Isaiah 23:13

KJV

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Commentary

### 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](/isaiah/1 "The Book of Isaiah - Prophecies of Judgment and Salvation").
* **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](/jeremiah/50-29 "Jeremiah 50:29 - Babylon's Pride and Fall").
* **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](/psalms/146-3-4 "Psalm 146:3-4 - Do Not Trust in Princes or Mortals"), 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](/isaiah/2-22 "Isaiah 2:22 - Cease from Man").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chaldeans (Hebrew, _Kasdîy'_):** 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 (Hebrew, _yâçad'_):** 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 (Hebrew, _mappâlâh'_):** 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 2:20-21](/daniel/2-20-21 "Daniel 2:20-21 - God Changes Times and Seasons, and Removes Kings")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - Exaltation Comes Not from Earth, But from God")
* [Jeremiah 50:23](/jeremiah/50-23 "Jeremiah 50:23 - Babylon, the Hammer of the Whole Earth")

### 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
* **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?**
* **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?**
* **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?**

Answer: 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](/isaiah/1 "The Book of Isaiah").

**Who is "he" who brought it to ruin?**

Answer: 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](/isaiah/45-1 "Isaiah 45:1 - Cyrus, God's Anointed"). 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?**

Answer: 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose kingdom "shall never be destroyed" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom Established by God Himself")). 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](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")). 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](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from the Domain of Darkness")). 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](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord and of His Christ").

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

Habakkuk 1:6

For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, [that] bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces [that are] not theirs.

Ezra 4:9

Then [wrote] Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions; the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Susanchites, the Dehavites, [and] the Elamites,

Ezra 4:10

And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnappar brought over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest [that are] on this side the river, and at such a time.

Isaiah 10:5

¶ O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.

Genesis 2:14

And the name of the third river [is] Hiddekel: that [is] it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river [is] Euphrates.

Ezekiel 29:18

Son of man, Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon caused his army to serve a great service against Tyrus: every head [was] made bald, and every shoulder [was] peeled: yet had he no wages, nor his army, for Tyrus, for the service that he had served against it:

Genesis 10:10

And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.