Isaiah 23:9

KJV

The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, [and] to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} hath purposed {H3289} it, to stain {H2490} the pride {H1347} of all glory {H6643}, and to bring into contempt {H7043} all the honourable {H3513} of the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI-Tzva'ot planned it to break the pride of all the arrogant, to humiliate all those who are honored everywhere on earth.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD of Hosts planned it, to defile all its glorious beauty, to disgrace all the renowned of the earth.

American Standard Version

Jehovah of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, to bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 23:9 reveals the sovereign purpose of the "LORD of hosts" to humble the pride and bring into contempt the perceived glory and honor of all earthly powers, specifically exemplified by the mighty city of Tyre. This declaration underscores God's absolute control over the destinies of nations, demonstrating that no human achievement, wealth, or status can withstand His divine will, ultimately exposing the transient and hollow nature of worldly exaltation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 23 is part of a series of prophetic "burdens" or oracles (chapters 13-23) pronounced by the prophet Isaiah against various nations surrounding Judah, including Babylon, Assyria, Philistia, Moab, Damascus, Egypt, and finally, Tyre. These oracles collectively emphasize Yahweh's universal sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel, and His justice in judging their pride, idolatry, and oppression. The oracle against Tyre, a prominent maritime and commercial power, serves as a climactic statement, highlighting that even the most formidable and self-sufficient earthly kingdoms are subject to God's ultimate authority and judgment. The preceding verses in [Isaiah 23](/isaiah/23 "Isaiah 23 - The Burden Against Tyre") describe Tyre's immense wealth, extensive trade networks, and its status as "the crowning city" ([Isaiah 23:8](/isaiah/23-8 "Isaiah 23:8 - Tyre, the Crowning City")), setting the stage for the dramatic pronouncement of its impending humiliation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was a powerful Phoenician city-state, strategically located on the Mediterranean coast, renowned for its naval prowess, vast trading empire, and immense wealth derived from its commerce. It was a hub of international trade, dealing in luxury goods, timber, and skilled craftsmanship, which brought it great prosperity and influence. Culturally, Tyre epitomized human self-reliance and pride in material achievements, believing its economic strength and fortified position made it invulnerable. Its "glory" was rooted in its commercial success and its ability to dominate the seas. This prophecy likely refers to the siege of Tyre by the Assyrians (under Shalmaneser V and Sargon II) or later by the Babylonians (under Nebuchadnezzar II), which significantly diminished its power and prosperity, though it was not completely destroyed until Alexander the Great's siege centuries later. The prophecy serves as a divine commentary on the transient nature of such earthly empires and a warning against the hubris that often accompanies great power.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it champions **Divine Sovereignty**, asserting that God is not merely an observer but the active orchestrator of history, capable of raising and bringing down nations according to His purpose. The phrase "The LORD of hosts hath purposed it" is a testament to His unchallengeable will, echoing sentiments found in [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - The Lord's Purpose Will Stand"). Secondly, it highlights God's consistent opposition to **Human Pride**. Throughout Scripture, pride is identified as an affront to God, and He consistently resists the proud while giving grace to the humble, as articulated in [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud"). Tyre's commercial success had fostered an arrogant self-sufficiency, which God intended to "stain." Finally, the verse underscores the **Transience of Worldly Honor and Glory**. What humans value most—wealth, power, reputation—is ultimately fleeting and subject to God's judgment. The "honourable of the earth" are brought into "contempt," demonstrating that true and lasting honor comes only from God, not from human accolades or material possessions, a truth reflected in [1 John 2:17](/1_john/2-17 "1 John 2:17 - The World and Its Desires Pass Away").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **purposed (Hebrew, _yâʻats'_):** From H3289, meaning "to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve; advertise, take advise, advise (well), consult, (give, take) counsel(-lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose." This word emphasizes God's deliberate, intentional, and sovereign decision. It is not an impulsive act but a settled, well-thought-out plan, revealing His absolute control over the course of human history and the destinies of nations.
* **stain (Hebrew, _châlal'_):** From H2490, meaning "to bore, i.e. (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin (as if by an 'opening wedge'); to play (the flute); begin... pollute, (cast as) profane (self), prostitute, slay (slain), sorrow, stain, wound." In this context, "stain" carries the strong connotation of profaning, defiling, or stripping away the sacredness, luster, or honor from something. It implies a deliberate act of God to disgrace or render common that which was once held in high esteem, thereby exposing its true, vulnerable nature.
* **pride (Hebrew, _gâʼôwn'_):** From H1347, meaning "arrogance or majesty; by implication, (concretely) ornament; arrogancy, excellency(-lent), majesty, pomp, pride, proud, swelling." This term denotes a sense of self-exaltation, haughtiness, or an inflated estimation of one's own importance, power, or achievements. It refers to the very essence of human arrogance, particularly as manifested in the perceived invincibility and self-sufficiency of Tyre, which God intends to humble.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD of hosts hath purposed it,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin and unalterable nature of the impending judgment. "The LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) is a powerful divine title emphasizing God's omnipotence and authority as the commander of heavenly armies and all creation, signifying that this judgment is not arbitrary but comes from the supreme Ruler of the universe who executes His sovereign will. The phrase "hath purposed it" highlights His deliberate and determined intention, underscoring that the fall of Tyre is part of His comprehensive plan.
* **"to stain the pride of all glory,"**: This specifies the first aspect of God's purpose: to defile or disgrace human arrogance. "Pride" (gâʼôwn) refers to self-exaltation and haughtiness, while "glory" (tsᵉbîy) denotes splendor, beauty, or honor. God intends to strip away the perceived magnificence and self-importance of human achievements and worldly power, rendering them common, contemptible, or defiled in the eyes of the world, thereby exposing their emptiness and transience.
* **"and to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth."**: This second, parallel clause reinforces God's intention to humble human exaltation. "Bring into contempt" (qâlal) means to make light of, despise, or make vile. "Honourable" (kâbad) refers to those who are weighty, esteemed, or glorious in human eyes. God's purpose is to diminish the reputation and perceived worth of those who are highly regarded in the world, demonstrating that true honor and lasting value do not originate from human recognition or earthly status but from Him alone.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, "to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth," where similar ideas are expressed using different but reinforcing language, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's humbling work. **Personification** is subtly present as "pride" and "glory" are treated as entities that can be "stained" or brought into "contempt," giving them a tangible quality that God acts upon. The use of the divine title "The LORD of hosts" serves as a powerful **Theological Statement**, asserting God's absolute sovereignty and omnipotence over all earthly powers. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Prophetic Declaration**, a direct pronouncement of God's predetermined action, leaving no doubt about the outcome for those who exalt themselves against Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 23:9 stands as a profound theological statement on God's unwavering opposition to human pride and His ultimate sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms. It reveals that the Lord, as the "LORD of hosts," is not merely a passive observer but an active participant in history, orchestrating events to fulfill His divine purposes. This includes the humbling of those who, like Tyre, place their trust in their own strength, wealth, or worldly achievements rather than in Him. The verse underscores a consistent biblical theme: that true glory and honor belong to God alone, and any attempt by humanity to usurp that glory or to find ultimate security in transient earthly things will inevitably be brought to nothing by His hand. This divine principle serves as a timeless warning against hubris and a call to humility, reminding all generations that human greatness is fleeting, but God's power and justice endure forever.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Luke 1:52](/luke/1-52 "He Has Brought Down the Mighty")
* [Daniel 4:37](/daniel/4-37 "God Humbles the Proud")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 23:9 offers a sobering yet liberating truth for believers today. In a world that often celebrates self-made success, material prosperity, and human ingenuity, this verse serves as a vital corrective. It challenges us to examine the sources of our own pride—whether it be our accomplishments, intellect, social standing, or financial security—and to recognize that anything we possess or achieve is ultimately a gift from God. The humbling of Tyre reminds us that all earthly glory is fleeting and ultimately subject to God's sovereign will. Our true security and lasting honor are found not in what we accumulate or how we are perceived by others, but in our humble dependence on and worship of the Lord. This passage calls us to cultivate a spirit of humility, to acknowledge God's absolute control over our lives and the world, and to find our ultimate identity and worth in Him, rather than in the passing accolades of this world. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, investing in what truly matters to God, knowing that He alone is worthy of all glory and praise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to place my trust in my own abilities or worldly achievements rather than in God?**
* **How does the transient nature of earthly glory, as highlighted in this verse, impact my priorities and aspirations?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater humility and dependence on God in my daily life?**
* **How can I use any "glory" or "honor" I receive to point others to God, rather than taking it for myself?**

### FAQ
**What does "The LORD of hosts hath purposed it" mean for God's character?**

Answer: This phrase, "The LORD of hosts hath purposed it," reveals God's absolute sovereignty, intentionality, and unchallengeable authority. "The LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes His omnipotence as the commander of heavenly armies and all creation, signifying that His will is supreme. "Hath purposed it" indicates a deliberate, settled, and unalterable plan. It demonstrates that God is not merely reacting to human events but is actively orchestrating them according to His divine counsel. This highlights His justice, His control over history, and His unwavering commitment to His purposes, even when they involve humbling the proud and mighty of the earth, as seen in passages like [Psalm 33:11](/psalm/33-11 "The Counsel of the Lord Stands Forever").

**Why does God bring nations into "contempt" or "stain their pride"?**

Answer: God brings nations into "contempt" or "stains their pride" primarily because pride is an affront to His divine glory and a fundamental opposition to His nature. When nations or individuals become self-sufficient, arrogant, and place their trust in their own power, wealth, or wisdom, they effectively dethrone God in their hearts and actions. God's act of humbling them is an expression of His justice and His commitment to upholding His own supremacy. It serves as a powerful lesson that all earthly glory is derivative and temporary, ultimately belonging to Him alone. This divine principle is consistently taught throughout Scripture, as illustrated in [Proverbs 29:23](/proverbs/29-23 "A Man's Pride Will Bring Him Low") and [1 Peter 5:6](/1_peter/5-6 "Humble Yourselves Under God's Mighty Hand").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 23:9, with its declaration of God's purpose to humble the pride and bring into contempt the glory of the earth, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse speaks of God's judgment on the pride of nations like Tyre, it foreshadows the divine pattern of God opposing human arrogance and exalting humility, a pattern perfectly embodied by Christ. Jesus, though God incarnate, "did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Christ's Humility")). He willingly embraced the ultimate "contempt" and "stain" of the cross, becoming a "reproach of men, and despised by the people" ([Psalm 22:6](/psalm/22-6 "A Reproach of Men")) in order to fulfill God's purpose of salvation. Through His humble obedience unto death, Christ utterly shamed the pride of human self-sufficiency, religious legalism, and worldly power, demonstrating that true glory is found not in self-exaltation but in self-sacrificial love and obedience to God. His resurrection and ascension then brought Him into the highest honor, proving that God exalts those who humble themselves, ultimately establishing His kingdom which will bring all earthly powers and their fleeting glory into subjection to the "King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). Thus, Christ is the ultimate demonstration of God's purpose to humble pride and bring true, eternal glory to Himself.

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 13:11

And I will punish the world for [their] evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.

James 4:6

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Job 40:11

Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one [that is] proud, and abase him.

Job 40:12

Look on every one [that is] proud, [and] bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.

Isaiah 2:11

The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.

Daniel 4:37

Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works [are] truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

Isaiah 5:15

And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled: