Isaiah 23:12

KJV

And he said, Thou shalt no more rejoice, O thou oppressed virgin, daughter of Zidon: arise, pass over to Chittim; there also shalt thou have no rest.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, Thou shalt no more {H3254} rejoice {H5937}, O thou oppressed {H6231} virgin {H1330}, daughter {H1323} of Zidon {H6721}: arise {H6965}, pass over {H5674} to Chittim {H3794}; there also shalt thou have no rest {H5117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He has said, "Exult no more, oppressed virgin daughter of Tzidon. Arise, cross to Kittim; even there you will find no rest."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

And he said, Thou shalt no more rejoice, O thou oppressed virgin daughter of Sidon: arise, pass over to Kittim; even there shalt thou have no rest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 23:12 delivers a stark prophetic judgment against Zidon, a prominent Phoenician city, declaring an end to its former joy, prosperity, and security. Despite its historical status as an unconquered "virgin" city, Zidon is now depicted as "oppressed," facing a forced migration and the grim reality that even in distant lands like Chittim, no true rest or refuge will be found from divine decree. This verse encapsulates the broader theme of God's sovereignty over all nations, humbling the proud and demonstrating the transient nature of earthly power and self-reliance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 23 is an "oracle concerning Tyre," but it explicitly includes Zidon, Tyre's mother city and close ally, in its pronouncements of judgment. The chapter opens with a lament over the destruction of Tyre's maritime commerce, picturing ships returning from Chittim bringing news of its downfall. Verses 1-14 detail the devastation, the mourning of merchants, and the humiliation of these once-proud cities. Verse 12 specifically singles out Zidon, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the judgment that extends beyond Tyre to its foundational partner. The chapter then shifts to a prophecy of Tyre's eventual seventy-year desolation, followed by a partial restoration, but not to its former glory, underscoring the enduring consequences of divine judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zidon (Sidon) was an ancient Phoenician city, located on the Mediterranean coast north of Tyre. It was a major maritime power, renowned for its trade, shipbuilding, and purple dye production. Historically, Zidon was often considered the elder sister or mother city to Tyre, and their destinies were frequently intertwined. Both cities represented the epitome of worldly wealth, commercial prowess, and self-sufficiency, often without regard for the God of Israel. The reference to "Chittim" (Cyprus or the broader Aegean region) reflects the extensive trade networks of the Phoenicians, who established colonies and trading posts across the Mediterranean. The prophecy likely points to a period of Assyrian or Babylonian conquest (e.g., Nebuchadnezzar's sieges), which would have profoundly impacted these coastal cities, forcing displacement and ending their long-held autonomy and prosperity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the prophetic literature. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Judgment on National Pride and Idolatry of Wealth**. Zidon, like Tyre, is judged for its self-reliance and the pride derived from its commercial success, demonstrating that no earthly power is beyond God's reach. The declaration of "no more rejoice" and "no rest" highlights the theme of **Irreversible Loss and Inescapable Judgment**, emphasizing that human attempts to flee divine wrath are ultimately futile, a truth echoed in passages like [Psalm 139:7-10](/psalms/139-7 "Psalm 139:7-10 - God's Omnipresence"). Furthermore, the prophecy underscores God's **Sovereignty Over All Nations**, not just Israel, showcasing His universal authority to bring low the high and mighty, as seen throughout the "oracles against the nations" in Isaiah (e.g., [Isaiah 13-23](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13-23 - Oracles Against the Nations")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Virgin (Hebrew, _bᵉthûwlâh'_):** From H1330, this term primarily means a virgin, but figuratively it can refer to a city or state that has not been conquered or violated by foreign armies. By calling Zidon an "oppressed virgin," the prophet uses a powerful oxymoron, highlighting the stark contrast between its past, unviolated status and its impending, humiliating subjugation. It emphasizes the shock and completeness of the city's downfall, as its long-held independence and purity are about to be shattered.
* **Oppressed (Hebrew, _ʻâshaq'_):** From H6231, this root means "to press upon, to oppress, defraud, violate." It signifies a severe form of injustice, exploitation, or forceful subjugation. When applied to Zidon, it vividly portrays the heavy hand of judgment that will come upon it, stripping away its autonomy and prosperity, and reducing it to a state of being wronged and crushed, directly contradicting its former "virgin" status.
* **Rest (Hebrew, _nûwach'_):** From H5117, this word means "to settle down, to rest," encompassing physical cessation from labor, quietness, security, and peace. The declaration "there also shalt thou have no rest" underscores the absolute and inescapable nature of Zidon's judgment. It implies that even if its inhabitants flee to distant lands like Chittim, they will find no true peace, security, or respite from their troubles, signifying a perpetual state of unrest and distress under divine wrath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, Thou shalt no more rejoice, O thou oppressed virgin, daughter of Zidon:":** This opening clause delivers the divine decree, emphasizing the cessation of Zidon's former joy and celebratory atmosphere. The address "O thou oppressed virgin, daughter of Zidon" is a poignant and ironic personification. "Daughter of Zidon" refers to the city itself or its inhabitants, while "oppressed virgin" highlights the tragic loss of its long-standing independence and unviolated status, now replaced by subjugation and sorrow.
* **"arise, pass over to Chittim;":** This serves as a command or a grim prediction of forced migration. "Arise, pass over" suggests a desperate flight or deportation. "Chittim" (likely Cyprus or other Mediterranean islands) represents a distant place of refuge, a common destination for Phoenician trade and settlement. However, this is not an invitation to safety, but a foreshadowing of the futility of escape.
* **"there also shalt thou have no rest.":** This final pronouncement seals Zidon's fate. It negates any hope of finding peace, security, or relief from their suffering, even in a foreign land. God's judgment is portrayed as comprehensive and inescapable, following the inhabitants wherever they flee, ensuring perpetual distress and the absence of true tranquility.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 23:12 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message of judgment. The most striking is **Personification**, where Zidon is addressed directly as "O thou oppressed virgin, daughter of Zidon." This gives the city human qualities, allowing the prophet to lament its fate as if it were a person. The phrase "oppressed virgin" is a powerful **Oxymoron** or **Irony**, juxtaposing Zidon's historical status as an unconquered, pure city with its impending, violent subjugation. This highlights the profound and humiliating reversal of its fortunes. The repetition of "no more" and "no rest" creates a sense of **Anaphora** (though not strictly at the beginning of clauses, it emphasizes negation) and **Hyperbole**, underscoring the absolute and inescapable nature of the judgment, leaving no room for hope or respite. The command to "arise, pass over to Chittim" functions as a form of **Sarcasm** or **Dramatic Irony**, as the seemingly hopeful act of fleeing is immediately negated by the subsequent declaration of continued unrest, revealing the futility of their efforts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 23:12 powerfully articulates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, demonstrating that no amount of commercial prowess, military strength, or perceived invincibility can exempt a people from divine judgment when they live in pride and self-sufficiency, ignoring God's moral order. Zidon's downfall serves as a stark reminder that earthly joy and security are transient, built on foundations that can be swiftly removed by the hand of the Almighty. The inability to find "rest" even in distant lands underscores the futility of attempting to escape God's reach or the consequences of unrighteousness. True peace and lasting security are found only in submission to God, not in geographical relocation or human ingenuity.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction")
* [Psalm 46:1-3](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1-3 - God is our refuge and strength")
* [Jeremiah 4:29](/jeremiah/4-29 "Jeremiah 4:29 - No rest for those fleeing judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The prophecy against Zidon in Isaiah 23:12 serves as a timeless warning and a profound spiritual lesson for individuals and nations alike. It challenges us to examine the sources of our joy, security, and identity. Do we place our confidence in material wealth, social status, or perceived invulnerability, much like Zidon relied on its maritime power and untouched status? This verse reminds us that such foundations are ultimately fleeting and can be stripped away, leaving us "oppressed" and without "rest." True and lasting joy, peace, and security are not found in earthly achievements or in fleeing from our problems, but in a right relationship with God. It calls us to humbly acknowledge His sovereignty, to repent of pride and self-reliance, and to seek refuge and rest in Him alone, for He is the only true source of enduring peace amidst the storms of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "Zidons" in my life—the sources of security, joy, or pride—that I might be relying on more than God?**
* **In what ways might I be an "oppressed virgin," experiencing a loss of peace or joy due to misplaced trust or unaddressed sin?**
* **Where do I tend to "pass over to Chittim" when facing difficulties, seeking worldly solutions rather than divine rest?**
* **How does the inescapable nature of God's judgment on Zidon inform my understanding of accountability and the importance of living righteously?**

### FAQ
**What does "oppressed virgin, daughter of Zidon" mean, and why is it used?**

Answer: The phrase "oppressed virgin, daughter of Zidon" is a powerful and ironic poetic device. "Daughter of Zidon" is a common Hebrew idiom referring to the city itself or its inhabitants. The term "virgin" (Hebrew: _bᵉthûwlâh_) traditionally signifies a city that has never been conquered or violated by foreign armies, implying its long-standing independence, purity, and strong defenses. By adding "oppressed" (Hebrew: _ʻâshaq_), the prophet creates an oxymoron. It highlights the stark contrast between Zidon's past, pristine, and unviolated status and its impending, humiliating subjugation. It emphasizes that this once-proud, unconquered city is about to suffer a profound and violent violation, losing its autonomy and experiencing deep distress, a dramatic reversal of its historical identity.

**Why is "Chittim" mentioned, and what is the significance of having "no rest" there?**

Answer: "Chittim" (Hebrew: _Kittîy_) refers to Cyprus or more broadly to the islands and coastal regions of the Aegean and Mediterranean Sea. It was a well-known destination for Phoenician trade and colonization. In this context, it represents a place of potential refuge or escape for the inhabitants of Zidon from the impending judgment. However, the declaration "there also shalt thou have no rest" is profoundly significant. It underscores the absolute and inescapable nature of God's judgment. It means that even if the Zidonians flee to distant lands, they will not find true peace, security, or respite from their troubles. God's wrath is portrayed as comprehensive, pursuing them wherever they go, demonstrating that there is no safe haven from divine decree when one is under judgment, echoing the sentiment found in [Amos 9:2-4](/amos/9-2 "Amos 9:2-4 - No escape from God's presence").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 23:12 pronounces judgment on Zidon, its deeper theological resonance finds fulfillment in Christ. The "no more rejoice" and "no rest" for Zidon speak to humanity's universal condition apart from God—a state of restless striving and fleeting joy. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ offers the ultimate and enduring rest that Zidon could not find. He invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him, promising to give them [rest for their souls](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest"). The "oppressed virgin" of Zidon, once untouched but now violated by judgment, stands in contrast to the Church, the pure bride of Christ, whom He redeems and sanctifies, presenting her without blemish ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). Furthermore, the futility of fleeing to "Chittim" for rest highlights the truth that true salvation and peace are not found in human efforts or geographical escape, but solely in the finished work of Christ. He is our true refuge and strong tower ([Psalm 61:3](/psalms/61-3 "Psalm 61:3 - God as a refuge")), offering a peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")) and an eternal security that no earthly power or judgment can disturb ([Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38 "Romans 8:38-39 - God's Unfailing Love")). Thus, Zidon's desperate search for rest ultimately points to the only One who can truly provide it: Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

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

Revelation 18:22

And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft [he be], shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;

Ezekiel 26:13

And I will cause the noise of thy songs to cease; and the sound of thy harps shall be no more heard.

Ezekiel 26:14

And I will make thee like the top of a rock: thou shalt be [a place] to spread nets upon; thou shalt be built no more: for I the LORD have spoken [it], saith the Lord GOD.

Isaiah 23:1

¶ The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.

Isaiah 23:2

Be still, ye inhabitants of the isle; thou whom the merchants of Zidon, that pass over the sea, have replenished.

Isaiah 47:1

¶ Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: [there is] no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate.

Lamentations 1:3

Judah is gone into captivity because of affliction, and because of great servitude: she dwelleth among the heathen, she findeth no rest: all her persecutors overtook her between the straits.