Isaiah 23:18

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.

And her merchandise {H5504} and her hire {H868} shall be holiness {H6944} to the LORD {H3068}: it shall not be treasured {H686} nor laid up {H2630}; for her merchandise {H5504} shall be for them that dwell {H3427} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, to eat {H398} sufficiently {H7654}, and for durable {H6266} clothing {H4374}.

But her merchandise and profits will be dedicated to ADONAI; they will not be stored up or hoarded, because her profits will be for those living in ADONAI's presence, so that they can eat their fill and wear fine clothing.

Yet her profits and wages will be set apart to the LORD; they will not be stored or saved, for her profit will go to those who live before the LORD, for abundant food and fine clothing.

And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to Jehovah: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before Jehovah, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.

Isaiah 23:18 concludes a significant prophecy concerning Tyre, a powerful ancient Phoenician city-state. After foretelling its destruction and subsequent restoration, this verse reveals a surprising and profound spiritual transformation: Tyre's future commercial success and wealth will not be for selfish accumulation but will be consecrated for divine purposes, benefiting those who serve the Lord.

Historical and Cultural Context

Tyre was a dominant maritime trading hub in the ancient world, renowned for its immense wealth, extensive trade networks, and skilled craftsmanship. The prophet Isaiah frequently addresses the destinies of various nations, demonstrating God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers. Isaiah 23 specifically details Tyre's impending downfall, likely at the hands of formidable empires such as Babylon or Alexander the Great, followed by a period of seventy years of obscurity or desolation (Isaiah 23:15). However, verse 18 presents a remarkable turn of events: upon its eventual return to commercial vitality, Tyre's vast profits would undergo a radical spiritual repurposing, shifting from worldly gain to sacred dedication.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Transformation: This passage vividly illustrates God's absolute control, not only over the judgment of nations but also over their potential for redemption and repurposing. Even a city deeply entrenched in materialism and idolatry can have its resources transformed and redirected for holy ends.
  • Consecration of Wealth: A central message is that wealth, often a source of pride, covetousness, or corruption, can be made "holiness to the LORD." This phrase signifies a complete dedication and separation for God's exclusive use, implying that the wealth is not to be hoarded or spent on luxury but used for divine purposes.
  • Provision for God's Servants: The verse explicitly states that Tyre's merchandise would be for "them that dwell before the LORD," which typically refers to priests, Levites, or others who served in the temple or dedicated their lives to God's service. This highlights the principle of ensuring sufficient provision for those who minister God's word and serve in His house, covering their needs for food and durable clothing.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "holiness to the LORD" (Hebrew: qodesh la-YHWH) carries profound theological weight. It echoes the sacred inscription found on the high priest's mitre (Exodus 28:36), symbolizing absolute dedication and belonging to God. The instruction that the wealth "shall not be treasured nor laid up" emphasizes that it is not for accumulation, personal security, or selfish investment, but rather for immediate and practical use in God's service. The terms "merchandise" and "hire" specifically denote Tyre's commercial profits and earnings, underscoring that even the fruits of seemingly secular labor can be consecrated and sanctified.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

Isaiah 23:18 offers a powerful and enduring message for believers today. It challenges us to reflect on how our own resources, talents, and even our professional endeavors can be consecrated to God. Instead of hoarding wealth or using it solely for personal gain, we are called to dedicate our "merchandise and hire" to kingdom purposes, supporting ministries, aiding those in need, and advancing God's work in the world. This verse serves as a profound reminder that God has the power to transform any aspect of our lives, even what may seem purely secular, into something holy and purposeful for His glory and the benefit of His people.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 72:10

    The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.

  • Philippians 4:17

    Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

  • Philippians 4:18

    But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things [which were sent] from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

  • Deuteronomy 26:12

    ¶ When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithes of thine increase the third year, [which is] the year of tithing, and hast given [it] unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled;

  • Deuteronomy 26:14

    I have not eaten thereof in my mourning, neither have I taken away [ought] thereof for [any] unclean [use], nor given [ought] thereof for the dead: [but] I have hearkened to the voice of the LORD my God, [and] have done according to all that thou hast commanded me.

  • Deuteronomy 12:18

    But thou must eat them before the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that [is] within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God in all that thou puttest thine hands unto.

  • Deuteronomy 12:19

    Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back