Isaiah 23
BSB1 This is the burden against Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is laid waste, without house or harbor. Word has reached them from the land of Cyprus. 2 Be silent, O dwellers of the coastland, you merchants of Sidon, whose traders have crossed the sea. 3 On the great waters came the grain of Shihor; the harvest of the Nile was the revenue of Tyre; she was the merchant of the nations. 4 Be ashamed, O Sidon, the stronghold of the sea, for the sea has spoken: “I have not been in labor or given birth. I have not raised young men or brought up young women." 5 When the report reaches Egypt, they will writhe in agony over the news of Tyre. 6 Cross over to Tarshish; wail, O inhabitants of the coastland! 7 Is this your jubilant city, whose origin is from antiquity, whose feet have taken her to settle far away? 8 Who planned this against Tyre, the bestower of crowns, whose traders are princes, whose merchants are renowned on the earth? 9 The LORD of Hosts planned it, to defile all its glorious beauty, to disgrace all the renowned of the earth. 10 Cultivate your land like the Nile, O Daughter of Tarshish; there is no longer a harbor. 11 The LORD has stretched out His hand over the sea; He has made kingdoms tremble. He has given a command that the strongholds of Canaan be destroyed. 12 He said, “You shall rejoice no more, O oppressed Virgin Daughter of Sidon. Get up and cross over to Cyprus— even there you will find no rest." 13 Look at the land of the Chaldeans — a people now of no account. The Assyrians destined it for the desert creatures; they set up their siege towers and stripped its palaces. They brought it to ruin. 14 Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for your harbor has been destroyed! 15 At that time Tyre will be forgotten for seventy years—the span of a king’s life. But at the end of seventy years, it will happen to Tyre as in the song of the harlot: 16 “Take up your harp, stroll through the city, O forgotten harlot. Make sweet melody, sing many a song, so you will be remembered." 17 And 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. 18 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.
Study Notes — Isaiah 23
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Isaiah 23
- Themes from Isaiah 23
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Isaiah 23
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with a lamentation over the destruction of Tyre, a city known for its maritime trade and wealth (Isaiah 23:1). The prophecy then shifts to declare that God is the one who has ordained this destruction, not just as a punishment for Tyre's sins, but also to demonstrate His power and authority over all nations (Isaiah 23:8-9). The chapter also touches on the role of other nations, such as Chaldea, in the fulfillment of God's judgments (Isaiah 23:13). Throughout the chapter, Isaiah emphasizes the contrast between the transience of human achievements and the eternal nature of God's plans and judgments. By the end of the chapter, Isaiah looks forward to a time when God will restore His people and they will rejoice in His redemption (Isaiah 23:17-18).
Context for the Chapter
Isaiah 23 is part of a series of prophecies against various nations in Isaiah chapters 13-23. These prophecies serve to underscore God's sovereignty over all nations and to call His people to faith and trust in Him. The chapter fits into the larger narrative of the Bible by demonstrating God's judgment on sin and His ultimate plan for the redemption of His people, themes that are central to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Heart Application
This chapter encourages believers to place their trust in God, recognizing His sovereignty over all nations and the fleeting nature of human achievements. It calls us to humility, acknowledging the pride that can so easily creep into our lives, and to look forward to the redemption that God promises, a redemption that is fully realized in Jesus Christ.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Isaiah 23 talks about how God judges a city called Tyre because of its pride and sins. The chapter teaches us that God is in control of everything and that we should not trust in our own strength or wealth. Instead, we should trust in God and look forward to the salvation He promises, as seen in Isaiah 23:17-18.
Voices from the Church
“The downfall of Tyre is a solemn warning to all who trust in their riches, and forget the Lord their God.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“We see here how God, in His providence, can bring low the loftiest thrones, and how He does not allow the pride of the wicked to go unpunished.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to Tyre's Judgment (Isaiah 23:1-5) — The chapter begins with a lament over Tyre's destruction, emphasizing its impact on maritime trade and the shock it causes to other nations.
- God's Sovereignty Over Tyre (Isaiah 23:6-9) — These verses highlight God's role in Tyre's downfall, emphasizing His authority and the reason for the judgment: to humble human pride.
- The Role of Other Nations (Isaiah 23:10-14) — The prophecy touches on the involvement of other nations, like Chaldea, in fulfilling God's judgments, further emphasizing God's sovereignty over all nations.
- Future Restoration (Isaiah 23:15-18) — The chapter concludes with a look forward to a time when God will restore His people and they will rejoice in His redemption, pointing to a future era of salvation and peace.
- Conclusion: God's Eternal Plans (Isaiah 23:18) — The final verse underscores the eternal nature of God's plans, contrasting them with the transience of human achievements and emphasizing the ultimate redemption of God's people.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- This chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all nations, including their rise and fall, as seen in the judgment of Tyre.
- Judgment and Redemption
- Isaiah 23 demonstrates God's judgment on sin and His plan for the redemption of His people, themes central to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Human Pride and Humility
- The chapter emphasizes the need for humility, warning against the dangers of pride and self-reliance, and pointing to God as the source of true strength and salvation.
- Providence
- The prophecy against Tyre illustrates God's providence, showing how He works out His plans in the affairs of nations and individuals.
Lessons from Isaiah 23
- Trust in God Alone — The chapter teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, rather than in human strength or wealth.
- The Danger of Pride — Isaiah 23 warns against the dangers of pride, emphasizing the need for humility and recognition of God's authority.
- The Transience of Human Achievements — The prophecy against Tyre illustrates the fleeting nature of human accomplishments, encouraging us to focus on eternal things.
- The Promise of Redemption — The chapter looks forward to a time of redemption and restoration, pointing to the ultimate salvation that God promises His people.
- God's Judgment on Sin — Isaiah 23 demonstrates God's judgment on sin, emphasizing the importance of repentance and faith in God's mercy and redemption.
Themes from Isaiah 23
- Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes God's control over all nations and events, highlighting His authority and power.
- Judgment and Redemption — Isaiah 23 explores the themes of God's judgment on sin and His plan for the redemption of His people, pointing to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Pride and Humility — The prophecy against Tyre warns against the dangers of pride and encourages humility, recognizing God's sovereignty and authority.
- Providence and Sovereignty — The chapter illustrates God's providence, showing how He works out His plans in the affairs of nations and individuals, emphasizing His sovereignty.
- Eternal Plans vs. Human Achievements — Isaiah 23 contrasts the eternal nature of God's plans with the fleeting nature of human achievements, encouraging trust in God and a focus on eternal things.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the judgment of Tyre teach us about God's sovereignty over nations?
- How does the contrast between human achievements and God's plans encourage us to trust in Him?
- What role does pride play in the judgment of Tyre, and how can we apply this lesson to our own lives?
- In what ways does the prophecy of Tyre's restoration point forward to the redemption that comes through Jesus Christ?
- How does the eternal nature of God's plans, as contrasted with the fleeting nature of human achievements, influence our perspective on current events and challenges?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to Tyre's Judgment (Isaiah 23:1-5)
| Isaiah 23:1 | The chapter begins with a lament over Tyre's destruction, emphasizing its impact on maritime trade and the shock it causes to other nations. |
| Isaiah 23:2 | Tyre is called to be still, indicating the cessation of its bustling trade activities, a stark contrast to its former vibrant commercial life. |
2. God's Sovereignty Over Tyre (Isaiah 23:6-9)
| Isaiah 23:6 | The people are commanded to cross over to Tarshish, indicating the dispersal of Tyre's inhabitants, a consequence of God's judgment. |
| Isaiah 23:7 | The question posed about Tyre's former glory highlights the contrast between its past prosperity and its current state of devastation, underscoring God's hand in its downfall. |
3. The Role of Other Nations (Isaiah 23:10-14)
| Isaiah 23:10 | The command to tread down the streets of daughter Tarshish, because she is no more, signifies the judgment that extends beyond Tyre to other nations that were connected to it. |
| Isaiah 23:11 | God's hand is against the sea, and He has commanded its coastlands to destruction, emphasizing His authority over all creation and the fulfillment of His judgments. |
4. Future Restoration (Isaiah 23:15-18)
| Isaiah 23:15 | In that day Tyre will be forgotten for seventy years, the length of a king's life, indicating a period of desolation and abandonment, a direct consequence of God's judgment. |
| Isaiah 23:16 | Take your lyre, go around to the city, forgotten prostitute, and play skillfully, appealing to those who pass by, suggesting the city's attempt to regain its former allure, albeit in a state of moral decay. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Isaiah 23?
The main theme of Isaiah 23 is the judgment of God on the city of Tyre, emphasizing God's sovereignty over all nations and the ultimate futility of human pride and self-reliance, as seen in Isaiah 23:9.
How does the prophecy against Tyre relate to the gospel of Jesus Christ?
The prophecy against Tyre points forward to the redemption that comes through Jesus Christ, emphasizing God's plan for the salvation of His people, as hinted at in Isaiah 23:17-18.
What lesson can we learn from the contrast between human achievements and God's plans in Isaiah 23?
This contrast teaches us to trust in God's eternal plans rather than in the fleeting nature of human achievements, encouraging humility and recognition of God's sovereignty, as emphasized in Isaiah 23:9.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 23:1 → Ezekiel 26:1-5 | Ezekiel's prophecy against Tyre provides further details on its destruction, underscoring God's judgment on the city's pride and sins. |
| 2 | Isaiah 23:9 → Proverbs 16:18 | The pride that goes before a fall, as mentioned in Proverbs, is a theme echoed in Isaiah 23, where God judges Tyre for its pride. |
| 3 | Isaiah 23:13 → Isaiah 13:19 | The mention of the Chaldeans in Isaiah 23:13 connects to the prophecy against Babylon in Isaiah 13, highlighting God's use of various nations to fulfill His judgments. |
| 4 | Isaiah 23:15 → Jeremiah 25:11-12 | The seventy years of desolation mentioned in Jeremiah 25:11-12 find a parallel in the seventy years Tyre will be forgotten, as stated in Isaiah 23:15, emphasizing God's timing and plan for judgment and restoration. |
| 5 | Isaiah 23:17 → Revelation 18:1-3 | The future restoration and rejoicing of God's people, as hinted at in Isaiah 23:17, find their ultimate fulfillment in the new heaven and the new earth, as described in Revelation 18 and 21. |
| 6 | Isaiah 23:1 → Matthew 11:21-22 | Jesus' words about Tyre and Sidon in Matthew 11:21-22 reflect on their response to His ministry, contrasting with the prophecy of judgment in Isaiah 23. |
| 7 | Isaiah 23:9 → 1 Peter 5:6 | The call to humility in 1 Peter 5:6, in the context of God's opposition to the proud, resonates with the theme of Isaiah 23, where God judges Tyre for its pride. |
| 8 | Isaiah 23:18 → Isaiah 60:1-3 | The future glory of God's people, as they are restored and redeemed, is a theme that connects Isaiah 23:18 with the broader eschatological hopes expressed in Isaiah 60. |
| 9 | Isaiah 23:13 → Habakkuk 1:6-11 | The role of the Chaldeans in fulfilling God's judgment, as mentioned in Isaiah 23:13, is also a theme in Habakkuk, where the prophet questions God's use of the Chaldeans as a tool of judgment. |
| 10 | Isaiah 23:1 → Ezekiel 27:1-36 | Ezekiel's lament over Tyre in Ezekiel 27 provides a detailed description of the city's wealth and commerce, setting the stage for the prophecy of its destruction in Isaiah 23. |
Sermons on Isaiah 23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 23:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | The video begins by discussing the importance of family and the breakdown of the family unit in society. It introduces Pastor Chuck Smith's Marriage and Family Bible Study as a res |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 23:15 - Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the events described in the book of Revelation. He mentions the sun darkening, the moon turning to blood, and other signs that will occur. He |
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A Tumor and Swelling in the Mind by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the destructive nature of pride, describing it as the root of many vices and a significant danger to the soul. He illustrates pride as a 'gilded misery' an |
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Isaiah and the Nations by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of understanding Isaiah's prophecies in the context of the surrounding nations that influenced Israel's history. He explains how Judah and |
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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 |
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Isaiah Chapter 5 Isaiah and the Nations by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of understanding the geopolitical context of Isaiah's prophecies, particularly the neighboring nations that influenced Israel and Judah. He |
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Epistle 92 by George Fox | George Fox encourages all believers who are imprisoned for their faith to surrender to the truth, which will ultimately set them free. He emphasizes the importance of relying on th |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Isaiah 23
Matthew Henry's commentary on Isaiah 23 reflects on the sovereignty of God as demonstrated in the judgment of Tyre, a city known for its pride and self-reliance. He notes that God's hand is in all the affairs of men and nations, and that His judgments are always just, whether they are judgments of mercy or of wrath. The commentary emphasizes the call to humility and the danger of pride, using the example of Tyre to illustrate the fleeting nature of human achievements when compared to the eternal plans of God. Ultimately, Henry sees in Isaiah 23 a profound lesson for all nations and individuals, to trust in God and to recognize His authority over all things, a theme that points forward to the redemption and restoration that come through Jesus Christ, as hinted at in Isaiah 23:17-18. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Sovereignty
The chapter clearly demonstrates God's sovereignty over all nations, including their rise and fall. This theme is evident in verses like Isaiah 23:8-9, which declare God's authority over Tyre's destruction.
Contrast Between Human Achievements and God's Plans
Isaiah 23 contrasts the fleeting nature of human achievements with the eternal nature of God's plans. This is seen in the prophecy against Tyre, a city once renowned for its wealth and power.
Call to Trust in God
Throughout the chapter, there is an implicit call to God's people to trust in Him alone, regardless of the circumstances. This call is rooted in the understanding of God's sovereignty and the ultimate futility of human self-reliance.