Isaiah 23:5

KJV

As at the report concerning Egypt, [so] shall they be sorely pained at the report of Tyre.

KJV (with Strong's)

As at the report {H8088} concerning Egypt {H4714}, so shall they be sorely pained {H2342} at the report {H8088} of Tyre {H6865}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the report reaches Egypt, they will be in anguish at the fate of Tzor.

Berean Standard Bible

When the report reaches Egypt, they will writhe in agony over the news of Tyre.

American Standard Version

When the report cometh to Egypt, they shall be sorely pained at the report of Tyre.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
A powerful prophetic declaration within an oracle concerning the maritime city of Tyre, foretelling its devastating downfall. The verse vividly portrays the widespread shock and profound distress that will accompany the news of Tyre's collapse, likening the intensity of this reaction to the anguish previously felt at the report of judgment upon ancient Egypt. It underscores the far-reaching impact of divine judgment on a major economic and political power, demonstrating God's universal sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms and the transient nature of human pride and material security.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 23 is part of a series of "burdens" or prophetic pronouncements (chapters 13-23) against various nations, including Babylon, Assyria, Philistia, Moab, Damascus, Ethiopia, Egypt, and finally, Tyre. These oracles collectively demonstrate God's sovereign control over the entire ancient Near East, asserting His authority over both His people and the surrounding pagan nations. Chapter 23 specifically focuses on Tyre, a wealthy and influential Phoenician city-state, known for its extensive trade networks, naval power, and opulent lifestyle. The immediate verses preceding Isaiah 23:5 describe the shock and lament of the merchants and mariners who relied on Tyre, while subsequent verses detail the extent of its destruction and eventual, albeit limited, restoration. The comparison to Egypt in this verse serves as a potent rhetorical device, drawing on a well-known historical precedent of divine judgment to emphasize the certainty and severity of Tyre's impending doom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre, located on the coast of modern-day Lebanon, was a dominant Phoenician city in the 8th and 7th centuries BCE. It comprised a mainland settlement and a formidable island fortress, making it seem impregnable. Its economic power was immense, built on its vast maritime trade routes, skilled craftsmanship (e.g., purple dye, cedar wood), and extensive network of colonies. This wealth often fostered a spirit of pride and self-sufficiency, leading to moral corruption and a disregard for divine authority, as highlighted in other prophecies against Tyre (e.g., [Ezekiel 26](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre")). Egypt, on the other hand, was a long-standing regional superpower whose periods of divine judgment, particularly the Exodus events and later prophecies (e.g., [Isaiah 19](/isaiah/19 "Isaiah 19 - The Burden of Egypt")), were widely known and served as a benchmark for significant national calamity in the ancient Near East. The prophecy in Isaiah 23:5 thus speaks to a world interconnected by trade and political alliances, where the fall of a major player like Tyre would send economic and psychological shockwaves across the region.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment on Pride and Materialism**, illustrating that God will humble even the most powerful and self-reliant nations whose trust is placed in wealth and human ingenuity rather than in Him. Tyre's commercial success and perceived invincibility had fostered an arrogance that God would not tolerate. Secondly, it highlights the **Universality of God's Sovereignty**, demonstrating that no nation, regardless of its economic might or military strength, is beyond God's ultimate control. The fall of Tyre, like that of [Egypt](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46 - Prophecy Against Egypt") before it, serves as a stark reminder that "the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes" ([Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")). Thirdly, the "sorely pained" reaction emphasizes the **Widespread Impact of Judgment**, revealing that the downfall of a major economic hub like Tyre would not be an isolated event but would send ripples of distress through the interconnected world of ancient trade, affecting many who relied on its commerce and stability. This theme is echoed in later biblical prophecies concerning the fall of great commercial powers, such as the lament over "Babylon the Great" in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Report (Hebrew, _shêmaʻ'_):** From the root meaning "to hear," this word signifies something heard, a sound, rumor, or announcement. In this context, it refers to the devastating news or tidings of Tyre's downfall. The impact is not just from the event itself, but from the *hearing* of it, emphasizing the shock and widespread communication of the disaster that will cause profound distress.
* **Sorely Pained (Hebrew, _chûwl'_):** This powerful verb denotes twisting, writhing in pain, especially like childbirth, or trembling from fear. It conveys a deep, visceral anguish and distress, far beyond mere sadness. The use of this word highlights the extreme suffering, grief, and perhaps even physical manifestations of pain that will grip those who hear of Tyre's destruction, reflecting the profound economic and social repercussions.
* **Tyre (Hebrew, _Tsôr'_):** Meaning "rock," this refers to the ancient Phoenician city, renowned for its impregnable island fortress, vast maritime trade, and immense wealth. Its name itself, "Rock," speaks to its perceived invincibility. The prophecy of its fall, therefore, is all the more striking, as it targets a city that believed itself unassailable, underscoring God's power to humble the proudest human constructs.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As at the report concerning Egypt,"**: This clause establishes a powerful point of comparison. The prophet draws a parallel to a previous, widely known instance of divine judgment and its consequent impact—the "report" or news of calamity befalling Egypt. This reference immediately sets the tone for the severity and widespread recognition of what is to come upon Tyre, suggesting a similar, if not greater, level of shock and distress that resonated throughout the ancient world.
* **"so shall they be sorely pained"**: This is the core declaration of the verse, describing the intense reaction to Tyre's impending doom. The "they" refers to those who hear the news, likely the surrounding nations, merchants, and allies who benefited from or were connected to Tyre's vast commercial empire. The pain described is not just sorrow but a deep, visceral anguish, akin to the writhing of one in severe physical distress or childbirth, indicating a profound and pervasive sense of loss, disruption, and even despair.
* **"at the report of Tyre."**: This final clause specifies the object of the devastating news. It is the "report" of Tyre's destruction, its fall from power, and the collapse of its economic might that will trigger this widespread and agonizing reaction. The repetition of "report" emphasizes that the *tidings* themselves are the catalyst for this collective suffering, highlighting the shockwaves that will ripple through the ancient world upon hearing of the demise of such a dominant and seemingly invincible city.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 23:5 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Simile**, explicitly drawing a comparison using the structure "As... so..." The profound pain felt at the news of Tyre's fall is directly likened to the anguish experienced at the report concerning Egypt. This comparison serves to underscore the magnitude and widespread impact of Tyre's judgment, leveraging a well-known historical event of divine intervention to illustrate the future shock. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically a form of synonymous or staircase parallelism, by repeating the phrase "at the report" in both clauses. This repetition emphasizes that the *news* or *tidings* of judgment, rather than just the event itself, is the catalyst for the widespread distress. It creates a rhythmic and emphatic structure, reinforcing the idea of a propagated shockwave. Finally, the phrase "sorely pained" contains an element of **Hyperbole**. While the distress would be genuine and severe, describing it as "sorely pained" (implying writhing, as in childbirth) conveys an extreme, almost unbearable level of anguish. This exaggeration highlights the profound disruption and economic devastation that Tyre's collapse would unleash on the interconnected ancient world, affecting all who relied on its commercial stability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 23:5 powerfully articulates the principle of divine sovereignty over all earthly powers and the inevitable judgment that awaits nations built on pride, materialism, and self-sufficiency. The comparison to Egypt underscores that God's justice is impartial and universal, extending even to the most formidable empires. This verse serves as a stark reminder that worldly success and perceived invincibility are fleeting, and true security lies only in alignment with God's will. It highlights the interconnectedness of human societies, demonstrating how the fall of a major economic power can send ripples of distress far beyond its borders, affecting many who had placed their trust in its stability rather than in the divine provider. The pain described is not merely economic loss but a deep existential shock at the collapse of a seemingly unshakeable foundation, pointing to the ultimate fragility of all human constructs apart from God.

* [Ezekiel 26:17](/ezekiel/26-17 "Ezekiel 26:17 - Lament over Tyre")
* [Revelation 18:11](/revelation/18-11 "Revelation 18:11 - Merchants Mourn Babylon's Fall")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 23:5 transcends its ancient context to offer timeless spiritual lessons for individuals and societies today. It challenges us to examine where we place our ultimate trust and security. In a world often defined by economic prowess, technological advancement, and material accumulation, this verse serves as a potent reminder that all human constructs, no matter how grand or seemingly unassailable, are ultimately transient and subject to divine oversight. It calls us to cultivate humility, recognizing that pride and self-reliance can lead to spiritual and societal downfall. Furthermore, it encourages a sober assessment of our dependencies, urging us to shift our focus from fleeting earthly treasures to eternal values and the unwavering sovereignty of God, who alone provides true and lasting security. The "sorely pained" reaction to Tyre's fall should prompt us to consider the spiritual implications of our attachments to worldly systems and to seek a foundation that cannot be shaken.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or society do you observe a misplaced trust in human power, wealth, or systems rather than in God?**
* **How does the "sorely pained" reaction to Tyre's fall challenge our understanding of true security and the potential ripple effects of our collective choices?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate greater humility and dependence on God in your daily life, aligning your priorities with eternal values?**

### FAQ
**Why is Tyre compared to Egypt in this prophecy?**

Answer: The comparison to [Egypt](/isaiah/19 "Isaiah 19 - The Burden of Egypt") serves to emphasize the magnitude and widespread impact of Tyre's impending judgment. Egypt was a long-standing regional superpower whose periods of divine judgment (as seen in the Exodus narrative or prophecies like [Isaiah 19](/isaiah/19 "Isaiah 19 - The Burden of Egypt") and [Jeremiah 46](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46 - Prophecy Against Egypt")) were well-known throughout the ancient Near East. By likening Tyre's fall to Egypt's, Isaiah highlights that Tyre's collapse will be equally, if not more, impactful and widely lamented, indicating the profound disruption its demise will cause to the global economy and political landscape of the time. It underscores God's universal sovereignty over all nations, regardless of their perceived strength.

**Who are "they" who will be "sorely pained"?**

Answer: "They" refers to the various peoples, nations, and especially the merchants and trading partners who were economically intertwined with Tyre. Tyre was a central hub of ancient maritime trade, and its prosperity directly impacted numerous other cities and regions. Therefore, the news of its destruction would not only signify a major geopolitical shift but also a severe economic blow and a source of profound distress for all who relied on its commerce, stability, and supply chains. This widespread pain underscores the far-reaching consequences of divine judgment on a major world power, affecting those who had placed their confidence in its earthly security.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The lament over Tyre's fall in [Isaiah 23:5](/isaiah/23-5 "Isaiah 23:5 - The Report of Tyre's Fall") foreshadows a greater reality concerning the ultimate judgment of all worldly systems built on pride and opposition to God, culminating in the destruction of "Babylon the Great" in the New Testament. Just as Tyre's economic collapse caused widespread pain among those who profited from her, the fall of the spiritual Babylon described in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon") elicits similar lamentation from the merchants of the earth who grew rich through her. Yet, this judgment is not the final word. The "sorely pained" reaction points to the deep human attachment to earthly security and wealth, a security that is ultimately found only in Christ. He is the true and unshakeable [Rock](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - Christ as the Rock"), unlike the city of Tyre, whose name meant "Rock" but proved vulnerable. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ offers a kingdom that "cannot be shaken" ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")), inviting all to place their trust not in fleeting earthly empires or material prosperity, but in His eternal reign and the secure hope of salvation found in Him alone. The pain of earthly loss, therefore, serves as a poignant reminder of the need for the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering true peace amidst the collapse of all human constructs.

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

Exodus 15:14

The people shall hear, [and] be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina.

Exodus 15:16

Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be [as] still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.

Joshua 2:9

And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.

Joshua 2:11

And as soon as we had heard [these things], our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he [is] God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.

Ezekiel 26:15

¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD to Tyrus; Shall not the isles shake at the sound of thy fall, when the wounded cry, when the slaughter is made in the midst of thee?

Ezekiel 26:21

I will make thee a terror, and thou [shalt be] no [more]: though thou be sought for, yet shalt thou never be found again, saith the Lord GOD.

Revelation 18:17

For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,