Isaiah 23

18 verses

TL;DR

The prophet Isaiah pronounces judgment on the wealthy, prideful maritime city of Tyre, foretelling its destruction and eventual forgetfulness, but also hints at a future revival after seventy years.

Summary

Isaiah 23 delivers a scathing rebuke to Tyre, a prosperous trading hub, describing how its ships and merchants will mourn as its power crumbles. The chapter opens with a lament from the sea and Tarshish’s vessels, then details Tyre’s reliance on river trade and its proud status among nations. God’s sovereign decree is proclaimed: Tyre’s merchants, once princes, will face contempt, and its city’s strength will vanish like a river. The text also mentions Sidon and Chittim as neighboring powers, indicating regional turmoil. A prophetic timeline appears—after seventy years of forgetfulness, Tyre will be reborn, metaphorically singing as a harlot and engaging in commerce anew, with its goods destined for the Lord’s people. The passage uses vivid imagery—ships, harps, and the “harlot” metaphor—to emphasize the city’s fall and potential redemption.

Outline

1. Pronouncement of judgment on Tyre’s pride and commerce
2. Divine decree of destruction and regional impact
3. Promise of future remembrance and renewal after seventy years

Themes

Divine judgment against prideThe fall of a mighty commercial hubThe hope of restoration after a period of forgetfulness

Keywords

Tyrepridemerchant cityLord of hostsseventy yearsforgetfulnessharlotharpstrade

People

TyreZidon (Sidon)ChittimSihorChaldeansAssyrians

Places

TyreTarshishChittimZidonChaldean landAssyria

Things

ships of Tarshishharpsmerchandisetowerspalacesseariver

Key Verses

Isaiah 23:1: Introduces the prophetic lament and sets the tone for Tyre’s judgment.
Isaiah 23:9: Declares the Lord’s intent to humble Tyre’s pride and bring contempt.
Isaiah 23:15: Specifies the seventy‑year period of oblivion and foreshadows renewal.
Isaiah 23:17: Shows the turning point where the Lord visits Tyre again, suggesting restoration.

Questions

What does the “harlot” metaphor reveal about Isaiah’s view of Tyre’s moral state?
Why does Isaiah emphasize a seventy‑year period of forgetfulness, and what does it symbolize?
How do the repeated references to ships and trade serve the overall message of judgment?
What role does the mention of Sidon and Chittim play in the broader context of regional politics?
In what ways does this passage reflect God’s sovereign control over both destruction and restoration?

Sentiment

negative
The chapter primarily portrays judgment and decline, though it hints at eventual renewal.