Isaiah 23:12

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.

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}.

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

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.”

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.

Context

Isaiah chapter 23 contains a prophetic burden, or oracle, primarily against the powerful Phoenician city of Tyre, but also extending to its close ally, Zidon (Sidon). These cities were major maritime trading centers, renowned for their wealth, influence, and pride. This particular verse, Isaiah 23:12, specifically addresses Zidon, pronouncing a severe judgment upon it. The broader chapter outlines the downfall of these seemingly invincible commercial giants, highlighting God's sovereignty over all nations, even those seemingly untouched by His direct covenant people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment on Pride and Prosperity: The verse underscores God's judgment against cities that relied on their own strength, wealth, and perceived invincibility rather than acknowledging divine sovereignty. Zidon, despite its former glory, is brought low, signifying an end to its former prosperity and perceived invulnerability.
  • Irreversible Loss of Joy and Security: The declaration "Thou shalt no more rejoice" signifies a complete end to Zidon's former festivities, security, and the joy derived from its commercial success. This is not a temporary setback but a profound and lasting reversal of fortune, reflecting the comprehensive nature of God's judgment.
  • No Escape from God's Decree: The command to "pass over to Chittim" (Cyprus or other Mediterranean islands) suggests an attempt to flee or find refuge from the impending disaster. However, the subsequent pronouncement, "there also shalt thou have no rest," emphasizes the inescapable nature of God's judgment. There is no safe haven or ultimate peace for those under divine wrath, echoing the biblical truth that there is no peace for the wicked.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "oppressed virgin, daughter of Zidon" is highly significant. "Virgin" (Hebrew: bethulah) traditionally refers to a city that has not been conquered or violated by foreign armies, implying its untouched status and strong defenses. By calling Zidon an "oppressed virgin," the prophet highlights the stark contrast between its former untouched purity and its impending, humiliating subjugation. The term "daughter of Zidon" is a common Hebrew idiom referring to the city itself or its inhabitants collectively. Chittim (Hebrew: Kittim) often refers to Cyprus or the broader Aegean region, symbolizing a distant place of attempted refuge, which ultimately proves futile.

Practical Application

This verse, part of Isaiah's powerful prophecies against foreign nations, offers several timeless truths relevant for today:

  1. The Transience of Earthly Security: No amount of wealth, military might, or geographical advantage can ultimately protect a nation or individual from the consequences of divine judgment. What seems secure and joyful today can be overturned when God's righteous judgment falls.
  2. The Futility of Fleeing God's Sovereignty: Like Zidon attempting to find rest in Chittim, human efforts to escape the consequences of sin or God's ultimate will are ultimately vain. True peace and lasting rest can only be found in submission to God, not in evasion or seeking refuge in worldly solutions. This resonates with Jesus' invitation to find rest for our souls in Him.
  3. God's Universal Authority: The prophecy demonstrates that God is not just the God of one nation, but the sovereign ruler over all nations, judging them according to His righteous standards. This provides both comfort and a warning: comfort that God is ultimately in control of world events, and a warning that all will ultimately account to Him.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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