Isaiah 23:9

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.

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}.

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

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

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

Isaiah 23:9 declares God's sovereign purpose in humbling the mighty and proud. This verse is part of a prophetic oracle, often called a "burden," against Tyre, a powerful and wealthy Phoenician city-state renowned for its global trade and maritime dominance. The Lord Himself, identified as the "LORD of hosts," reveals His intention to bring down the arrogance and worldly glory of such earthly powers.

Context

Chapter 23 of Isaiah focuses on the judgment of Tyre, a city that symbolized immense commercial success, luxury, and self-reliance. It was known as "the crowning city" (Isaiah 23:8), suggesting its pride and prominence among nations. This prophecy foretells its destruction, a testament to the fact that no human power, no matter how great or seemingly unassailable, can stand against God's overarching purpose. The judgment on Tyre serves as a warning to all who place their trust in fleeting earthly achievements and wealth.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: The phrase "The LORD of hosts hath purposed it" underscores God's absolute control over history, nations, and their destinies. He is not merely observing but actively ordaining events.
  • Humbling of Pride: A central message is God's opposition to human arrogance. The verse explicitly states God's intent "to stain the pride of all glory," meaning to defile or disgrace the very things that humans consider most glorious and honorable. This aligns with the biblical principle that God resists the proud.
  • Transience of Worldly Honor: The prophecy highlights the temporary nature of earthly power, wealth, and human esteem. Those who are "honourable of the earth" in man's eyes are brought into "contempt" by God, demonstrating that true honor comes from Him alone, not from worldly recognition or achievements.

Linguistic Insights

  • "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth): This powerful title emphasizes God's omnipotence and authority as the commander of heavenly armies and all creation. It signals that the judgment is not arbitrary but comes from the supreme Ruler of the universe.
  • "stain" (Hebrew: chalal): This word can mean to profane, defile, or wound. Here, it conveys the idea of disgracing or stripping away the luster and respect from what was once considered magnificent and glorious, rendering it common or contemptible.

Practical Application

Isaiah 23:9 serves as a timeless reminder for believers and nations alike:

  • Humility: It calls us to examine where our pride lies. Are we trusting in our achievements, wealth, or social standing, or in God? True security and honor come from humbling ourselves under God's mighty hand.
  • Perspective on Worldly Success: The verse encourages a re-evaluation of what is truly valuable. Earthly glory is fleeting, and God can bring it to nothing. Our ultimate hope and treasure should be in Him, not in the passing things of this world (1 John 2:17).
  • God's Justice: It affirms God's righteous character. He is just and will not tolerate unchecked pride and self-exaltation indefinitely, whether in individuals or nations.
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 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:

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