Isaiah 23

Isaiah 23:1

12. Judgment on Tyre (Chap. 23)23:1-5 Returning from Tarshish (probably means Spain here), seamen from Tyre receive news of the city’s fall when they reach Cyprus. With their houses destroyed and no harbor to return to, they howl in dismay. The merchants of Sidon sit in stunned silence as they remember how their Tyrian neighbors had crossed the sea, bringing grain from the Upper Nile (Shihor), how they had been the merchants of the nations. Sidon, the mother city of Tyre, is ashamed as the waves beating against the ruins of Tyre seem to echo the city’s lament. It is as if Tyre never had any children to inhabit it! Egypt, too, is in agony at the report of the loss of her best customer. 23:6-9 The Tyrians are told to seek asylum as far away as Spain (Tarshish). Once the inhabitants of an ancient prosperous city, their feet now carry them to far off lands. And who brought this horror on Tyre, with all its power, riches, and glory? It was the Lord of hostsdetermined to dishonor the pride of all human glory. 23:10-17 In view of Nebuchadnezzar’s attack on Tyre, the people are told to escape to other countries, spreading out like the River (i.e., the Euphrates River which flows through many countries). God has roused Babylon to destroy the merchant city (Canaan). Even if the refugees flee to Cyprus, they will find no rest. The prophet is amazed that an obscure nation with humble beginnings, founded by Assyria, should bring Tyre to ruin. Tyre will be forgotten during the seventy years of the Chaldean monarchy. At the end of that time, it will joyfully resume its commercial fornication with all the kingdoms of the world. 23:18 “Tyre’s gain and her pay” looks forward to the second advent of Christ when “the daughter of Tyre will come with a gift” (Psa_45:12). Her treasures will be a holy offering to the Lord.