Isaiah 23:2

Be still, ye inhabitants of the isle; thou whom the merchants of Zidon, that pass over the sea, have replenished.

Be still {H1826}, ye inhabitants {H3427} of the isle {H339}; thou whom the merchants {H5503} of Zidon {H6721}, that pass over {H5674} the sea {H3220}, have replenished {H4390}.

Silence, you who live on the coast, you who have been enriched by the merchants of Tzidon crossing the sea.

Be silent, O dwellers of the coastland, you merchants of Sidon, whose traders have crossed the sea.

Be still, ye inhabitants of the coast, thou whom the merchants of Sidon, that pass over the sea, have replenished.

Isaiah 23:2 delivers a stark prophetic message to the powerful maritime city of Tyre, calling its inhabitants to silence in the face of impending judgment.

Context

This verse is part of a prophetic "burden" (oracle) against Tyre, found in Isaiah chapter 23. Tyre was a dominant Phoenician city-state, renowned for its extensive sea trade and immense wealth during the Old Testament period. The "isle" refers to the island city of Tyre, a major commercial hub. The mention of "merchants of Zidon" (Sidon), another prominent Phoenician city, highlights the interconnectedness of their commercial enterprises. Sidon, historically older, played a significant role in supplying and enriching Tyre through their shared mastery of Mediterranean trade routes. This prophecy details a coming desolation that would silence the once-bustling commercial center.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: The command "Be still" signals an abrupt end to Tyre's bustling activity, indicating that God's judgment is imminent and unstoppable. It underscores God's ultimate control over all nations and their destinies, even those seemingly invincible, a theme echoed in Psalm 33:10-11.
  • Fleeting Prosperity: Tyre's prosperity, though vast, was dependent on human endeavors and trade routes. The prophecy reveals the transient nature of earthly wealth and security when confronted with divine purpose, reminding us of the wisdom found in Proverbs 23:5.
  • Commercial Power: The verse vividly paints a picture of Tyre's economic might, describing how it was "replenished" – filled with goods and wealth – by the vast network of Phoenician merchants, especially from Sidon, who traversed the seas. This highlights the city's identity as a global trading hub.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew phrase for "Be still" is dommu (דֹּמּוּ), an imperative that conveys a sense of stunned silence, desolation, or the cessation of all activity. It's a command for them to cease their bustling, thriving existence and acknowledge the coming change.
  • "Replenished" comes from the Hebrew male (מָלֵא), meaning 'to fill' or 'to be full'. It emphasizes the abundance and saturation of wealth and goods that flowed into Tyre, making it a rich and self-sufficient power through its extensive trade networks.

Practical Application

This prophecy serves as a timeless reminder that no earthly power, wealth, or security is absolute. It challenges us to consider where our ultimate trust lies. While commerce and prosperity are not inherently evil, an overreliance on them can lead to pride and a false sense of invincibility. Ultimately, all human endeavors, no matter how grand, are subject to God's divine plan and judgment. The call to "be still" can also be a spiritual invitation for us to quiet ourselves before God, acknowledging His sovereignty and finding true security not in fleeting riches but in His eternal promises, as encouraged in Matthew 6:19-21.

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.
  • Isaiah 47:5

    Sit thou silent, and get thee into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called, The lady of kingdoms.
  • Psalms 46:10

    Be still, and know that I [am] God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
  • Ezekiel 27:3

    And say unto Tyrus, O thou that art situate at the entry of the sea, [which art] a merchant of the people for many isles, Thus saith the Lord GOD; O Tyrus, thou hast said, I [am] of perfect beauty.
  • Ezekiel 27:4

    Thy borders [are] in the midst of the seas, thy builders have perfected thy beauty.
  • Isaiah 41:1

    ¶ Keep silence before me, O islands; and let the people renew [their] strength: let them come near; then let them speak: let us come near together to judgment.
  • Ezekiel 28:2

    Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart [is] lifted up, and thou hast said, I [am] a God, I sit [in] the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou [art] a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God:
  • Ezekiel 27:8

    The inhabitants of Zidon and Arvad were thy mariners: thy wise [men], O Tyrus, [that] were in thee, were thy pilots.

Install App

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back