Isaiah 23:6

KJV

Pass ye over to Tarshish; howl, ye inhabitants of the isle.

KJV (with Strong's)

Pass ye over {H5674} to Tarshish {H8659}; howl {H3213}, ye inhabitants {H3427} of the isle {H339}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Cross over to Tarshish! Howl, you who live on the coast!

Berean Standard Bible

Cross over to Tarshish; wail, O inhabitants of the coastland!

American Standard Version

Pass ye over to Tarshish; wail, ye inhabitants of the coast.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 23:6 issues a dire prophetic command to the inhabitants of Tyre, a powerful Phoenician city renowned for its maritime trade and immense wealth. The verse, part of a larger oracle of judgment, instructs the Tyrians to "Pass ye over to Tarshish" and to "howl," signaling the impending and devastating collapse of their proud empire. This prophetic utterance foretells a forced exodus and profound lamentation for a people who once reveled in their seemingly unassailable commercial dominance, highlighting God's sovereign hand over all nations and the ultimate futility of placing trust in earthly security.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 23 is a distinct "burden" or oracle against Tyre, following a series of similar prophecies against other nations (e.g., Babylon in [Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon"), Moab in [Isaiah 15-16](/isaiah/15 "Isaiah 15 - Prophecy Against Moab"), Damascus in [Isaiah 17](/isaiah/17 "Isaiah 17 - Prophecy Against Damascus")). This chapter functions as a climactic declaration of divine judgment against one of the ancient world's most formidable commercial powers. Verses 1-5 lament Tyre's fall, depicting its impact on its trading partners and the shame brought upon its merchants. Verse 6, therefore, serves as a direct, imperative command to the Tyrians, emphasizing the immediate and desperate consequences of their impending destruction, urging them to flee to distant colonies like Tarshish, a symbol of their extensive but now failing trade network. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Isaiah 23:8-9](/isaiah/23-8 "Isaiah 23:8-9 - God's Purpose for Tyre's Fall")) reveal God's purpose in humbling the proud city.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was a prominent Phoenician city-state located on the Mediterranean coast, famous for its purple dye, skilled mariners, and vast trading empire that stretched across the known world, including distant Tarshish (likely in modern-day Spain). Its wealth and strategic location, including an island fortress, made it appear impregnable. At various times, Tyre faced threats from Assyria, Babylon, and later Persia. Isaiah's prophecy likely dates to the 8th century BCE, a period of Assyrian expansion, though the ultimate fulfillment of Tyre's complete destruction came much later under Alexander the Great. Culturally, Tyre epitomized human pride and self-reliance based on material prosperity and military strength, making it a prime target for prophetic judgment that underscored God's sovereignty over even the most powerful human endeavors. The command to "howl" reflects a common ancient Near Eastern expression of deep mourning and national calamity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment on Pride and Arrogance**, demonstrating that even the most powerful and self-sufficient nations, like Tyre, are subject to God's ultimate authority. Tyre's fall illustrates the **Futility of Earthly Security and Wealth**, showing that reliance on material possessions, fortifications, or extensive trade networks cannot withstand divine decree. The command to flee to Tarshish and to "howl" powerfully conveys the theme of **Lamentation and Despair**, contrasting sharply with Tyre's former glory and prosperity. This transformation from pride to profound sorrow is a recurring motif in prophecies against nations (e.g., the lament over Babylon in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon")). The prophecy ultimately affirms God's **Sovereignty Over All Nations**, reminding Israel and the surrounding peoples that Yahweh alone is Lord of history and holds the power to humble the proud and exalt the lowly.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pass ye over (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** This imperative verb (H5674) signifies a transition, to "cross over" or "go through." In this context, it implies a forced movement, an exodus from their homeland, rather than a voluntary trade voyage. It conveys the urgency and desperation of fleeing a doomed city, highlighting the complete disruption of their normal way of life.
* **howl (Hebrew, _yâlal'_):** This imperative verb (H3213) is an onomatopoeic term for a loud, wailing cry of anguish, sorrow, or distress. It vividly depicts profound lamentation and despair, a stark contrast to the celebratory sounds of a prosperous trading city. It underscores the depth of the calamity that would befall Tyre.
* **isle (Hebrew, _ʼîy'_):** Derived from a root meaning "habitable spot" (H339), this term refers to a dry land, a coast, or an island. While Tyre was an island city, "isle" here also broadly encompasses coastal regions and maritime lands. It emphasizes Tyre's identity as a sea-faring nation, whose very foundation and source of power—the sea—would now witness their lamentation and flight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Pass ye over to Tarshish":** This is a direct, urgent command to the inhabitants of Tyre. "Pass ye over" implies a desperate flight, not a planned journey. Tarshish (H8659), a distant port often associated with the western Mediterranean, symbolizes the furthest reach of Tyrian trade and now, ironically, becomes a potential, albeit desperate, refuge. The command signifies the complete disruption of their established life and the necessity of seeking safety in a far-off land that was once merely a trading partner.
* **"howl, ye inhabitants of the isle":** This second imperative command emphasizes the emotional devastation. "Howl" denotes a loud, mournful cry of deep grief and despair. "Ye inhabitants of the isle" specifically addresses the people of Tyre, highlighting their identity as a sea-faring nation whose pride and security were tied to their coastal stronghold. The call to howl underscores the profound sorrow and loss that would accompany the destruction of their once-glorious and seemingly impregnable city.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 23:6 employs several powerful **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Imperative Mood**, as the prophet issues direct commands ("Pass ye over," "howl"), lending urgency and authority to the divine judgment. The use of **Irony** is also significant: Tarshish, once a symbol of Tyre's extensive commercial reach and prosperity, is now presented as a desperate refuge for its fleeing inhabitants. The command to "howl" is an example of **Onomatopoeia**, as the Hebrew word (_yâlal_) sounds like the wailing it describes, making the lamentation palpable. Furthermore, the phrase "inhabitants of the isle" uses **Metonymy**, where "isle" stands for the entire city and its people, emphasizing their maritime identity and the comprehensive nature of their impending doom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 23:6 serves as a powerful theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and the inevitable judgment that awaits human pride and self-sufficiency. Tyre, a symbol of earthly power, wealth, and perceived invincibility, is brought low by divine decree, demonstrating that no human enterprise, however grand, can escape God's ultimate authority. This prophecy reminds us that true security is not found in material possessions, strategic alliances, or human ingenuity, but solely in the Lord. The forced flight to Tarshish and the command to howl underscore the emptiness of a life built on anything other than God, revealing that earthly glory is fleeting and ultimately subject to divine will.

* [Jeremiah 25:34](/jeremiah/25-34 "Jeremiah 25:34 - Howling of Shepherds")
* [Ezekiel 26:17](/ekeziel/26-17 "Ezekiel 26:17 - Lament for Tyre")
* [Zephaniah 2:5](/zephaniah/2-5 "Zephaniah 2:5 - Woe to the Inhabitants of the Seacoast")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 23:6, while historically directed at Tyre, carries timeless lessons for believers today, challenging us to examine the foundations of our own security and identity. In a world that often measures success by wealth, influence, and self-reliance, this verse serves as a stark reminder that all earthly achievements are transient and vulnerable to the sovereign hand of God. It compels us to consider where our ultimate trust lies: Is it in our financial portfolios, our careers, our social standing, or in the unfailing faithfulness of God? The call to "howl" reminds us of the profound sorrow that results when our idols are shattered, urging us to cultivate humility and a dependence on God alone. Embracing this truth fosters a deeper sense of spiritual security and frees us from the anxieties of a world constantly shifting beneath our feet.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Tarshish" do I instinctively flee to when faced with insecurity or crisis, rather than turning to God?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be placing undue trust in earthly resources or achievements, similar to Tyre's reliance on its wealth and trade?**
* **How does the inevitability of divine judgment on pride, as seen in Tyre, shape my understanding of humility and my walk with God?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Tarshish in relation to Tyre?**

Answer: Tarshish (H8659) was a distant port, likely in modern-day Spain, representing the furthest reach of Tyre's extensive maritime trade network. Ships of Tarshish were known for their large size and ability to undertake long voyages, symbolizing Tyre's global commercial dominance and wealth (as seen in [1 Kings 10:22](/1_kings/10-22 "1 Kings 10:22 - Solomon's Fleet of Tarshish Ships")). In Isaiah 23:6, its mention is ironic, as it shifts from being a symbol of prosperity to a desperate, distant refuge for the fleeing Tyrians.

**Why does the prophet command Tyre to "howl"?**

Answer: The command to "howl" (H3213, _yâlal_) is an imperative verb signifying a loud, wailing cry of anguish, sorrow, and deep distress. It is a common prophetic motif used to express profound lamentation over national calamity or divine judgment. For Tyre, it underscores the complete reversal of their fortunes—from a city of pride and celebration to one engulfed in grief and despair over the loss of their wealth, power, and homeland. This imagery is also used in other prophetic judgments, such as the lament over Babylon in [Isaiah 13:6](/isaiah/13-6 "Isaiah 13:6 - Howling for the Day of the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 23:6 directly prophesies the historical judgment upon Tyre, its deeper theological currents find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The fall of Tyre, a city epitomizing human pride and reliance on earthly riches, foreshadows the ultimate futility of any kingdom or power built apart from God. Just as Tyre's inhabitants were commanded to flee to a distant refuge and lament, so too does humanity, estranged from God by sin, face a coming judgment. However, the New Testament reveals that the true "Tarshish" of refuge is not a distant earthly port, but the person of Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate sanctuary, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering a secure dwelling place for all who turn from their self-reliance and pride. The lamentation commanded for Tyre finds its counterpoint in the sorrow over sin that leads to repentance and the "blessed mourning" that leads to comfort in Christ ([Matthew 5:4](/matthew/5-4 "Matthew 5:4 - Blessed are those who mourn")). Ultimately, the judgment on Tyre serves as a powerful backdrop, highlighting the absolute necessity and glorious provision of Christ's kingdom, which alone is eternal and unshakable, in contrast to all earthly kingdoms that will eventually "pass away" ([1 John 2:17](/1_john/2-17 "1 John 2:17 - The World and Its Desires Pass Away")).

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

Isaiah 23:12

And he said, Thou shalt no more rejoice, O thou oppressed virgin, daughter of Zidon: arise, pass over to Chittim; there also shalt thou have no rest.

Isaiah 21:15

For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war.

Isaiah 16:7

Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kirhareseth shall ye mourn; surely [they are] stricken.

Isaiah 23:10

Pass through thy land as a river, O daughter of Tarshish: [there is] no more strength.

Isaiah 23:1

¶ The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.

Isaiah 23:2

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