Isaiah 33:23

Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey.

Thy tacklings {H2256} are loosed {H5203}; they could not well {H3653} strengthen {H2388} their mast {H8650}, they could not spread {H6566} the sail {H5251}: then is the prey {H5706} of a great {H4766} spoil {H7998} divided {H2505}; the lame {H6455} take {H962} the prey {H957}.

For your ropes are hanging loose, not holding the mast, not spreading the sail. Then the plunder shared out is so huge that even the lame get part of the spoil.

Your ropes are slack; they cannot secure the mast or spread the sail. Then an abundance of spoils will be divided, and even the lame will carry off plunder.

Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not strengthen the foot of their mast, they could not spread the sail: then was the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame took the prey.

Isaiah 33:23 presents a vivid prophetic image of God's decisive victory over Judah's enemies, particularly the Assyrians during a time of intense threat. The verse uses naval metaphors to describe the complete incapacitation of the oppressor, followed by a surprising reversal of fortune for God's people.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophetic discourse in Isaiah 33 that begins with a "woe" pronounced upon the treacherous oppressor (likely Assyria under Sennacherib's invasion, circa 701 BC). The chapter then shifts to a prayer for God's intervention and a glorious vision of Zion's future security and prosperity under divine protection. Verses 20-24 describe the blessed state of Jerusalem, highlighting God's presence as a mighty defense. Within this context, verse 23 vividly portrays the enemy's defeat using the imagery of a ship rendered helpless, unable to maneuver or escape, directly contrasting with the secure dwelling of God's people described in the preceding verses.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment and Defeat of Oppressors: The imagery of the loosed "tacklings" and the inability to strengthen the mast or spread the sail powerfully symbolizes the complete collapse and incapacitation of the enemy's power and plans. It underscores God's sovereign ability to thwart the most formidable foes.
  • God's Protection and Deliverance: In stark contrast to the enemy's helplessness, this verse assures God's people of His active and decisive role in defending them and bringing about their deliverance from seemingly overwhelming threats.
  • Reversal of Fortune and Unexpected Victory: The most striking element is "then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey." This signifies a radical reversal where the very ones who were vulnerable and expected to be victims (symbolized by "the lame") become the beneficiaries of the spoils of victory. It highlights God's tendency to use the humble and weak to accomplish His purposes and confound the strong.
  • God's Abundant Provision: The mention of "a great spoil" suggests not just survival, but abundant provision that follows God's intervention, enough for even the least capable among His people to partake in the blessing.

Linguistic Insights

The term "tacklings" (Hebrew: chebel) refers to the ropes, rigging, and cables of a ship, emphasizing the complete dismantling of the enemy's operational capacity. The vivid naval imagery of a ship unable to strengthen its mast or spread its sail powerfully conveys a state of total loss of control, momentum, and direction for the enemy. The word for "lame" (Hebrew: pisseach) underscores the surprising beneficiaries of this divine victory. In ancient societies, the lame were often marginalized and dependent; their participation in dividing the spoil highlights God's miraculous reversal of status and His favor upon the least expected.

Related Scriptures

This prophecy resonates with other biblical passages that speak of God's power to defeat oppressors and exalt the humble. For instance, the Lord is described as one who fights for His people (see Exodus 14:14). The theme of God exalting the humble and bringing down the proud is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, as seen in Mary's Magnificat (Luke 1:52), and James' teaching that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).

Practical Application

Isaiah 33:23 offers profound encouragement for believers facing overwhelming odds. It reminds us that no matter how powerful or well-equipped our adversaries may seem, God is ultimately sovereign over all circumstances. He can disable the plans of the proud and powerful, and bring about deliverance in unexpected ways. This verse encourages us to trust in God's ability to turn our weaknesses into opportunities for His glory and to remember that true strength and victory come from Him, not from human might or resources. It assures us that when God acts, even the most vulnerable among us will partake in the blessings of His triumph, reminding us of His promise to work all things together for good for those who love Him.

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.

  • 2 Kings 7:8

    And when these lepers came to the uttermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and did eat and drink, and carried thence silver, and gold, and raiment, and went and hid [it]; and came again, and entered into another tent, and carried thence [also], and went and hid [it].

  • 1 Corinthians 1:27

    But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

  • Psalms 68:12

    Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.

  • 1 Samuel 30:22

    Then answered all the wicked men and [men] of Belial, of those that went with David, and said, Because they went not with us, we will not give them [ought] of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead [them] away, and depart.

  • 1 Samuel 30:24

    For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part [is] that goeth down to the battle, so [shall] his part [be] that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.

  • 2 Kings 7:16

    And the people went out, and spoiled the tents of the Syrians. So a measure of fine flour was [sold] for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, according to the word of the LORD.

  • Ezekiel 27:26

    ¶ Thy rowers have brought thee into great waters: the east wind hath broken thee in the midst of the seas.

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