Isaiah 23

Isaiah 23:1

Tyre was destroyed, in part, by Nabuchodonosor. Cyrus permitted all the captives of this, as well as of other countries, to return. — Cethim; Cyrus, or rather Macedonia. Merchants come thence no longer.

Isaiah 23:2

Island. Tyre was originally surrounded with water. A communication with the land was made afterwards, Josue xix. 29. (Calmet) (Ezechiel xxvii.) (Worthington)

Isaiah 23:3

Nile. Hebrew Shichor, or “muddy water,” designates that river, Josue xiii. 3. — River. The overflowing of the Nile gave fertility to Egypt, insomuch that Tyre and other nations were supplied by it with corn.

Isaiah 23:4

Strength: people who sail. Septuagint, “but the strength….replied: I,” &c. Sidon will not be concerned for the fall of her rival. She alleges that she has nothing to do with Tyre. That city would not allow that it was a colony of Sidon, ver. 12. (Calmet)

Isaiah 23:6

Seas. The rich Tyrians did so. (St. Jerome) — Septuagint, “to Carthage.” Hebrew Tharsis, is Cilicia. (Calmet) — Hence Nabuchodonosor did not find a sufficient reward, Ezechiel xxix. 18.

Isaiah 23:7

Sojourn. Many fled, others were made captives.

Isaiah 23:8

Earth. The merchants were as rich as kings, or the latter sent their merchandise to Tyre, Ezechiel xxvii. 33.

Isaiah 23:10

Girdle, fortress; or rather, thou art naked, like a slave, chap. xx. 4.

Isaiah 23:12

Daughter; colony. (Calmet) — Oppressed. Literally, “calumniated.” (Haydock)

Isaiah 23:13

It. Hebrew adds, “for fishermen.” It was formerly covered with water. (Eusebius, pr'e6p. ix.) — Ruin. The fall of Babylon has been denounced, chap. xiii.

Isaiah 23:15

King Nabuchodonosor, whose two sons reigned but a short time. The captivity of the people of God began also the year of the world 3398, and ended the year of the world 3468, the first of Cyrus. — Harlot. She shall be re-established, (Calmet) and shall invite people to her markets. (Sanchez) — Before Cyrus, she had kings, but they were of small power. The city was become very rich, and well fortified, when Alexander [the Great] was stopped by it for seven months. See Ezechiel xxvi. 14. (Calmet) — Tyre had rejoiced at the misfortunes of the Hebrews, and was punished by the like captivity. (Worthington)

Isaiah 23:17

Commit. Septuagint, “be the emporium for all.” Great injustice prevailed formerly among merchants, so that it is represented as a dishonest calling. (Haydock)

Isaiah 23:18

Sanctified to the Lord. This alludes to the conversion of the Gentiles. (Challoner) — Before, the Tyrian were great enemies to the Jews, 2 Esdras xiii. 16., and 1 Machabees v. 15. Our Saviour wrought a miracle in favour of one of this country, Matthew v. 22., and Zacharias viii. 20. (Calmet) — Continuance. Literally, “old age.” Aquila, “with changes of dress.” (Haydock)

Isaiah 23:25

CHAPTER XXIII.