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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Isaiah 23:15–18. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. The time fixed for the continuance of the desolations of Tyre, which were not to be perpetual desolations: Tyre shall be forgotten seventy years, Isa 23:15. So long it shall lie neglected and buried in obscurity. It was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar much about the time that Jerusalem was, and lay as long as it did in its ruins. See the folly of that proud ambitious conqueror. What the richer, what the stronger, was he for making himself master of Tyre, when all the inhabitants were driven out of it and he had none of his own subjects to spare for the replenishing and fortifying of it? It is surprising to see what pleasure men could take in destroying cities and making their memorial perish with them, Psa 9:6. He trampled on the pride of Tyre, and therein served God's purpose; but with greater pride, for which God soon after humbled him.
II.A prophecy of the restoration of Tyre to its glory again:
After the end of seventy years, according to the years of one king, or one dynasty or family of kings, that of Nebuchadnezzar; when that expired, the desolations of Tyre came to an end. And we may presume that Cyrus at the same time when he released the Jews, and encouraged them to rebuild Jerusalem, released the Tyrians also, and encouraged them to rebuild Tyre. Thus the prosperity and adversity of places, as well as persons, are set the one over against the other, that the most glorious cities may not be secure nor the most ruinous despair. It is foretold,
1.That God's providence shall gain smile upon this ruined city (Isa 23:17): The Lord will visit Tyre in mercy; for, though he contend, he will not contend for ever. It is not said, Her old acquaintance shall visit her, the colonies she has planted, and the trading cities she has had correspondence with (they have forgotten her); but, The Lord shall visit her by some unthought-of turn; he shall cause his indignation towards her to cease, and then things will run of course in their former channel.
2.That she shall use her best endeavours to recover her trade again. She shall sing as a harlot, that has been some time under correction for her lewdness; but, when she is set at liberty (so violent is the bent of corruption), she will use her old arts of temptation. The Tyrians having returned from their captivity, and those that remained recovering new spirits thereupon, they shall contrive how to force a trade, shall procure the best choice of goods, under-sell their neighbours, and be obliging to all customers; as a harlot that has been forgotten, when she comes to be spoken of again, recommends herself to company by singing and playing, takes a harp, goes about the city, perhaps in the night, serenading, makes sweet melody, and sings many songs. These are innocent and allowable diversions, if soberly, and moderately, and modestly used; but those that value themselves upon their virtue should not be over-fond of them, nor ambitious to excel in them, because, whatever they are now, anciently they were some of the baits with which harlots used to entice fools. Tyre shall now by degrees come to be the mart of nations again; she shall return to her hire, to her traffic, and shall commit fornication (that is, she shall have dealings in trade, for the prophet carries on the similitude of a harlot) with all the kingdoms of the world that she had formerly traded with in her prosperity. The love of worldly wealth is a spiritual whoredom, and therefore covetous people are called adulterers and adulteresses (Jam 4:4), and covetousness is spiritual idolatry.
3.That, having recovered her trade again, she shall make a better use of it than she had done formerly; and this good she should get by her calamities (Isa 23:18): Her merchandise, and her hire, shall be holiness to the Lord. The trade of Tyre, and all the gains of her trade, shall be devoted to God and to his honour and employed in his service. It shall not be treasured and hoarded up, as formerly, to be the matter of their pride and the support of their carnal confidence; but it shall be laid out in acts of piety and charity. What they can spare from the maintenance of themselves and their families shall be for those that dwell before the Lord, for the priests, the Lord's ministers, that attend in his temple at Jerusalem; not to maintain them in pomp and grandeur, but that they and theirs may eat sufficiently, may have food convenient for them, with as little as may be of that care which would divert them from their ministration, and that they may have, not rich and fine clothing, but durable clothing, that which is strong and lasting, clothing for old men (so some read it), as if the priests, though they were young, must wear such plain grave clothing as old men used to wear. Now,
(1.)This supposes that religion should be set up in New Tyre, that they should come to the knowledge of the true God and into communion with the Israel of God. Perhaps their being fellow-captives with the Jews in Babylon (who had prophets with them there) disposed them to join with them in their worship there, and turned them from idols, as it cured the Jews of their idolatry: and when they were released with them, and as they had reason to believe for their sakes, when they were settled again in Tyre, they would send gifts and offerings to the temple, and presents to the priests. We find men of Tyre then dwelling in the land of Judah, Neh 13:16. Tyre and Sidon were better disposed to religion in Christ's time than the cities of Israel; for, if Christ had gone among them, they would have repented, Mat 11:21. And we meet with Christians at Tyre (Act 21:3, Act 21:4), and, many years after, did Christianity flourish there. Some of the rabbin refer this prophecy of the conversion of Tyre to the days of the Messiah.
(2.)It directs those that have estates to make use of them in the service of God and religion, and to reckon that best laid up which is so laid out. Both the merchandise of the tradesmen and the hire of the day-labourers shall be devoted to God. Both the merchandise (the employment we follow) and the hire (the gain of our employments) must be holiness to the Lord, alluding to the motto engraven on the frontlet of the high priest (Exo 39:30), and to the separation of the tithe under the law, Lev 27:30. See a promise like this referring to gospel times, Zac 14:20, Zac 14:21. We must first give up ourselves to be holiness to the Lord before what we do, or have, or get, can be so. When we abide with God in our particular callings, and do common actions after a godly sort - when we abound in works of piety and charity, are liberal in relieving the poor, and supporting the ministry, and encouraging the gospel - then our merchandise and our hire are holiness to the Lord, if we sincerely look at his glory in them. And our wealth need not be treasured and laid up on earth; for it is treasured and laid up in heaven, in bags that wax not old, Luk 12:33.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
(Verse 16.) After seventy years, Tyre will be like the song of a prostitute. Take up the lyre, go around the city, forgotten prostitute, sing well, sing often, so that there will be a memory of you. Because you have prostituted yourself with many nations, and you have been left desolate, naked, and filthy with the filth of captivity, your former lovers have despised you. Now take up the lyre, sing songs of lamentation, go around the city, weep for your former brothel, and wash away the traces of your ancient error with tears, so that you may provoke the mercy of God in yourself.
(Verse 15 and following) And it shall come to pass in that day, that Tyre shall be forgotten seventy years, according to the days of one king: after the end of seventy years, Tyre shall sing as a harlot. Take a harp, go about the city, O harlot that has been forgotten; make sweet melody, sing many songs, that you may be remembered. After seventy years, the LORD will visit Tyre, and she shall return to her hire, and shall commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth. And his merchandise shall be holy unto the Lord: it shall not be gathered nor laid up; for his merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the Lord, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing. This that is spoken of: a memorial before the Lord: and upon the face of the earth. And as the time of a man's life, which is not contained in the Hebrew, but is added in the Greek. And Tyre, after the seventy years of her captivity, shall return, and shall play the harlot with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth. And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the Lord: it shall not be treasured nor laid up, for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the Lord, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing. The divine discourse exhorts Sidon and Tyre to repentance, and promises that his labors and rewards are to be sanctified by the Lord. Who does not have hope for salvation from sins, if indeed he has sung well, and all the strings of virtues, which were once slackened, are to be composed into praises of the Lord? We read in the forty-fourth psalm, which specifically pertains to the union of the bridegroom and the bride, that is, to God the Savior and the sacraments of the Church, it is said among other things: The daughters of Tyre will offer you gifts, the rich among the people will seek your favor (Ps. XLIV, 13). And the bridegroom himself speaks again to the Tyrian bride: Listen, daughter, and see, and incline your ear; and forget your people and your father's house, for the king desires your beauty. (Ibid. 11, 12). Hence, in the description of her beauty, it is said: The queen stands at your right hand, in a golden robe, adorned with various ornaments (Ibid., 10). And again: All the glory of the king's daughter is within (Ibid., 14). But if the king desires the beauty of penitent Tyre, and having the ornaments of various virtues, how much more will his reward and business be not in Tyre, where he does not dwell, but among those who live in the sight of the Lord! After they have repented, they will hear from the Lord and Savior: 'Eat, my friends, and drink, and be intoxicated, my beloved' (Song of Solomon 5:1). What it means to eat and drink, and be satisfied with the gathering of all virtues, the faithful reader understands. The temple was desolate for seventy years, as Jeremiah (Chapter 29), Daniel (Chapter 9), and Zechariah (Chapter 7) teach. And in Ezekiel (Chapter 16) we read about Sodom being restored to its former state, and about Egypt receiving its former abundance after the desolation and dryness of the land and the seven rivers. The number seventy signifies complete and perfect repentance, either in the span of seven days or in the completion of seven decades, so that just as Tyre, when the time of repentance is fulfilled, may return to its former state. Concerning this, I believe that the prostitute is referred to in the mystical language of Solomon's Proverbs: Do not look at the worst woman; for honey drips from the lips of the harlot, who fattens your throat for a short time, and afterwards you will find it bitter as gall (Prov. V, 2-4). For she peers through the window of her house onto the streets (Matth. VII): for the way that leads to death is wide and spacious, and she dares not tempt the wise, for she only lures the foolish, and she walks beside the corners, having lost the straight line: she talks to him in darkness and in gloom, and under the guise of pleasures she leads him like a victim to death. If she has been converted and has sung well, and has completed the time of perfect penance of years, she will eat and drink, and will be satisfied. Let Novatian hear, and let him be silent.
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Summary
Isaiah 23:16 powerfully depicts the once-mighty Phoenician city of Tyre, personified as a "harlot that hast been forgotten," in a desperate and ultimately futile attempt to reclaim its former commercial prominence and allure after a period of divine judgment. The verse illustrates Tyre's reliance on its old, seductive methods—symbolized by the "harp" and "sweet melody"—to re-entice nations into trade, driven by a profound desire to be "remembered" and restore its lost glory and wealth. This imagery serves as a poignant commentary on the transient nature of worldly power and the inherent futility of self-reliant schemes apart from divine favor.
Context
Literary Context
Isaiah 23 is part of a significant collection of prophetic oracles against foreign nations, spanning Isaiah 13-23, which collectively underscore Yahweh's universal sovereignty over all peoples and powers. This specific chapter zeroes in on Tyre, a dominant Phoenician city-state renowned for its vast maritime trade and immense wealth, detailing God's impending judgment upon it due to its pervasive pride, materialism, and corrupt commercial practices. Immediately preceding verse 16, Isaiah 23:15 prophesies a seventy-year period of desolation for Tyre, likened to "the days of one king," after which it would attempt to re-establish itself. Verse 16, therefore, describes Tyre's post-judgment behavior, illustrating its continued reliance on the very methods that precipitated its downfall, rather than exhibiting any genuine repentance or turning to God. It vividly portrays the city's persistent, unrepentant character even after experiencing a profound divine discipline.
Historical & Cultural Context
Tyre was an unparalleled commercial powerhouse in the ancient Near East, strategically positioned to control extensive trade routes across the Mediterranean Sea. Its legendary wealth stemmed from a vast network of colonies and its production of highly coveted goods, most notably the expensive Tyrian purple dye. Culturally, Tyre was characterized by its fierce independence, self-sufficiency, and a pragmatic approach to alliances, often prioritizing economic advantage over moral or covenantal fidelity. The prophetic metaphor of a "harlot" applied to a city was a common and potent rhetorical device in ancient Near Eastern prophecy. It was frequently employed to describe cities or nations that engaged in illicit commercial practices, idolatry, or unfaithful political alliances, thereby abandoning their true covenantal or ethical standing for worldly gain. This imagery profoundly emphasizes Tyre's spiritual and ethical corruption, where its relentless pursuit of wealth and influence led it to "prostitute" itself through ungodly means and alliances, rather than placing its trust in divine providence.
Key Themes
This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes prevalent in the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the theme of Divine Judgment and Humiliation, demonstrating unequivocally that even the most powerful and proud entities, like the seemingly impregnable Tyre, are utterly subject to God's sovereign decree and can be brought low. The stark description of Tyre as a "harlot that hast been forgotten" powerfully conveys its fallen state and profound loss of dignity and influence. Secondly, the verse expands upon the Nature of "Harlotry" in biblical prophecy, which consistently signifies spiritual unfaithfulness, idolatry, or illicit commercial and political alliances, extending far beyond mere sexual immorality. Tyre's "harlotry" here specifically refers to its self-serving commercial practices and its reliance on worldly allurements, a theme strikingly paralleled in descriptions of Jerusalem's spiritual unfaithfulness in Ezekiel 16:30. Thirdly, it vividly illustrates the Attempted Restoration by Worldly Means, where Tyre, after its period of obscurity, attempts to re-establish itself using the very same seductive methods it employed before its judgment. The "harp" and "sweet melody" symbolize its efforts to re-entice nations into trade, thereby seeking to be "remembered" and regain its former glory. Finally, the verse subtly but profoundly points to the Futility of Earthly Remembrance, suggesting that while Tyre desperately seeks to be remembered through its own efforts and allurements, true and lasting remembrance comes solely from God, not from transient worldly schemes or forgotten splendor.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H2181), derived from a primitive root, fundamentally means "to commit adultery," but its application extends significantly in a figurative sense to describe spiritual unfaithfulness or idolatry. When applied to a city like Tyre, it powerfully conveys the idea of a city that has "prostituted" itself for commercial gain, worldly influence, and illicit alliances, thereby forsaking ethical or divine principles. It implies a profound betrayal of a proper relationship, whether with God or with righteous conduct, in favor of self-serving and often corrupt pursuits.
This word signifies "to mislay" or "to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention." Applied to Tyre, it denotes a profound state of obscurity, a significant loss of influence, and a stark decline in its former renowned status. The city, once a global powerhouse and a beacon of commerce, has been relegated to a state of being overlooked and no longer central to the world's commercial or political landscape, a direct and devastating consequence of divine judgment.
This word (H2142), a primitive root, means "to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention." Tyre's ultimate aspiration, as explicitly expressed in this verse, is to be "remembered"—to regain its former recognition, prominence, and commercial vitality. It yearns to be brought back into the global consciousness, to be seen and acknowledged as a significant player once more, through its own determined efforts to re-establish its allure and influence.
Verse Breakdown
"Take an harp, go about the city"
This clause vividly portrays Tyre, personified as a harlot, actively engaging in a public and deliberate display. The "harp" (Hebrew, kinnôwr, H3658), a stringed instrument, and the act of "going about the city" (Hebrew, çâbab, H5437, "to revolve, surround") evoke the image of a street musician or entertainer striving to attract attention and clients. This symbolizes Tyre's proactive, almost desperate, efforts to re-entice nations into commercial relationships and re-establish its once-flourishing trade network after its period of desolation.
"thou harlot that hast been forgotten"
This is a direct and pointed address, firmly cementing the personification of Tyre as a disgraced, fallen woman. The phrase "that hast been forgotten" profoundly underscores the severity of its judgment and its current state of obscurity. It emphasizes that Tyre's former glory, immense wealth, and widespread influence have faded from collective memory, powerfully highlighting the transient and ephemeral nature of worldly power when subjected to God's sovereign judgment.
"make sweet melody, sing many songs"
This further elaborates on the seductive and persuasive methods Tyre employs. "Make sweet melody" (Hebrew, yâṭab nâgan, H3190 and H5059, "to make well music") and "sing many songs" (Hebrew, râbâh shîyr, H7235 and H7892, "to increase singing") describe enticing, persuasive, and abundant efforts to draw in customers and partners. This represents Tyre's continued reliance on its past commercial allure and deceptive charm to regain its economic standing, rather than any genuine change of character, repentance, or turning to divine principles.
"that thou mayest be remembered"
This concluding clause unequivocally reveals the ultimate motivation behind Tyre's elaborate actions. Its entire performance—the plucking of the harp, the sweet melody, the singing of many songs—is singularly aimed at achieving remembrance, recognition, and the full restoration of its former glory and commercial dominance. It is a profound desire to reverse its "forgotten" status and reclaim its preeminent place in the world's economy, driven by its inherent pride, self-reliance, and unrepentant spirit.
Literary Devices
Isaiah 23:16 is exceptionally rich with Personification, where the inanimate city of Tyre is vividly portrayed as a "harlot." This rhetorical device allows the prophet to attribute human actions and motivations—such as taking a harp, going about, making melody, singing, and desiring to be remembered—to a city, making the prophecy far more relatable, emotionally resonant, and impactful. The use of "harlot" is a powerful Metaphor, extending far beyond literal prostitution to symbolize spiritual unfaithfulness, illicit commercial alliances, and pervasive moral corruption. This metaphor profoundly underscores Tyre's abandonment of righteous conduct and divine principles for the sake of worldly gain and self-interest. There is also a strong element of Irony in Tyre's desperate attempt to regain remembrance through the very means (seductive commercialism and self-promotion) that initially led to its judgment and being "forgotten" in the first place. The vivid Imagery of a street musician with a harp, singing to attract attention, creates a compelling mental picture of Tyre's desperate and public efforts to re-establish its lost influence, highlighting its reliance on superficial allure and deceptive charm rather than true substance or repentance.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Isaiah 23:16 serves as a profound theological statement on the absolute sovereignty of God over all nations and the inherently transient nature of worldly power, wealth, and human glory. It reveals that human efforts to regain lost prominence or to achieve self-redemption, particularly when rooted in pride, materialism, and ungodly means, are ultimately futile without divine favor and a genuine turning to God. The "harlotry" of Tyre underscores the pervasive biblical concept that any entity—be it a city, a nation, or an individual—that prioritizes self-gain, material prosperity, or illicit alliances over faithfulness to God or ethical principles is engaging in a profound form of spiritual prostitution. This passage powerfully reminds us that true and lasting significance comes not from human acclaim, commercial dominance, or accumulated wealth, but from a right relationship with the Creator, who alone grants genuine remembrance and enduring purpose that transcends the fleeting nature of earthly achievements.
Reflection and Application
Isaiah 23:16 offers timeless and piercing lessons for individuals and communities in every age. It serves as a profound caution against the seductive allure of materialism, unchecked pride, and the relentless pursuit of worldly success at the expense of spiritual integrity and ethical conduct. Like Tyre, we can be subtly tempted to employ "sweet melodies" and "many songs"—whether through deceptive marketing, manipulative relationships, compromising our values, or engaging in self-promotion—to achieve our goals and be "remembered" or affirmed in the eyes of the world. This verse challenges us to critically examine the foundations of our endeavors: are we building on fleeting earthly allurements, or on the enduring and immutable principles of God's kingdom? True and lasting remembrance is not found in human accolades, accumulated wealth, or fleeting fame, but in a life lived faithfully and obediently before God, whose remembrance is eternal and whose favor is the only true source of flourishing and enduring significance. We are called to discern the methods we employ, ensuring they align with righteousness and truth, and to cultivate a heart that seeks God's approval and glory above all else, trusting implicitly in His sovereign provision rather than resorting to the "harlotry" of worldly schemes and self-reliant strategies.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "harlot" mean in the context of a city like Tyre?
In biblical prophecy, particularly within the Old Testament, the term "harlot" (Hebrew: zânâh) when applied to a city or nation, extends far beyond literal sexual immorality. It primarily signifies spiritual unfaithfulness, idolatry, and illicit commercial or political alliances that betray a covenantal relationship or moral integrity. For Tyre, a powerful maritime trading city, its "harlotry" refers to its pervasive materialism, its reliance on shrewd and often unethical business practices, and its formation of self-serving alliances with other nations, all of which led it away from any semblance of righteous conduct or trust in God. This metaphorical language is also powerfully used to describe Jerusalem's spiritual unfaithfulness to God in Ezekiel 16.
Why is Tyre depicted as "forgotten" and then trying to be "remembered"?
Tyre being "forgotten" refers directly to the period of divine judgment and desolation prophesied in Isaiah 23:15, during which its commercial prominence, vast wealth, and global influence would wane significantly, effectively causing it to disappear from the forefront of the world stage. After this prophesied period, the prophecy suggests Tyre would attempt to re-establish itself. The fervent desire to be "remembered" signifies its aspiration to regain its former glory, immense wealth, and recognition as a leading commercial power. It represents a desperate attempt to reverse its state of obscurity and re-enter the world's consciousness through its own efforts and allurements, rather than through repentance or divine intervention.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Isaiah 23:16, though a prophecy of judgment against a worldly city, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment by sharply contrasting the futility of human efforts for self-redemption with the ultimate and lasting remembrance offered exclusively through Christ. Tyre, portrayed as the "harlot that hast been forgotten," desperately seeks to be "remembered" through its own seductive "melody" and "songs"—a vivid and poignant picture of fallen humanity's inherent state, attempting to regain lost glory, significance, and acceptance through worldly means and self-effort. This mirrors the universal human condition post-Eden, where we incessantly strive for self-justification, self-exaltation, and a fleeting sense of purpose apart from our Creator. However, true remembrance, lasting restoration, and genuine significance are not achieved by our "sweet melodies" of self-righteousness, commercial prowess, or human acclaim, but by the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. While Tyre's "harlotry" represents its spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry, Christ came precisely to redeem those who were spiritual harlots, lost in the depths of sin. He offers a new and eternal covenant where sins are not merely forgotten in judgment, but profoundly forgiven and remembered no more, replaced instead by an eternal remembrance in God's glorious kingdom. Our true "remembrance" is found not in fleeting earthly fame or accomplishments, but in being eternally written in the Lamb's Book of Life through saving faith in Him, thereby securing an eternal place, purpose, and identity that worldly allurements and human striving can never provide. Christ's redemptive work provides the only lasting "melody" and "song" that truly brings us back into right relationship with God, establishing a remembrance that transcends all time and human forgetfulness.