Isaiah 23:16

KJV

Take an harp, go about the city, thou harlot that hast been forgotten; make sweet melody, sing many songs, that thou mayest be remembered.

KJV (with Strong's)

Take {H3947} an harp {H3658}, go about {H5437} the city {H5892}, thou harlot {H2181} that hast been forgotten {H7911}; make sweet {H3190} melody {H5059}, sing many {H7235} songs {H7892}, that thou mayest be remembered {H2142}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Take a lyre, walk the city, you poor, forgotten whore! Play sweetly, sing all your songs, so that they will remember you!"

Berean Standard Bible

“Take up your harp, stroll through the city, O forgotten harlot. Make sweet melody, sing many a song, so you will be remembered.”

American Standard Version

Take a harp, go about the city, thou harlot that hast been forgotten; make sweet melody, sing many songs, that thou mayest be remembered.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 23:16 vividly portrays the Phoenician city of Tyre, personified as a "harlot that hast been forgotten," attempting to regain its lost prominence after a period of divine judgment and desolation. The verse depicts Tyre’s desperate efforts to re-entice nations into commercial relationships, using seductive methods symbolized by the "harp" and "sweet melody," all in a futile bid to be "remembered" and restore its former glory and wealth. This imagery underscores the transient nature of worldly power and the ultimate futility of self-reliant schemes apart from God's favor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 23 forms part of a larger collection of prophetic oracles against foreign nations found in [Isaiah 13-23](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13-23 - Oracles Against the Nations"). Specifically, this chapter focuses on Tyre, a powerful Phoenician city-state renowned for its maritime trade and immense wealth. The oracle details God's impending judgment upon Tyre for its pride, materialism, and corrupt commercial practices. Preceding verse 16, [Isaiah 23:15](/isaiah/23-15 "Isaiah 23:15 - Tyre's Seventy-Year Desolation") 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 led to its downfall, rather than a genuine repentance or turning to God. It shows the city's persistent character even after experiencing divine discipline.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was a dominant commercial hub in the ancient world, controlling vast trade routes across the Mediterranean. Its wealth was legendary, derived from its extensive network of colonies and its production of valuable goods like purple dye. Culturally, Tyre was known for its independence and self-sufficiency, often forming alliances based on economic advantage rather than moral conviction. The metaphor of a "harlot" for a city was common in ancient Near Eastern prophecy, frequently used to describe cities that engaged in illicit commercial practices, idolatry, or unfaithful political alliances, abandoning their true covenant or moral standing for worldly gain. This imagery emphasizes Tyre's spiritual and ethical corruption, where its pursuit of wealth and influence led it to "prostitute" itself through ungodly means and alliances, rather than trusting in divine providence.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Humiliation**, demonstrating how even the most powerful and proud entities, like Tyre, are subject to God's sovereign decree and can be brought low. The description of Tyre as a "harlot that hast been forgotten" powerfully conveys its fallen state and loss of dignity. Secondly, the verse expounds on the **Nature of "Harlotry"** in biblical prophecy, which often signifies spiritual unfaithfulness, idolatry, or illicit commercial and political alliances, rather than merely sexual immorality. Tyre's "harlotry" here refers to its self-serving commercial practices and reliance on worldly allurements, a theme also seen in descriptions of Jerusalem's unfaithfulness in [Ezekiel 16:30](/ezekiel/16-30 "Ezekiel 16:30 - Jerusalem's Spiritual Harlotry"). Thirdly, it illustrates the **Attempted Restoration by Worldly Means**, where Tyre, after its period of obscurity, attempts to re-establish itself using the same seductive methods it employed before. The "harp" and "sweet melody" symbolize its efforts to re-entice nations into trade and thereby be "remembered" and regain its former glory. Finally, the verse subtly points to the **Futility of Earthly Remembrance**, suggesting that while Tyre seeks to be remembered through its own efforts and allurements, true and lasting remembrance comes from God, not from worldly schemes or forgotten splendor.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Harlot (Hebrew, _zânâh'_):** This term (H2181) is a primitive root meaning "to commit adultery," but often extends figuratively to describe spiritual unfaithfulness or idolatry. In the context of a city like Tyre, it powerfully conveys the idea of a city that has "prostituted" itself for commercial gain, worldly influence, and illicit alliances, forsaking ethical or divine principles. It implies a betrayal of a proper relationship, whether with God or with righteous conduct, in favor of self-serving pursuits.
* **Forgotten (Hebrew, _shâkach'_):** Derived from H7911, this word means "to mislay" or "to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention." Applied to Tyre, it signifies a state of obscurity, loss of influence, and a decline in its former renowned status. The city, once a global powerhouse, has been relegated to a state of being overlooked and no longer central to the world's commercial or political landscape, a direct consequence of divine judgment.
* **Remembered (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** This word (H2142) means "to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention." Tyre's ultimate goal, as expressed in this verse, is to be "remembered" – to regain its former recognition, prominence, and commercial vitality. It desires to be brought back into the global consciousness, to be seen and acknowledged as a significant player once more, through its own efforts to re-establish its allure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Take an harp, go about the city":** This clause depicts Tyre, personified as a harlot, actively engaging in a public display. The "harp" (Hebrew, _kinnôwr_, H3658), a stringed instrument, and the act of "going about the city" (Hebrew, _çâbab_, H5437, "to revolve, surround") suggest a street musician or entertainer trying to attract attention and clients. It symbolizes Tyre's proactive, almost desperate, efforts to re-entice nations into trade and re-establish its commercial network after its period of desolation.
* **"thou harlot that hast been forgotten":** This is a direct address, cementing the **personification** of Tyre as a disgraced, fallen woman. The phrase "that hast been forgotten" underscores the severity of its judgment and its current state of obscurity. It emphasizes that Tyre's former glory and influence have faded from memory, highlighting the transient nature of worldly power when God's judgment falls.
* **"make sweet melody, sing many songs":** This further elaborates on the seductive 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. This represents Tyre's reliance on its past commercial allure and deceptive charm to regain its economic standing, rather than any genuine change of character or repentance.
* **"that thou mayest be remembered":** This final clause reveals the ultimate motivation behind Tyre's actions. Its entire performance—the harp, the melody, the songs—is aimed at achieving remembrance, recognition, and the restoration of its former glory and commercial dominance. It is a desire to reverse its "forgotten" status and reclaim its place in the world's economy, driven by its inherent pride and self-reliance.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 23:16 is rich with **Personification**, where the city of Tyre is vividly portrayed as a "harlot." This device allows the prophet to attribute human actions and motivations (taking a harp, going about, making melody, singing, desiring to be remembered) to an inanimate entity, making the prophecy more relatable and impactful. The use of "harlot" is a powerful **Metaphor**, extending beyond literal prostitution to symbolize spiritual unfaithfulness, illicit commercial alliances, and moral corruption. This metaphor underscores Tyre's abandonment of righteous conduct for worldly gain. There is also an element of **Irony** in Tyre's attempt to regain remembrance through the very means (seductive commercialism) that led to its judgment and being "forgotten" in the first place. The **Imagery** of a street musician with a harp, singing to attract attention, creates a vivid mental picture of Tyre's desperate and public efforts to re-establish its lost influence, highlighting its reliance on superficial allure rather than true substance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 23:16 serves as a profound theological statement on God's sovereignty over nations and the transient nature of worldly power and wealth. It reveals that human efforts to regain lost glory, especially when rooted in pride and ungodly means, are ultimately futile without divine favor. The "harlotry" of Tyre underscores the biblical concept that any entity—be it a city, nation, or individual—that prioritizes self-gain, material prosperity, or illicit alliances over faithfulness to God or ethical principles is engaging in a form of spiritual prostitution. This passage reminds us that true and lasting significance comes not from human acclaim or commercial dominance, but from a right relationship with the Creator, who alone grants genuine remembrance and enduring purpose.

* [Ezekiel 27:36](/ezekiel/27-36 "Ezekiel 27:36 - The Merchants of Tyre's Lament")
* [Revelation 18:9-19](/revelation/18-9 "Revelation 18:9-19 - Lament Over Babylon's Fall")
* [Hosea 2:5](/hosea/2-5 "Hosea 2:5 - Israel's Pursuit of Lovers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 23:16 offers timeless lessons for individuals and communities in every age. It cautions against the seductive allure of materialism, pride, and the relentless pursuit of worldly success at the expense of spiritual integrity. Like Tyre, we can be tempted to employ "sweet melodies" and "many songs"—whether through deceptive marketing, manipulative relationships, or compromising ethics—to achieve our goals and be "remembered" in the eyes of the world. This verse challenges us to examine the foundations of our endeavors: are we building on fleeting earthly allurements, or on the enduring principles of God's kingdom? True and lasting remembrance is not found in human accolades or accumulated wealth, but in a life lived faithfully before God, whose remembrance is eternal and whose favor is the only true source of flourishing. We are called to discern the methods we employ, ensuring they align with righteousness, and to cultivate a heart that seeks God's approval above all else, trusting in His provision rather than resorting to the "harlotry" of worldly schemes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to "make sweet melody and sing many songs" (i.e., use manipulative or worldly means) to gain recognition or success?**
* **How does the concept of Tyre being "forgotten" challenge my own desire for earthly remembrance or legacy?**
* **What does "harlotry" metaphorically represent in my own spiritual life or in the practices of my community/society?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater reliance on God's sovereignty and provision, rather than resorting to self-reliant or ungodly strategies for advancement?**

### FAQ
**What does "harlot" mean in the context of a city like Tyre?**

Answer: In biblical prophecy, particularly in the Old Testament, the term "harlot" (Hebrew: *zânâh*) when applied to a city or nation, extends beyond literal sexual immorality. It primarily signifies spiritual unfaithfulness, idolatry, and illicit commercial or political alliances. 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 used to describe Jerusalem's unfaithfulness to God in [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - Jerusalem as an Unfaithful Wife").

**Why is Tyre depicted as "forgotten" and then trying to be "remembered"?**

Answer: Tyre being "forgotten" refers to the period of divine judgment and desolation prophesied in [Isaiah 23:15](/isaiah/23-15 "Isaiah 23:15 - Tyre's Seventy-Year Desolation"), during which its commercial prominence and influence would wane, and it would effectively disappear from the global stage. After this period, the prophecy suggests Tyre would attempt to re-establish itself. The desire to be "remembered" signifies its aspiration to regain its former glory, wealth, and recognition as a leading commercial power. It's an attempt to reverse its state of obscurity and re-enter the world's consciousness through its own efforts and allurements.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 23:16, though a prophecy of judgment against a worldly city, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment by contrasting the futility of human efforts for self-redemption with the ultimate and lasting remembrance offered through Christ. Tyre, as the "harlot that hast been forgotten," desperately seeks to be "remembered" through its own seductive "melody" and "songs"—a vivid picture of humanity's fallen state, attempting to regain lost glory and significance through worldly means and self-effort. This mirrors the human condition post-Eden, where we strive for self-justification and self-exaltation. However, true remembrance and restoration are not achieved by our "sweet melodies" of self-righteousness or commercial prowess, but by the perfect sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). While Tyre's "harlotry" represents its spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry, Christ came to redeem those who were [spiritual harlots, lost in sin](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned"). He offers a new covenant where sins are not merely forgotten in judgment, but [forgiven and remembered no more](/jeremiah/31-34 "Jeremiah 31:34 - New Covenant Forgiveness"), replaced by an eternal remembrance in God's kingdom. Our true "remembrance" is found not in earthly fame, but in being [written in the Lamb's Book of Life](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - The Book of Life") through faith in Him, securing an eternal place and purpose that worldly allurements can never provide. Christ's redemptive work provides the only lasting "melody" that truly brings us back into right relationship with God, establishing a remembrance that transcends time and human forgetfulness.

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

Jeremiah 30:14

All thy lovers have forgotten thee; they seek thee not; for I have wounded thee with the wound of an enemy, with the chastisement of a cruel one, for the multitude of thine iniquity; [because] thy sins were increased.

Proverbs 7:10

And, behold, there met him a woman [with] the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.

Proverbs 7:12

Now [is she] without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)