Isaiah 23:8

KJV

Who hath taken this counsel against Tyre, the crowning [city], whose merchants [are] princes, whose traffickers [are] the honourable of the earth?

KJV (with Strong's)

Who hath taken this counsel {H3289} against Tyre {H6865}, the crowning {H5849} city, whose merchants {H5503} are princes {H8269}, whose traffickers {H3667} are the honourable {H3513} of the earth {H776}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Who planned this against Tzor, the city that once bestowed crowns, whose merchants are princes, whose traders are honored throughout the earth?

Berean Standard Bible

Who planned this against Tyre, the bestower of crowns, whose traders are princes, whose merchants are renowned on the earth?

American Standard Version

Who hath purposed this against Tyre, the bestower of crowns, whose merchants are princes, whose traffickers are the honorable of the earth?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 23:8 presents a profound rhetorical question, challenging the reader to identify the divine authority behind the impending judgment on Tyre, a preeminent Phoenician city. The verse vividly portrays Tyre as "the crowning city," a global commercial powerhouse whose merchants wielded influence and prestige comparable to royalty, holding the esteemed status of "princes" and "the honourable of the earth." This declaration underscores the city's immense worldly power and unparalleled wealth, setting the stage for a prophecy that reveals the fragility of even the most formidable human achievements when confronted by God's sovereign will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Isaiah's "burden" or oracle concerning Tyre, found in [Isaiah chapter 23](/isaiah/23 "Isaiah 23 - The Burden of Tyre"). The chapter opens with a lament over Tyre's destruction, calling for mourning among its trading partners and inhabitants. The rhetorical question in [Isaiah 23:8](/isaiah/23-8 "Isaiah 23:8 - Who Counselled Against Tyre?") serves as a pivotal moment, shifting the focus from the *what* of Tyre's downfall to the *who* behind it. It anticipates the detailed pronouncements of judgment that follow, which describe the city's desolation, the scattering of its inhabitants, and a period of seventy years of forgotten status, after which it would return to its harlotry. The oracle concludes with a promise of future sanctification of its gain, pointing to a redemptive purpose even in judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was an ancient Phoenician city-state located on the Mediterranean coast, renowned for its maritime prowess, extensive trade networks, and skilled artisans in shipbuilding, purple dye production, and metalwork. It comprised both mainland and island components, with the island city being particularly formidable and often considered impregnable due to its natural defenses. At its zenith, Tyre was a dominant economic power, serving as a crucial link between the East and West, facilitating the exchange of goods and cultures across the ancient world. Its immense wealth and strategic importance fostered a deep sense of pride and self-sufficiency among its inhabitants, leading them to believe their city was invincible. This historical backdrop highlights the audacity of Isaiah's prophecy, as it declared the downfall of a city that seemed beyond the reach of any earthly power.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes woven through [Isaiah 23:8](/isaiah/23-8 "Isaiah 23:8 - The Fall of Tyre") and the broader oracle against Tyre include **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing that God's will transcends all human power and pride, even that of a global empire like Tyre. The rhetorical question "Who hath taken this counsel?" directly points to God as the ultimate orchestrator of history, demonstrating that no nation, regardless of its wealth or influence, is beyond His control (cf. [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")). Another prominent theme is **Pride and Materialism**, as Tyre's description as "the crowning city" whose "merchants are princes" vividly portrays its extreme wealth and the arrogance that often accompanied it. The city's identity and perceived security were deeply rooted in its economic prowess, implicitly critiquing the misplaced trust in worldly riches and the pride that can arise from them, a recurring biblical warning (cf. [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction")). Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **Divine Judgment**, serving as a prelude to the pronouncement of God's righteous wrath against Tyre, underscoring that God holds even the most powerful entities accountable for their actions, particularly when their wealth and influence lead to arrogance and injustice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **counsel (Hebrew, _yâʻats'_):** This primitive root means "to advise," "to deliberate," or "to resolve." In the context of [Isaiah 23:8](/isaiah/23-8 "Isaiah 23:8 - Divine Counsel Against Tyre"), it implies a deliberate, well-thought-out plan or decision. The rhetorical question "Who hath taken this counsel?" therefore points to a divine decree, a sovereign purpose, rather than a random event or mere human machination. It suggests that Tyre's fate is not accidental but part of a predetermined, overarching plan.
* **crowning (Hebrew, _ʻâṭar'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to encircle" or "to crown," this word highlights Tyre's supreme status. It can imply that Tyre was a city that bestowed glory upon others, or more likely, that it was itself the "crown" or pinnacle of commercial cities, signifying its unparalleled eminence, wealth, and influence in the ancient world. It denotes a city adorned with honor and power, a queen among cities.
* **honourable (Hebrew, _kâbad'_):** This root means "to be heavy," and by extension, "to be weighty," "numerous," "rich," or "honorable." When applied to Tyre's traffickers, it signifies their immense social standing, respect, and influence. Their wealth and global reach gave them a "weight" or gravitas in society comparable to nobility, making them figures of great esteem and power across the known world, far beyond mere merchants.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who hath taken this counsel against Tyre":** This opening rhetorical question immediately establishes the divine perspective. It challenges the assumption that Tyre's impending downfall is merely the result of political maneuvering or military might. Instead, it posits a higher, unseen hand—God's sovereign will—as the ultimate source of the judgment. The "counsel" refers to a deliberate, predetermined plan against the city.
* **"the crowning [city]":** This phrase describes Tyre's exalted status. It was not just any city, but one that was "crowned" with glory, wealth, and power. This could refer to its geographical position as a fortified island city, or more likely, its commercial supremacy, making it the "crown" or jewel of the world's trading centers, a symbol of ultimate urban prosperity and influence.
* **"whose merchants [are] princes":** This clause highlights the extraordinary social and political influence wielded by Tyre's traders. Unlike typical merchants, those from Tyre held power and prestige akin to royalty. Their vast wealth and international connections gave them a status that transcended mere commerce, allowing them to dictate terms and command respect on a global scale.
* **"whose traffickers [are] the honourable of the earth?":** This further emphasizes the elite status of Tyre's traders. The term "traffickers" (H3667, Kᵉnaʻan) is significant, as "Canaan" itself became synonymous with "merchant." These were not just respected businessmen; they were the most esteemed and influential figures in the world, whose dealings shaped international economies and politics. The question implicitly contrasts their earthly honor with the divine power that is about to humble them.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 23:8 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Who hath taken this counsel against Tyre?" This question is not meant to elicit an answer from the audience but to provoke thought and underscore the implicit answer: God Himself. It serves to highlight divine sovereignty and the futility of human power against God's will. **Personification** is evident in describing Tyre as "the crowning city," giving the inanimate city a regal quality, as if it wears a crown of glory and dominion. This elevates Tyre's status, making its impending fall even more dramatic. **Hyperbole** is used to describe the merchants and traffickers as "princes" and "the honourable of the earth," exaggerating their status to emphasize their immense wealth, influence, and pride. This overstatement serves to magnify the extent of Tyre's worldly glory, setting up a stark contrast with the humility and destruction that await it. Finally, there is an underlying **Irony** in the question itself; despite Tyre's seemingly impregnable position and unparalleled human power, it is utterly vulnerable to a divine decree, revealing the ultimate fragility of earthly kingdoms.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 23:8 serves as a potent theological statement on the absolute sovereignty of God over all earthly powers and the inherent transience of human glory and material wealth. It challenges humanity's tendency to place ultimate trust in economic might, political influence, or self-made security, reminding us that even the most formidable empires are subject to the divine counsel. The verse implicitly critiques the pride that often accompanies great prosperity, a pride that forgets the true source of all power and blessing. Ultimately, it foreshadows a universal principle: judgment begins when nations or individuals elevate themselves above God, relying on their own strength rather than His.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Revelation 18:11-19](/revelation/18-11 "Revelation 18:11-19 - Lament Over Babylon's Fall")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 23:8 offers a timeless and profound challenge to our modern sensibilities, which often equate success and security with material wealth, economic power, and global influence. Just as Tyre's merchants were "princes" and "the honourable of the earth," our contemporary society often elevates those who accumulate vast fortunes or wield significant power in business and politics. This verse compels us to critically examine where we place our ultimate trust and derive our sense of identity and security. Are we, individually or collectively, building our "crown" on fleeting earthly achievements, or on the unshakeable foundation of God's eternal kingdom? It calls us to cultivate humility, recognizing that all human endeavors, no matter how grand, are ultimately temporary and subject to the sovereign will of God. This perspective frees us from the relentless pursuit of worldly status and encourages us to leverage any influence or resources we possess for purposes that align with God's justice, mercy, and eternal purposes, rather than for self-aggrandizement.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I, or my society, tend to place ultimate trust and find security: in earthly wealth and power, or in God's sovereignty?**
* **How does the transient nature of Tyre's glory challenge my own pursuits and aspirations?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to pridefully rely on my own achievements or resources, rather than acknowledging God's ultimate control?**
* **How can the recognition of God's "counsel" against powerful entities shape my prayers and actions regarding global events and injustices?**

### FAQ
**Why was Tyre singled out for this prophecy of judgment?**

Answer: Tyre was singled out primarily because of its immense wealth, global commercial dominance, and the pride and arrogance that accompanied its prosperity. The city had become a symbol of human self-sufficiency, relying on its economic power and strategic defenses rather than acknowledging God's sovereignty. Furthermore, historical accounts suggest Tyre had engaged in practices that violated God's covenant principles, such as participating in the slave trade that included selling people of Judah and Jerusalem (cf. [Joel 3:4-8](/joel/3-4 "Joel 3:4-8 - Judgment on Tyre and Sidon")). Isaiah's prophecy against Tyre, like those against other nations in [Isaiah chapters 13-23](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Burden Against Babylon"), serves to demonstrate God's universal authority over all nations, not just Israel, and His righteous judgment against human pride and injustice.

**What does "the crowning city" mean for Tyre?**

Answer: "The crowning city" (H5849, _ʻâṭar'_) signifies Tyre's unparalleled eminence and supremacy in the ancient world. It suggests that Tyre was adorned with glory and power, much like a monarch wears a crown. This phrase highlights its status as the pinnacle of commercial cities, a hub of global trade, and a source of immense wealth and influence. It was, in essence, the "queen" of the seas, bestowing honor and prosperity upon itself and its trading partners through its vast networks. This description underscores the magnitude of its pride and the dramatic nature of its impending fall.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 23:8, with its depiction of Tyre's immense earthly glory and the divine "counsel" against it, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over all worldly powers. Tyre's fall illustrates the futility of placing trust in material wealth and human achievement, a theme powerfully echoed in the New Testament. Jesus Himself taught, "[Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19 - Treasures on Earth"), where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven." The "counsel" taken against Tyre by God foreshadows the ultimate judgment that will be executed by Christ, who holds "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). The worldly "princes" and "honourable of the earth" in Tyre represent the transient rulers and systems of this age, which will ultimately give way to the eternal reign of the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings"). In Christ, true honor and lasting wealth are found not in earthly possessions but in spiritual riches and an inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven" ([1_peter/1-4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). The judgment on Tyre thus serves as a powerful testament to the truth that every knee will one day bow to Jesus ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Will Bow")), and His kingdom, unlike any earthly empire, "shall never be destroyed" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")).

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 36:9

How then wilt thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put thy trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?

Deuteronomy 29:24

Even all nations shall say, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land? what [meaneth] the heat of this great anger?

Deuteronomy 29:28

And the LORD rooted them out of their land in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as [it is] this day.

Ezekiel 28:12

Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.

Ezekiel 28:18

Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.

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 28:6

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God;