Isaiah 23:11

KJV

He stretched out his hand over the sea, he shook the kingdoms: the LORD hath given a commandment against the merchant [city], to destroy the strong holds thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

He stretched out {H5186} his hand {H3027} over the sea {H3220}, he shook {H7264} the kingdoms {H4467}: the LORD {H3068} hath given a commandment {H6680} against the merchant {H3667} city, to destroy {H8045} the strong {H4581} holds {H4581} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

He has stretched out his hand against the sea, he has shaken kingdoms; ADONAI has ordered that Kena'an's fortresses be destroyed.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

He hath stretched out his hand over the sea, he hath shaken the kingdoms: Jehovah hath given commandment concerning Canaan, to destroy the strongholds thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 23:11 delivers a powerful prophetic declaration of divine judgment against the formidable maritime city of Tyre. It asserts Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over all nations and natural forces, depicting Him as actively intervening to dismantle the perceived invincibility of this proud commercial hub. The verse underscores that Tyre's impending destruction, specifically targeting its "strong holds," is not a random geopolitical event but a direct, deliberate, and irreversible commandment from the LORD, demonstrating His ultimate authority over earthly kingdoms and their sources of strength.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 23 is a "burden" or oracle of judgment specifically directed against Tyre, one of a series of prophecies against various nations (chapters 13-23). This chapter immediately follows an oracle concerning Egypt (Isaiah 19-20) and a brief mention of the "Valley of Vision" (Isaiah 22), likely referring to Jerusalem. The placement of the Tyre oracle at the culmination of this section of international judgments emphasizes God's comprehensive sovereignty over all global powers. Within chapter 23 itself, verse 11 builds upon earlier declarations of Tyre's impending desolation (e.g., [Isaiah 23:1](/isaiah/23-1 "Isaiah 23:1 - The Lament for Tyre")-"Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste") and sets the stage for the lament over its fall and eventual restoration after seventy years (e.g., [Isaiah 23:15](/isaiah/23-15 "Isaiah 23:15 - Tyre's Seventy Years of Desolation")). This verse specifically grounds the coming destruction in the divine will, not merely human conflict.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was a prominent Phoenician city-state located on the Mediterranean coast, renowned for its extensive maritime trade networks, naval power, and impressive fortifications. Its wealth derived from its role as a central hub for commerce, connecting the East with the West. The city's inhabitants were skilled sailors, merchants, and artisans, and its luxury goods were sought after throughout the ancient world. At the time of Isaiah, Tyre would have been a seemingly impregnable fortress, with a strong economy and military. The prophecy likely points to future sieges, such as those by Shalmaneser V, Nebuchadnezzar, and ultimately Alexander the Great, which would bring its power to ruin. The "merchant city" (or "Canaanite city" as the Hebrew implies) highlights its identity as a commercial empire, and its "strong holds" refer to its formidable island defenses and mainland fortresses, symbolizing its self-reliance and perceived invincibility.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, asserting that Yahweh is the supreme ruler over all nations, even those that appear invincible due to their wealth or military might. Tyre's judgment serves as a stark reminder that no earthly power can ultimately defy God's will, echoing the truth that "the Most High rules in the kingdom of men" ([Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Pride and Judgment**, as Tyre's downfall is implicitly linked to its arrogance stemming from its prosperity and self-sufficiency. This aligns with the biblical principle that "pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall" ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction")). Finally, the verse speaks to **God's Justice**, demonstrating that nations, like individuals, are held accountable for their actions, particularly their exploitation, materialism, and disregard for divine authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** This primitive word denotes the physical hand but is used extensively in a figurative sense to represent power, authority, means, direction, and even the active presence of an individual. When applied to God, "stretching out His hand" (as seen in [Exodus 7:5](/exodus/7-5 "Exodus 7:5 - God's Outstretched Hand in Egypt") regarding the plagues) is a powerful anthropomorphism signifying a direct, forceful, and often destructive intervention of divine power. Here, it emphasizes the LORD's direct agency in the judgment of Tyre.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." It signifies the self-existent, eternal, and sovereign God who is faithful to His promises and just in His judgments. The use of this specific name emphasizes that the judgment against Tyre is not from a generic deity or a lesser power, but from the one true God, the God of Israel, who holds ultimate authority over all creation and all kingdoms.
* **strong holds (Hebrew, _mâʻôwz'_):** This term refers to a fortified place, a fortress, or a place of defense and strength. Figuratively, it denotes a source of security, refuge, or power. For Tyre, its "strong holds" were its literal impenetrable walls and island location, but also metaphorically, its vast wealth, naval supremacy, and extensive trade networks. The divine "commandment" to "destroy the strong holds" signifies a complete dismantling of everything Tyre relied upon for its security and identity, demonstrating the totality of God's judgment and the futility of trusting in earthly might.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He stretched out his hand over the sea,"**: This clause immediately establishes the divine actor ("He," referring to the LORD) and His immense power. The "stretching out of His hand" is a classic biblical idiom for a display of divine might and active intervention, often in judgment or deliverance. The phrase "over the sea" is particularly poignant for Tyre, a city whose very existence, wealth, and power were intrinsically linked to its mastery of the maritime world. This imagery suggests that God's authority extends even over the very element that was Tyre's source of strength and pride.
* **"he shook the kingdoms:"**: This expands the scope of God's power from the sea to the terrestrial realm of human governance. The verb "shook" (Hebrew: *ragaz*) implies a violent trembling, agitation, or disquiet. It conveys the idea that God's actions cause instability and fear among the nations, demonstrating that no earthly kingdom, however powerful or seemingly secure, is immune to His sovereign will or capable of withstanding His judgment.
* **"the LORD hath given a commandment against the merchant [city],"**: This explicitly identifies the source of the judgment as "the LORD" (Yahweh) and the target as "the merchant [city]," unequivocally referring to Tyre. The phrase "hath given a commandment" (Hebrew: *tsavah*) signifies a divine decree, an authoritative and irreversible order. This emphasizes that Tyre's impending destruction is not a random misfortune or merely the result of human conflict, but a divinely ordained act of judgment. The designation "merchant [city]" highlights the very essence of Tyre's identity and the source of its pride, which is now under divine condemnation.
* **"to destroy the strong holds thereof."**: This final clause states the specific outcome of the divine commandment. "Destroy" (Hebrew: *shamad*) implies utter desolation and bringing to nought. The "strong holds" of Tyre, its fortifications, its wealth, its commercial power, and everything it trusted in for security, are precisely what the LORD has decreed to dismantle. This signifies a complete and devastating judgment that will strip Tyre of its perceived invincibility and expose the fragility of human-made security when confronted by divine power.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 23:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in "He stretched out his hand," attributing a human action to God to make His direct and forceful intervention comprehensible. This emphasizes God's active agency in the world. **Metonymy** is used when "the sea" represents Tyre's maritime power and commercial empire, highlighting that the very foundation of its strength is under divine judgment. The phrase "he shook the kingdoms" employs **Hyperbole** to convey the overwhelming and universal impact of God's power, suggesting that His actions send tremors through all earthly authorities. Finally, "the strong holds thereof" functions as **Symbolism**, representing not only Tyre's physical fortifications but also its pride, self-reliance, and all the sources of its perceived security and invincibility. The destruction of these "strong holds" symbolizes the complete dismantling of Tyre's worldly glory and the futility of trusting in anything other than God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 23:11 profoundly articulates the biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and all human affairs. It reveals that no nation, however wealthy, powerful, or strategically fortified, can ultimately escape divine judgment when it operates outside of God's will, succumbs to pride, or engages in injustice. The LORD's direct "commandment" against Tyre underscores that history is not merely a series of random events or human conflicts, but is ultimately guided by the sovereign hand of God, who raises up and casts down kingdoms according to His righteous purposes. This judgment on Tyre serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of materialism, self-sufficiency, and the idolatry of wealth and power, reminding humanity that true security and lasting prosperity are found only in submission to the Creator.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God Foils the Plans of Nations")
* [Jeremiah 10:7](/jeremiah/10-7 "Jeremiah 10:7 - God as King of Nations")
* [Revelation 18:11-19](/revelation/18-11 "Revelation 18:11-19 - Lament Over Babylon's Fall")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 23:11 serves as a profound spiritual mirror, inviting us to examine the "strong holds" in our own lives—those things we rely upon for security, identity, or happiness apart from God. Just as Tyre trusted in its wealth, fortifications, and commercial prowess, we often place our confidence in our financial stability, professional achievements, social status, or even our own abilities. This verse challenges us to recognize the transient nature of all earthly securities and the ultimate futility of building our lives on anything other than the unshakeable foundation of God's character and His promises. It calls us to a posture of humility and dependence, acknowledging that true strength and lasting peace come from surrendering our perceived control to the One who "shook the kingdoms" and holds all things in His hand. This passage urges us to re-evaluate our priorities, to dismantle the idols of self-sufficiency and materialism, and to anchor our hope firmly in the sovereign LORD, who alone is our ultimate refuge and strength.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "strong holds" or sources of security do I tend to rely on in my life, apart from God?**
* **How does the sovereignty of God over nations, as depicted in this verse, impact my view of current global events and my personal anxieties?**
* **In what ways might I be prone to the pride and materialism that led to Tyre's judgment, and how can I cultivate a greater dependence on God?**

### FAQ
**What was the "merchant city" referred to in Isaiah 23:11?**

Answer: The "merchant city" is unequivocally Tyre, a powerful Phoenician city-state located on the Mediterranean coast. Tyre was renowned throughout the ancient world for its extensive maritime trade networks, its vast wealth, and its formidable fortifications. The prophet Isaiah's oracle against Tyre highlights its identity as a commercial powerhouse and a symbol of worldly prosperity and pride.

**Why did God "shake the kingdoms" and command the destruction of Tyre's "strong holds"?**

Answer: God's actions in Isaiah 23:11 demonstrate His absolute sovereignty and justice over all nations. Tyre, despite its immense wealth and perceived invincibility, had become a symbol of human pride, materialism, and self-sufficiency, often engaging in exploitative trade practices and forgetting its dependence on the divine. The shaking of kingdoms signifies God's ultimate authority over all earthly rulers and powers, while the destruction of Tyre's "strong holds" represents the dismantling of everything it trusted in apart from God—its physical defenses, its commercial empire, and its arrogant self-reliance. This judgment served as a warning to all nations that no earthly power can withstand the righteous decree of the LORD, as seen in other prophecies against proud nations (e.g., [Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Prophecy Against the King of Tyre")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 23:11 speaks of the judgment of an ancient city, its theological principles find profound fulfillment and reorientation in Christ. The verse reveals the LORD's ultimate authority over all earthly powers and His commitment to dismantling "strong holds" built on human pride and materialism. In the New Testament, we see this divine power not primarily in physical destruction, but in the spiritual conquest achieved through Christ. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came to "destroy the works of the devil" ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Destroys the Works of the Devil")), which include the spiritual "strong holds" of sin, death, and worldly systems that oppose God. He "shook the kingdoms" not through military might, but through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, disarming the powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ Disarms Powers and Authorities")). The ultimate "merchant city" that falls in the New Testament is symbolic Babylon, representing the entire system of worldly opposition to God, whose judgment is also decreed by divine "commandment" ([Revelation 18:2-3](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2-3 - The Fall of Babylon")). Thus, Isaiah 23:11 foreshadows the comprehensive victory of Christ over all spiritual and worldly strongholds, establishing His eternal kingdom where true security and righteousness prevail, inviting us to place our trust not in fleeting earthly power, but in the enduring sovereignty of our crucified and risen Lord ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Zechariah 9:3

And Tyrus did build herself a strong hold, and heaped up silver as the dust, and fine gold as the mire of the streets.

Zechariah 9:4

Behold, the Lord will cast her out, and he will smite her power in the sea; and she shall be devoured with fire.

Exodus 14:21

¶ And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go [back] by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry [land], and the waters were divided.

Isaiah 23:3

And by great waters the seed of Sihor, the harvest of the river, [is] her revenue; and she is a mart of nations.

Isaiah 2:19

And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

Isaiah 14:16

They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, [and] consider thee, [saying, Is] this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;

Isaiah 14:17

[That] made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; [that] opened not the house of his prisoners?