Isaiah 23:13

“The Lord's Purpose for Judgment”· Isaiah 23:8–14
Translation
King James Version
Behold the land of the Chaldeans; this people was not, till the Assyrian founded it for them that dwell in the wilderness: they set up the towers thereof, they raised up the palaces thereof; and he brought it to ruin.
Ask
KJV (with Strong's)
Behold the land H776 of the Chaldeans H3778; this people H5971 was not, till the Assyrian H804 founded H3245 it for them that dwell in the wilderness H6728: they set up H6965 the towers H971 thereof, they raised up H6209 the palaces H759 thereof; and he brought H7760 it to ruin H4654.
Ask
Complete Jewish Bible
Look at the land of the Kasdim! This was the people who did not exist when Ashur destined it for desert creatures. They erected their siege towers and tore down her palaces, so that it has been made a ruin.
Ask
Berean Standard Bible
Look at the land of the Chaldeans— a people now of no account. The Assyrians destined it for the desert creatures; they set up their siege towers and stripped its palaces. They brought it to ruin.
Ask
American Standard Version
Behold, the land of the Chaldeans: this people was not; the Assyrian founded it for them that dwell in the wilderness; they set up their towers; they overthrew the palaces thereof; they made it a ruin.
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
Behold, the land of the Kasdim. This people was not. The Assyrians founded it for those who dwell in the wilderness. They set up their towers. They overthrew its palaces. They made it a ruin.
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
Behold the lande of the Caldeans: this was no people: Asshur founded it by the inhabitantes of the wildernesse: they set vp the towers thereof: they raised the palaces thereof and hee brought it to ruine.
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
Lo, the land of the Chaldeans--this people was not, Asshur founded it for the Ziim, They raised its watch-towers, They lifted up her palaces, --He hath appointed her for a ruin!
Ask
See also
Habakkuk 1:6Ezra 4:9Ezra 4:10Isaiah 10:5Genesis 2:14Ezekiel 29:18Genesis 10:10
See on the biblical-era map
Prophecy Against Tyre
Prophecy Against Tyre View full PDF

Map © Biblica Open Bible Maps · CC BY-SA 4.0

In the KJVVerse 18,091 of 31,102 · 58.2%

Study This Verse

Summary

Isaiah 23:13 functions as a profound parenthetical interjection within a prophecy primarily directed against Tyre, the formidable Phoenician city-state. This verse abruptly shifts focus to the land of the Chaldeans (Babylon), offering a succinct yet powerful historical and theological commentary on the transient nature of even the most dominant human empires. It vividly illustrates that a people once obscure and unestablished, brought into form and built up by one great power (Assyria), can rise to immense prominence, only to ultimately face utter ruin, thereby underscoring God's absolute and unwavering sovereignty over the rise, decline, and fall of all nations.

Context

Literary Context

Isaiah chapter 23, famously known as the "burden of Tyre," is a prophetic oracle detailing God's impending judgment against this wealthy, proud, and influential maritime trading hub. The preceding verses (Isaiah 23:1-12) meticulously describe Tyre's catastrophic downfall, the lamentation of its extensive network of trading partners, and the profound humiliation of its once-proud inhabitants. Verse 13, however, introduces a striking and unexpected digression. Instead of continuing the immediate narrative flow concerning Tyre, it abruptly introduces the Chaldeans and Assyrians, providing a compelling historical parallel or a stark, illustrative example of divine judgment on another seemingly invincible power. This abrupt shift serves a crucial rhetorical purpose: it broadens the scope of God's sovereign judgment, demonstrating unequivocally that no nation, regardless of its strength, strategic alliances, or perceived stability, operates beyond His ultimate control. This universal application of divine judgment is a consistent theme woven throughout other "burdens" against nations found throughout the book of Isaiah.

Historical & Cultural Context

The "Chaldeans" refer to the Semitic people who would eventually form the formidable Neo-Babylonian Empire, which rose to unprecedented prominence in the late 7th century BCE. At the time of Isaiah's prophecy (primarily 8th century BCE), the "Assyrian" Empire was the undisputed dominant world power, frequently exerting oppressive control over Mesopotamia, including the region of Chaldea. The phrase "this people was not, till the Assyrian founded it for them that dwell in the wilderness" likely alludes to the Chaldeans' humble, possibly nomadic, or less organized origins before significant Assyrian intervention. Assyria, as part of its imperial strategy, often resettled conquered populations, established administrative centers, or organized previously disparate groups to serve their vast imperial interests. The subsequent mention of "towers" and "palaces" speaks powerfully to the Chaldeans' later, dramatic development into a sophisticated urban civilization, culminating in the magnificent city of Babylon, renowned throughout the ancient world for its impressive architecture, formidable fortifications, and unparalleled grandeur, as alluded to in later prophecies concerning Babylon's pride.

Key Themes

This verse, despite its brevity and seemingly tangential nature, powerfully reinforces several core theological themes prevalent not only in Isaiah's prophecy but throughout the entire Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights Divine Sovereignty, asserting with absolute clarity that God is the ultimate orchestrator of human history, meticulously raising up and bringing down nations according to His immutable will. No human power or empire, whether initially established by an Assyrian hand or later built by Chaldean might, operates outside of His omnipotent purview. Secondly, it underscores the profound Transience of Earthly Power. The dramatic rise and inevitable fall of empires, from the once-dominant Assyria to the soon-to-be-dominant Chaldea, serve as a stark, recurring reminder that all human achievements, accumulated wealth, and formidable fortifications are inherently temporary and ultimately subject to decay and divine judgment. This truth is powerfully echoed in Psalm 146:3-4, which warns against placing trust in human strength. Thirdly, and consequently, it functions as a potent Warning Against Pride and Self-Reliance. By pointing to the eventual ruin of the Chaldean land, it cautions against placing ultimate trust in human strength, military might, or material prosperity, a message consistently delivered by prophets like Isaiah to both Israel and surrounding nations, as seen in Isaiah 2:22.

Exposition and Analysis

Key Word Analysis

Chaldeans Kasdîy' H3778

This term (H3778) refers to the inhabitants of Chaldea, a region in southern Mesopotamia, who would later establish the Neo-Babylonian Empire. The Strong's definition notes their patronymic origin from Kesed, and by implication, their association with astrologers, reflecting their cultural reputation for wisdom and divination. In Isaiah 23:13, their mention signifies a people who, despite humble and unestablished beginnings ("this people was not"), would rise to great power, illustrating the dramatic and divinely orchestrated shifts in geopolitical landscapes.

founded yâçad' H3245

Derived from a primitive root (H3245) meaning "to set" or "to found," this word describes the act of establishing something, whether literally (a city, a foundation) or figuratively (a decree, a plan). Here, it specifically refers to the Assyrian Empire's role in organizing, settling, or otherwise giving form and structure to the Chaldean people or their territory. This highlights the initial external influence that shaped the Chaldean entity before its independent and formidable rise to prominence.

ruin mappâlâh' H4654

This noun (H4654), meaning "something fallen" or "a ruin," vividly describes the ultimate and desolate fate of the Chaldean land and its magnificent structures. It signifies desolation, destruction, and utter collapse. Its use here serves as a powerful and ironic counterpoint to the earlier descriptions of founding, setting up towers, and raising palaces, emphasizing the inevitable downfall and impermanence of human constructs when faced with divine judgment or the relentless march of history.

Verse Breakdown

"Behold the land of the Chaldeans;"

This opening imperative serves as a dramatic call to attention, signaling an abrupt and deliberate shift in focus from the primary subject of Tyre to a new, unexpected subject—the land associated with the Chaldeans. It compels the listener or reader to consider a specific and illustrative historical example.

"this people was not, [till] the Assyrian founded it for them that dwell in the wilderness:"

This clause provides crucial historical and theological context. It emphasizes the Chaldeans' previously unestablished or nomadic state ("this people was not"), implying a lack of significant political organization, urban presence, or national identity. The Assyrian Empire is then explicitly identified as the agent that "founded" or established them, perhaps by settling them, defining their territory, or integrating them into a more organized structure, thereby transforming them from "dwellers in the wilderness" into a more defined and cohesive entity.

"they set up the towers thereof, they raised up the palaces thereof;"

This part describes the Chaldeans' subsequent and impressive development and assertion of their own power and sophistication. "They" refers directly to the Chaldeans themselves, who, having been established, proceeded to build formidable fortifications ("towers") and grand royal residences ("palaces"). This signifies their remarkable rise to urban sophistication, immense wealth, and imperial might, embodying the zenith of human ambition and architectural achievement.

"[and] he brought it to ruin."

This final, climactic clause delivers the ultimate and stark verdict. The "he" is typically understood as God Himself, the sovereign orchestrator of history, or an agent of His judgment (such as the Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great, who later conquered Babylon). Despite the Assyrians' initial founding efforts and the Chaldeans' grand construction, the land and its achievements were ultimately destined for "ruin." This stark conclusion serves as a powerful and sobering statement about the impermanence of all human empires and the absolute supremacy of divine will.

Literary Devices

Isaiah 23:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message regarding divine sovereignty and the transience of human power. The most prominent is Parenthesis/Digression, where the prophet abruptly shifts from the main subject of Tyre to introduce a seemingly unrelated historical example of the Chaldeans. This digression serves a crucial theological purpose: to broaden the principle of divine judgment beyond a single nation, demonstrating its universal application to all human kingdoms. There is also a strong element of Juxtaposition, powerfully contrasting the humble, unestablished origins of the Chaldeans ("this people was not, till the Assyrian founded it for them that dwell in the wilderness") with their later grand achievements ("they set up the towers thereof, they raised up the palaces thereof"), only for all their efforts to be met with ultimate destruction ("he brought it to ruin"). This stark contrast creates a powerful sense of Irony, as the very structures built to signify permanence, strength, and power are ultimately shown to be fragile and brought to ruin by a higher, unseen hand. Finally, Symbolism is evident in the "towers" and "palaces," which represent the zenith of human strength, pride, ambition, and material achievement, yet are ultimately shown to be ephemeral and temporary in the face of divine decree.

Theological and Thematic Connections

Isaiah 23:13, though a brief historical aside, profoundly reinforces the foundational biblical truth that God is absolutely sovereign over all nations and their destinies. It demonstrates unequivocally that human empires, regardless of their military might, their strategic alliances, or the grandeur of their architectural and societal achievements, are ultimately temporary and entirely subject to the divine will. The dramatic rise of the Chaldeans, initially facilitated by the Assyrians, and their subsequent inevitable fall, illustrate a recurring and consistent pattern in biblical prophecy: God uses nations as instruments of His judgment or to fulfill His overarching purposes, but He also holds them strictly accountable for their pride, idolatry, and wickedness. This verse serves as a powerful microcosm of the larger prophetic narrative that asserts God's meticulous control over every aspect of world history, reminding us with sobering clarity that no human kingdom is eternal, and only His kingdom endures forever.

Daniel 2:20-21Psalm 75:6-7Jeremiah 50:23

Reflection and Application

Isaiah 23:13 offers a timeless and profoundly relevant lesson for all generations: the fleeting nature of human power and the enduring, unyielding reality of divine sovereignty. In a world where nations rise and fall with bewildering speed, where economic empires dominate only to crumble, and where human ingenuity builds marvels that eventually decay into dust, this verse calls us to a profound and necessary humility. It challenges us to critically examine where we place our ultimate trust, hope, and security. Do we rely on the strength of our political institutions, the perceived security of our accumulated wealth, or the formidable might of our defenses? Or do we, instead, anchor our souls in the unchanging character and eternal kingdom of God? This passage encourages us to cultivate a heavenly perspective, recognizing that true and lasting security, peace, and significance are found not in the temporary and perishable structures of this world, but in the eternal purposes and unwavering faithfulness of the Almighty. It reminds us that God is actively and sovereignly involved in history, orchestrating events even when they seem chaotic or beyond human comprehension, and that His ultimate plan will inevitably prevail. This understanding invites us to align our lives with His eternal will rather than the passing whims of human ambition or the transient glories of earthly power.

Questions for Reflection

  1. How does the transient nature of earthly empires, as depicted in Isaiah 23:13, challenge your personal sense of security or where you place your ultimate hope and trust?
  2. In what ways might we, individually or collectively, be investing our time, energy, and resources into building "towers" and "palaces" (i.e., temporary achievements or earthly securities) that are ultimately destined for ruin, rather than investing in what is eternal?
  3. How does the concept of God's absolute sovereignty over nations, even those seemingly outside of His direct covenant relationship, impact your understanding and interpretation of current global events and geopolitical shifts?

FAQ

Why is this verse about Chaldea in a prophecy primarily directed against Tyre?

This verse serves as a powerful parenthetical example or historical aside within the "burden of Tyre." While Tyre was a formidable maritime power, Isaiah 23:13 introduces the Chaldeans (Babylon) and Assyrians to illustrate a broader theological principle: no nation, however mighty, strategically important, or seemingly invincible, is immune to divine judgment and eventual downfall. By showing that even a land established by one great empire (Assyria) for a people who would become another great empire (Chaldea/Babylon) could be brought to ruin, Isaiah underscores the universal scope of God's sovereignty over all human kingdoms. It adds profound weight and solemnity to the prophecy against Tyre by demonstrating that even greater powers than Tyre are subject to the same divine decree. This literary technique amplifies the overarching message of God's ultimate control over history, a theme found consistently throughout Isaiah's prophecies.

Who is "he" who brought it to ruin?

The "he" in the phrase "and he brought it to ruin" is widely interpreted as God Himself, the sovereign orchestrator of history, or an agent of His judgment. While Assyria initially "founded" the Chaldean land, and the Chaldeans "set up" their own magnificent structures, the ultimate desolation is attributed to a higher, divine power. Historically, the Neo-Babylonian Empire (Chaldea) eventually fell to the Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great, as explicitly prophesied in Isaiah 45:1. Therefore, "he" can refer to God acting directly through His divine decree or indirectly through another nation (like Persia) as His chosen instrument of judgment. This emphasizes that even the most powerful human constructs and empires are ultimately subject to divine will and can be dismantled by God's sovereign decree.

What does "this people was not" mean in relation to the Chaldeans?

The phrase "this people was not" suggests the humble, unorganized, or less established origins of the Chaldeans before their dramatic rise to prominence. It implies that they were not a significant, organized, or urbanized people group with a defined national identity or political structure prior to the intervention of the Assyrian Empire. Historically, the Chaldeans were a collection of Semitic tribes inhabiting southern Mesopotamia. The Assyrians, as the dominant imperial power of the time, often engaged in population movements, forced resettlements, and the establishment of administrative centers to consolidate their control. Thus, the verse indicates that the Assyrians played a crucial and formative role in giving the Chaldeans a more defined territory or political structure, effectively "founding" them as a more cohesive and recognizable entity out of a previously less organized or nomadic existence ("them that dwell in the wilderness"). This highlights their remarkable transformation from obscurity to power, a trajectory ultimately controlled and permitted by divine providence.

Christ-Centered Fulfillment

Isaiah 23:13, with its stark portrayal of the rise and inevitable fall of earthly empires, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the establishment and enduring, eternal nature of God's kingdom, inaugurated by Jesus Christ. While human powers like Assyria and Chaldea build their impressive towers and palaces, only to see them brought to ruin and decay, Christ establishes a kingdom that is inherently unshakable and everlasting. The transient nature of earthly dominion, where one empire gives way to another in a relentless cycle of power and collapse, stands in stark and glorious contrast to the eternal reign of the Lamb of God, whose kingdom "shall never be destroyed" (Daniel 2:44). Jesus, the true and eternal King, did not build an earthly palace or fortify a physical city; instead, He laid the imperishable foundation for a spiritual kingdom built on righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). His decisive victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness on the cross secured a dominion that transcends all temporal powers, offering a lasting and incorruptible inheritance to all who trust in Him (Colossians 1:13-14). Ultimately, the "ruin" that inevitably befalls human empires points to the absolute necessity of a divine intervention and a divine King who will establish a new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells and His reign is eternal, fulfilling the glorious promise that the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ.

Copy as

Public-domain commentary

Matthew Henry

From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Isaiah 23:1–14. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.

1662–1714 · 14 verses
Passage under commentIsaiah 23:1–14
I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points(1.) (2.) Details[1.] [2.] Fine details

Tyre being a sea-port town, this prophecy of its overthrow fitly begins and ends with, Howl, you ships of Tarshish; for all its business, wealth, and honour, depended upon its shipping; if that be ruined, they will be all undone. Observe,

I.Tyre flourishing. This is taken notice of that her fall may appear the more dismal.

1.The merchants of Zidon, who traded at sea, had at first replenished her, Isa 23:2. Zidon was the more ancient city, situated upon the same sea-cost, a few leagues more to the north, and Tyre was at first only a colony of that; but the daughter had outgrown the mother, and become much more considerable. It may be a mortification to great cities to think how they were at first replenished.

2.Egypt had helped very much to raise her, Isa 23:3. Sihor was the river of Egypt: by that river, and the ocean into which it ran, the Egyptians traded with Tyre; and the harvest of that river was her revenue. The riches of the sea, and the gains by goods exported and imported, are as much the harvest to trading towns as that of hay and corn is to the country; and sometimes the harvest of the river proves a better revenue than the harvest of the land. Or it may be meant of all the products of the Egyptian soil, which the men of Tyre traded in, and which were the harvest of the river Nile, owing themselves to the overflowing of that river.

3.She had become the mart of the nations, the great emporium of that part of the world. Some of every known nation might be found there, especially at certain times of the year, when there was a general rendezvous of merchants. This is enlarged upon by another prophet, Eze 27:2, Eze 27:3, etc. See how the hand of the diligent, by the blessing of God upon it, makes rich. Tyre became rich and great by industry, though she had no other ploughs going than those that plough the waters.

4.She was a joyous city, noted for mirth and jollity, Isa 23:7. Those that were so disposed might find there all manner of sports and diversions, all the delights of the sons and daughters of men, balls, and plays, and operas, and every thing of that kind that a man had a fancy to. This made them secure and proud, and they despised the country people, who neither knew nor relished any joys of that nature. This also made them very loth to believe and consider what warnings God gave them by his servants; they were too merry to mind them. Her antiquity likewise was of ancient days, and she was proud of that, and that helped to make her secure; as if because she had been a city time out of mind, and her antiquity had been of ancient days, therefore she must continue a city time without end, and her continuance must be to the days of eternity.

5.She was a crowning city (Isa 23:8), that crowned herself. Such were the power and pomp of her magistrates that they crowned those who had dependence on her and dealings with her. It is explained in the following words: Her merchants are princes, and live like princes for the ease and state they take; and her traffickers, whatever country they go to, are the honourable of the earth, who are respected by all. How slightly soever some now speak of tradesmen, it seems formerly, and among the wisest nations, there were merchants, and traders, and men of business, that were the honourable of the earth.

II.Here is Tyre falling.

It does not appear that she brought trouble upon herself by provoking her neighbours with her quarrels, but rather by tempting them with her wealth; but, if it was this that induced Nebuchadnezzar to fall upon Tyre, he was disappointed; for after it had stood out a siege of thirteen years, and could hold out no longer, the inhabitants got away by sea, with their families and goods, to other places where they had an interest, and left Nebuchadnezzar nothing but the bare city. See a history of Tyre in Sir Walter Raleigh's History of the World, lib. 2. cap. 7. sect. 3, 43. page. 283, which will give much light to this prophecy and that in Ezekiel concerning Tyre.

1.See how the destruction of Tyre is here foretold.

(1.)The haven shall be no convenient harbour for the reception of the ships of Tarshish, but all laid waste (1.), so that there shall be no house, no dock for the ships to ride in, no inns, or public houses for the seamen, no entering into the port. Perhaps it was choked with sand or blocked up by the enemy. Or, Tyre being destroyed and laid waste, the ships that used to come from Tarshish and Chittim into that port shall now no more enter in; for it is revealed or made known to them, they have received the dismal news, that Tyre is destroyed and laid waste; so that there is now no more business for them there. See how it is in this world; those that are spoiled by their enemies are commonly slighted by their old friends.

(2.)The inhabitants are struck with astonishment. Tyre was an island. The inhabitants of it, who had made a mighty noise and bustle in the world, and revelled with loud huzzas, shall now be still and silent (Isa 23:2); they shall sit down as mourners, so overwhelmed with grief that they shall not be able to express it. Their proud boasts of themselves, and defiances of their neighbours, shall be silenced. God can soon quiet those, and strike them dumb, that are the noisy busy people of the world. Be still; for God will do his work (Psa 46:10; Zac 2:13), and you cannot resist him.

(3.)The neighbours are amazed, blush, and are in pain for them: Zidon is ashamed (Isa 23:4), by whom Tyre was at first replenished; for the rolling waves of the sea brought to Zidon this news from Tyre; and there the strength of the sea, a high spring-tide, proclaimed saying, "I travail not, nor bring forth children now, as I have done. I do not now, as I used to do, bring ship-loads of young people to Tyre, to be bred up there in trade and business," which was the thing that had made Tyre so rich and populous. Or the sea, that used to be loaded with fleets of ships about Tyre, shall not be as desolate as a sorrowful widow that is bereaved of all her children, and has none about her to nourish and bring up. Egypt indeed was a much larger and more considerable kingdom than Tyre was; and yet Tyre had so large a correspondence, upon the account of trade, that all the nations about shall be as much in pain, upon the report of the ruin of that one city, as they would have been, and not long after were, upon the report of the ruin of all Egypt, Isa 23:5. Or, as some read it, When the report shall reach to the Egyptians they shall be sorely pained to hear it of Tyre, both because of the loss of their trade with that city and because it was a threatening step towards their own ruin; when their neighbour's house was on fire their own was in danger.

(4.)The merchants, as many as could, should transmit their effects to other places, and abandon Tyre, where they had raised their estates, and thought they had made them sure (Isa 23:6): "You that have long been inhabitants of this isle" (for it lay off in the sea about half a mile from the continent); "It is time to howl now, for you must pass over to Tarshish. The best course you can take is to make the best of your way to Tarshish, to the sea" (to Taressus, a city in Spain; so some), "or to some other of your plantations." Those that think their mountain stands strong, and cannot be moved, will find that here they have no continuing city. The mountains shall depart and the hills be removed.

(5.)Those that could not make their escape must expect no other than to be carried into captivity; for it was the way of conquerors, in those times, to take those they conquered to be bondmen in their own country, and send of their own to be freemen in theirs (Isa 23:7): Her own feet shall carry her afar off to sojourn; they shall be hurried away on foot into captivity, and many a weary step they shall take towards their own misery. Those that have lived in the greatest pomp and splendour know not what hardships they may be reduced to before they die.

(6.)Many of those that attempted to escape should be pursued and fall into the hands of the enemy. Tyre shall pass through her land as a river (Isa 23:10), running down, one company after another, into the ocean or abyss of misery. Or, though they hasten away as a river, with the greatest swiftness, hoping to outrun the danger, yet there is no more strength; they are quickly tired, and cannot get forward, but fall an easy prey into the hands of the enemy. And, as Tyre has no more strength, so her sister Zidon has no more comfort (Isa 23:12): "Thou shalt no more rejoice, O oppressed virgin, daughter of Zidon, that art now ready to be overpowered by the victorious Chaldeans! Thy turn is next; therefore arise; pass over to Chittim; flee to Greece, to Italy, any where to shift for thy own safety; yet there also shalt thou have no rest; thy enemies shall disturb thee, and thy own fears shall disquiet thee, where thou hopedst to find some repose." Note, We deceive ourselves if we promise ourselves rest any where in this world. Those that are uneasy in one place will be so in another; and, when God's judgments pursue sinners, they will overtake them.

2.But whence shall all this trouble come?

(1.)God will be the author of it; it is a destruction from the Almighty. It will be asked (Isa 23:8), "Who has taken this counsel against Tyre? Who has contrived it? Who has resolved it? Who can find in his heart to lay such a stately lovely city in ruins? And how is it possible that its ruin should be effected?" To this it will be answered,

[1.]God has designed it, who is infinitely wise and just, and never did, nor ever will do, any wrong to any of his creatures (Isa 23:9). The Lord of hosts, that has all things at his disposal and gives not account of any of his matters, he has purposed it. It shall be done according to the counsel of his will; and that which he aims at herein is to stain the pride of all glory, to pollute it, profane it, and throw it to be trodden upon; and to bring into contempt and make despicable all the honourable ones of the earth, that they may not admire themselves and be admired by others as usual. God did not bring those calamities upon Tyre in a way of sovereignty, to show an arbitrary and irresistible power; but he did it to punish the Tyrians for their pride. Many other sins, no doubt, reigned among them - idolatry, sensuality, and oppression; but the sin of pride is fastened upon as that which was the particular ground of God's controversy with Tyre; for he resists the proud. All the world observing and being surprised at the desolation of Tyre, we have here an exposition of it. God tells the world what he meant by it. First, He designed to convince men of the vanity and uncertainty of all earthly glory, to show them what a withering, fading, perishing thing it is even when it seems most substantial. It were well if men would be thoroughly taught this lesson, though it were at the expense of so great a destruction. Are men's learning and wealth, their pomp and power, their interest in, and influence upon, all about them, their glory? Are their stately houses, rich furniture, and splendid appearances, their glory? Look upon the ruins of Tyre, and see all this glory stained, and sullied, and buried in the dust. The honourable ones of heaven will be for ever such; but see the grandees of Tyre, some fled into banishment, others forced into captivity, and all impoverished, and you will conclude that the honourable of the earth, even the most honourable, know not how soon they may be brought into contempt. Secondly, He designed hereby to prevent their being proud of that glory, their being puffed up, and confident of the continuance of it. Let the ruin of Tyre be a warning to all places and persons to take heed of pride; for it proclaims to all the world that he who exalts himself shall be abased.

[2.]God will do it, who has all power in his hand and can do it effectually (Isa 23:11): He stretched out his hand over the sea. He has done so many a time, witness the dividing of the Red Sea and the drowning of Pharaoh in it. He has often shaken the kingdoms that were most secure; and he has now given commandment concerning this merchant-city, to destroy the strongholds thereof. As its beauty shall not intercede for it, but that shall be stained, so its strength shall not protect it, but that shall be broken. If any think it strange that a city so well fortified, and that has so many powerful allies, should be so totally ruined, let them know that it is the Lord of hosts that has given a commandment to destroy the strongholds thereof: and who can gainsay his orders or hinder the execution of them?

(2.)The Chaldeans shall be the instruments of it (Isa 23:13): Behold the land of the Chaldeans; how easily they and their land were destroyed by the Assyrians. Though their own hands founded it, set up the towers of Babylon, and raised up its palaces, yet the Assyrians brought it to ruin, whence the Tyrians might infer that as easily as the old Chaldeans were subdued by the Assyrians so easily shall Tyre be vanquished by those new Chaldeans. Babel was built by the Assyrians for those that dwelt in the wilderness. It may be rendered for the ships (the Assyrians founded it for ships and shipmen that traffic upon those vast rivers Tigris and Euphrates to the Persian and Indian seas), for men of the desert, for Babylon is called the desert of the sea, Isa 21:1. Thus Tyrus was built upon the sea for the like purpose. But the Assyrians (says Dr. Lightfoot) brought that to ruin, now lately, in Hezekiah's time, and so shall Tyre hereafter be brought to ruin by Nebuchadnezzar. If we looked more upon the falling and withering of others, we should not be so confident as we commonly are of the continuance of our own flourishing and standing.

Copy as

Historical interpretation

Historical Reception

3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.

3 quotes · AD 420
AD 420JeromePost-NiceneSourceCommentary on Isaiah
(Verse 13, 14.) Behold the land of the Chaldeans, such a people has never existed: Assyria laid it waste, they led away its strong men, they dug up its houses, they reduced it to ruins. Wail, O ships of the sea, for your strength is destroyed. For as it was said before: His feet will travel a great distance in exile; and again, Cross over your land like a river, and the people of Tyre will be doubly afflicted, those who fled and crossed over to Cyprus, and those who remained in the city. About those who had fled, he says above: Rising up, cross over to Cethim, there also there will be no rest for you. About those who remained and were led into captivity, he says: Behold, the inhabitants of the land of the Chaldeans, whose power no other people had before, and which was founded by the Assyrians, they have led mighty men of Tyre. They not only dug up the walls, but also all the dwellings of the city, and turned it into ruins. Therefore, because some have fled and others have been captured, howl, O ships, whether of the sea or of Carthage; for your trade and colony have been destroyed. At the same time, consider how he praised the Chaldeans. He did not say that such a people will no longer exist: for indeed, the kingdom of the Romans is more powerful and harsher; but, there was not one before. He who denied the previous things, has conceded the following things.
AD 420JeromePost-NiceneSourceCommentary on Isaiah
(Verse 13) If you go to the Citians, there will be no rest for you there; and if you go to the land of the Chaldeans, it has also been devastated by the Assyrians. Siim founded it, they established its fortifications, they raised its tower: its wall has fallen. And what follows in Theodotion's edition is added under asterisks: Siim founded it, they established its fortifications, they raised its tower, and without asterisks it is joined: its wall has fallen. The Cilicians are interpreted as a completed or perfect wound: the Chaldeans in this place, as if breasts: the Assyrians, accusing. We could not find the etymology ourselves, and the other interpreters translated it by the very name used in Hebrew. Therefore, it is said to Tyre that, although it seeks to go to the Cilicians and avoid the distress of its own wound, it cannot find perfect rest even there. And if it desires to go to the Chaldeans and enjoy their abundance and the abundance of all things, it will also find them deserted, with the Assyrians accusing their sterility, just as the Apostle handed over the sinners of Satan (1 Tim. 1), so that they may learn not to blaspheme: those who are handed over to the destruction of the flesh, so that the spirit may be saved. However, the Chaldeans laid the foundations of which I understand to be the most wicked demons, who raised up strongholds and the most proud towers of the city of Chaldea against the knowledge of the Lord. But all their building collapsed into ruins; for, its wall fell. For unless the Lord builds the house, in vain do those who build it labor. (Ps. CXXVI, 1). Often we see in the world certain individuals pass from one purpose to another. For example, those who have had a bad experience in the military can transition to business. And again, lawyers of warriors take up weapons. They change their profession in order to change their misfortune; and nevertheless, by the will of God, everything happens contrary to those who strive for everything to go well: so that through poverty and miseries they are forced to have confidence not in themselves, but in their Creator.
AD 420JeromePost-NiceneSourceCommentary on Isaiah
(Verse 13) And he said: You shall no longer boast, enduring slander, O virgin daughter of Sidon, rising up to Cythim, crossing over: there also you will find no rest. God, who has determined to bring down the pride of all glory, who has commanded against Canaan, to crush its warriors, he himself says, By no means shall you boast any longer, and trust in your own power. O virgin daughter of Sidon, that is, the colony of the Sidonians, you will indeed flee by ships to the islands of the West, or to Cyprus, and the other lands of Macedonia and Greece, but even there, when God opposes you, you will not find rest. Furthermore, he is always wandering and a stranger in the world, and in uncertain places, always in distress and constantly in sorrow.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as

Continue studying Isaiah 23:13 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.