Isaiah 23:1

This is the burden against Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is laid waste, without house or harbor. Word has reached them from the land of Cyprus.

Study Bible

This is an oracle concerning Tyre
The word "oracle" in Hebrew is "מַשָּׂא" (massa), which often denotes a burden or a prophetic pronouncement. In the context of Isaiah, it signifies a divine message of judgment. Tyre was a prominent Phoenician city known for its wealth and trade. This introduction sets the stage for a prophecy that would have been shocking to its contemporaries, as Tyre was a symbol of economic power and influence.

Wail, O ships of Tarshish
The "ships of Tarshish" refer to large, sea-going vessels used for long voyages, often associated with trade and wealth. Tarshish is believed to be a distant port, possibly in Spain, representing the farthest reaches of known trade routes. The call to "wail" is a poetic expression of mourning and lamentation, indicating the severe impact of Tyre's downfall on international commerce.

for Tyre is laid waste
The phrase "laid waste" comes from the Hebrew "שָׁדַד" (shadad), meaning to destroy or devastate. This prophecy foretells the complete destruction of Tyre, a city that seemed invincible due to its strategic location and fortified structures. Historically, Tyre faced several sieges, most notably by Nebuchadnezzar and later by Alexander the Great, fulfilling this prophecy.

without house or harbor
This imagery of being "without house or harbor" underscores the totality of Tyre's destruction. Houses symbolize the loss of community and domestic life, while the absence of a harbor signifies the end of its economic and maritime dominance. Tyre's harbors were central to its identity as a trading hub, and their loss would have been catastrophic.

From the land of Cyprus word has come to them
Cyprus, known in Hebrew as "כִּתִּים" (Kittim), was a significant maritime center in the Mediterranean. The mention of Cyprus indicates the widespread nature of the news of Tyre's fall. The phrase suggests that even distant lands, connected through trade, would hear of Tyre's demise, emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of God's judgment.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Tyre
An ancient Phoenician city known for its wealth and trade. It was a significant maritime power and a hub of commerce in the ancient world.

2. Ships of Tarshish
These represent the merchant ships that traveled to and from Tarshish, a distant trading partner, often associated with wealth and extensive trade networks.

3. Cyprus
An island in the Mediterranean Sea, which served as a waypoint for news and trade. The mention of Cyprus indicates the spread of news about Tyre's destruction.

4. Oracle
A divine message or prophecy. In this context, it is a message from God delivered through the prophet Isaiah concerning the fate of Tyre.

5. Destruction of Tyre
The event prophesied by Isaiah, indicating the downfall of Tyre as a major trading city, which would have significant economic repercussions.

Teaching Points

The Transience of Earthly Wealth
Tyre's destruction serves as a reminder that material wealth and earthly power are temporary and can be swiftly taken away. Christians are encouraged to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.

The Sovereignty of God in Judgment
God's control over nations and their destinies is evident in the prophecy against Tyre. Believers should trust in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty over world events.

The Impact of Sin and Pride
Tyre's downfall is linked to its pride and self-sufficiency. This serves as a warning against the dangers of pride and the importance of humility before God.

The Spread of News and Its Impact
The mention of Cyprus highlights how news of Tyre's fall spread quickly, affecting distant lands. This can be related to the spread of the Gospel and the importance of sharing God's message.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the destruction of Tyre teach us about the reliability of worldly wealth and security?

2. How can we apply the lesson of Tyre's pride and downfall to our personal lives and communities?

3. In what ways does the prophecy against Tyre demonstrate God's sovereignty over nations and history?

4. How does the spread of news from Cyprus about Tyre's destruction parallel the spread of the Gospel message today?

5. What other biblical examples can you find where God uses the downfall of a city or nation to teach a spiritual lesson? How do these examples reinforce the message of Isaiah 23:1?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezekiel 26-28
These chapters provide a detailed prophecy against Tyre, similar to Isaiah's oracle, describing its pride and eventual downfall.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon in Revelation echoes the themes of commercial hubris and divine judgment seen in the prophecy against Tyre.

Jeremiah 25:22
This verse includes Tyre among the nations that will drink the cup of God's wrath, reinforcing the theme of divine judgment.