 17And at the end of seventy years, the LORD will restore Tyre. Then she will return to hire as a prostitute and sell herself to all the kingdoms on the face of the earth.

18Yet her profits and wages will be set apart to the LORD; they will not be stored or saved, for her profit will go to those who live before the LORD, for abundant food and fine clothing.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 72:10	May the kings of Tarshish and distant shores bring tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts.
2	Deuteronomy 26:12–14	When you have finished laying aside a tenth of all your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you are to give it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat and be filled within your gates. Then you shall declare in the presence of the LORD your God, “I have removed from my house the sacred portion and have given it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, according to all the commandments You have given me. I have not transgressed or forgotten Your commandments. I have not eaten any of the sacred portion while in mourning, or removed any of it while unclean, or offered any of it for the dead. I have obeyed the LORD my God; I have done everything You commanded me.
3	Philippians 4:17–18	Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account. I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.
4	Deuteronomy 12:18–19	Instead, you must eat them in the presence of the LORD your God at the place the LORD your God will choose—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates. Rejoice before the LORD your God in all you do, and be careful not to neglect the Levites as long as you live in your land.
5	Exodus 28:36	You are to make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD.
6	Galatians 6:6	Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.
7	Matthew 25:35–40	For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? When did we see You sick or in prison and visit You?’ And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’
8	Luke 12:18–20	Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and will build bigger ones, and there I will store up all my grain and my goods. Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’
9	Matthew 6:19–21	Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
10	Isaiah 60:5–9	Then you will look and be radiant, and your heart will tremble and swell with joy, because the riches of the sea will be brought to you, and the wealth of the nations will come to you. Caravans of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah, and all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD. All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth will serve you and go up on My altar with acceptance; I will adorn My glorious house. Who are these who fly like clouds, like doves to their shelters? Surely the islands will wait for Me, with the ships of Tarshish in the lead, to bring your children from afar, with their silver and gold, to the honor of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for He has glorified you.

Isaiah 23:18 Summary

This verse is saying that even though the city of Tyre has been involved in sinful activities, God can still use its wealth and resources for good. The profits of Tyre will be used to support and bless those who are faithful to God, providing for their physical needs like food and clothing, much like the way God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:3-4). This shows us that God can work through anyone or anything to bring about His purposes, and that He desires to use our lives and resources to bless others. By dedicating our own lives and resources to God's service, we can be part of His plan to bring good into the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for Tyre's profits to be 'set apart to the LORD'?

This means that the wealth and earnings of Tyre will be dedicated to God's purposes, much like the concept of tithing in Malachi 3:10, where God's people are called to give a portion of their income to support the work of the Lord.

How can a city like Tyre, known for its sin, be used by God for good?

The Bible shows that God can use anyone or anything for His purposes, as seen in Isaiah 45:1, where the Lord uses the pagan king Cyrus to accomplish His will, demonstrating that He can work through unexpected means to achieve His goals.

What does it mean for Tyre's profit to go to those who 'live before the LORD'?

This phrase suggests that the wealth of Tyre will be used to support and bless those who are faithful to God, much like the way the Israelites were instructed to care for the poor and the stranger in their midst, as seen in Deuteronomy 14:28-29.

Is this verse suggesting that God condones or promotes the sinful activities of Tyre?

No, rather it indicates that despite Tyre's sinful state, God can still work through the city and its wealth to bring about good, much like the principle in Genesis 50:20, where Joseph recognizes that God can bring good out of evil intentions.

Reflection Questions

In what ways can I, like Tyre, dedicate my own 'profits and wages' to the Lord's service?
How can I trust that God is working through the circumstances of my life, even when they seem uncertain or difficult?
What does it mean for me to 'live before the Lord', and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of living in His presence?
In what ways can I use my own resources and abilities to bless and support those around me who are faithful to God?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 23:18

And her merchandise, and her hire,.... Or, "but her merchandise", c.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 23:18

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 23:18

Her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the Lord: he speaks not here of what the Tyrians would do immediately after their restitution, but some time after it, even in the days of the Messiah; of which even some of the Jewish rabbies understand it, and to which the prophets have a special respect in their several prophecies, and Isaiah among and above the rest of them. So this is a prophecy concerning the conversion of the Tyrians to the true religion, of the accomplishment whereof something is said , and more in other authors. It shall not be treasured nor laid up, either out of covetousness, or for the service of their pride and luxury, as they formerly did; but now they shall freely lay it out upon pious and charitable uses. For them that dwell before the Lord; for the support and encouragement of the ministers of holy things, who shall teach the good knowledge of the Lord, who dwell in God’ s house, and minister in his presence; the support of such persons being not only an act of justice and charity, but also of piety, and of great use and necessity to maintain and propagate religion in the world. Although this doth not exclude, but rather imply, their liberality in contributing to the necessities of all Christians.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 23:18

Isaiah 23:18 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.Ver. 18. It shall not be treasured.] Being once converted, they shall leave heaping and hoarding wealth, and find other use for it - viz., to feed and clothe God’ s ministers and poor people freely and largely. And for durable clothing.] The Vulgate hath it Vestientur ad vetustatem.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 23:18

(18) Her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the Lord.—The words seem to reverse the rule of Deu 23:18, which, probably not without a reference to practices like those connected with the worship of Mylitta (Herod., i. 99), forbade gifts that were so gained from being offered in the Sanctuary. Here, it seems to be implied, the imagery was not to be carried to what might have seemed its logical conclusion. The harlot city, penitent and converted, might be allowed, strange as it might seem, to bring the gains of her harlotry into the temple of the Lord. Interpreted religiously, the prophet sees the admission of proselytes to the worship of Israel in the future, as he had seen it probably in the days of Hezekiah (Psalms 87:4). Interpreted politically, the words point to a return to the old alliance between Judah and Tyre in the days of David and Solomon (1 Kings 5:1-12), and to the gifts which that alliance involved (Psalms 45:12). For them that dwell before the Lord . . .—These were probably, in the prophet’s thoughts, the citizens of Jerusalem, who were to find in Tyre their chief resource both for food and raiment. Traces of this commerce after the return of the Jews from the captivity are found in Nehemiah 13:16, “men of Tyre” bringing “fish and all manner of ware” to the gates of Jerusalem. Of the more direct service we find evidence in the fact that Tyrians and Zidonians contributed to the erection of the second Temple, as they had done to that of the first (Ezra 3:7).

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 23:18

18. merchandise and hire are synonymous; the one is the literal, the other the metaphorical designation of the same fact. holiness to the Lord] i.e. “dedicated” to Jehovah (in opposition to the letter of Deu 23:18). The word has no ethical sense; and the idea of “commerce as the handmaid of religion,” if by that it is meant that Tyre’s commerce is to be conducted in a religious spirit, is foreign to the passage. Tyre is still a “harlot” as of old, and her conversion to the true God does not appear to be contemplated here. shall not be treasured nor laid up] as formerly, for the benefit of Tyre herself. Those that dwell before the Lord are the Jewish people, who according to another prophecy (ch. Isaiah 61:6) are the priests of humanity. For durable read stately, as R.V. marg. The word is not found elsewhere.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 23:18

And her merchandise - The prophecy here does not mean that this would take place immediately after her rebuilding, but that subsequent to the seventy years of desolation this would occur.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 23:18

18. Her merchandise… be holiness to the Lord — The diffusion of the good seed of Messianic truths must produce not a little fruit among the Phoenician populations.

Sermons on Isaiah 23:18

	Sermon	Description
	The Consecration of Earth's Gold and Silver. by Horatius Bonar	Horatius Bonar emphasizes the future glory of the Church and the significance of consecrating earthly wealth to Christ. He reflects on the transformation of Tyre from a prosperous
	Tithes & the Levites by Gareth Evans	Gareth Evans preaches on the significance of the Levites as ministers of the tabernacle, chosen by God for various responsibilities such as judging the people, teaching the law, of
	A Church Flourishing in Concern for the Support of Gospel Labors by James Jennings by James Malachi Jennings	This sermon focuses on the importance of reviving concern for supporting Gospel laborers, using the example of the Philippians who generously supported Paul. It emphasizes the need
	Can You Claim This Promise? by Theodore Epp	Theodore Epp emphasizes the importance of understanding the context of Philippians 4:19, which promises that God will supply all our needs. He warns that many Christians claim this
	2 Corinthians 9:10 by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of almsgiving and the spiritual and temporal rewards that come from it. He emphasizes the need to exhibit a virtuous life worthy of God's
	Titus 3:8-11 by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of maintaining good works and avoiding unprofitable disputes and contentions. He encourages believers to be diligent in almsgiving and to
	Jesus Washes His Disciples Feet by William MacDonald	William MacDonald explores the profound lesson of humility and service in the act of Jesus washing His disciples' feet, particularly focusing on Peter's initial refusal. Peter's re