Isaiah 23:18

18 Her profits and her earnings will be turned over to the LORD for his holy purpose. It won't be stored or hoarded. Her merchandise will belong to those who live in the presence of the LORD so that they will have plenty of food and expensive clothing.

Isaiah 23:18 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 23:18

And her merchandise, and her hire
Or, "but her merchandise" not the same as before; or, however, not as carried on at the same time, but many ages after, even in the times of the Gospel; for this part of the prophecy respects the conversion of the Tyrians, in the first ages of Christianity; this is prophesied of elsewhere, ( Psalms 45:12 ) ( 87:4 ) and was fulfilled in the times of the apostles, ( Acts 11:19 ) ( Acts 21:3 Acts 21:4 ) and so Kimchi and Jarchi say this is a prophecy to be fulfilled in the days of the Messiah F13; and then the trade of this people, and what they got by it, should be holiness to the Lord;
that is, devoted, at least, great part of it, to holy uses and service; that is, in defraying of all expenses in carrying on the worship of God, for the maintenance of Gospel ministers, and for the supply and support of the poor saints: it shall not be treasured, nor laid up:
in order to be laid out in pride and luxury; or to be kept as useless, to gratify a covetous disposition; or for posterity to come: for her merchandise shall be laid up for them, that dwell before
the Lord;
part of what should be gained by trading, at least, should be laid by for religious uses, as is directed, ( 1 Corinthians 16:1 ) even for the relief of poor saints in general, who assemble together before the Lord, for the sake of his worship; and particularly for the support of the ministers of the Gospel, who stand before the Lord, and minister in holy things, in his name, to the people: to eat sufficiently;
that they may have food convenient for them, and enough of it; or, in other words, have a sufficient maintenance, a comfortable supply of food for themselves and families, and raiment also; as follows: and for durable clothing;
that they may have a supply of clothing, and never want a coat to put upon their backs. This prophecy, as it belongs to Gospel times, is a proof of the maintenance of Gospel ministers, that they ought to be liberally provided for; and care should be taken that they want not food and raiment, but have a fulness and sufficiency of both, and that which is convenient for them.


FOOTNOTES:

F13 So in Midrash, Kohelet, fol. 62. 3.

Isaiah 23:18 In-Context

16 "Take your lyre. Go around in the city, you forgotten prostitute. Make sweet music. Sing many songs so that you'll be remembered."
17 At the end of 70 years the LORD will come to help Tyre. Then she will go back to earning money as a prostitute. She will become a prostitute for all the world's kingdoms.
18 Her profits and her earnings will be turned over to the LORD for his holy purpose. It won't be stored or hoarded. Her merchandise will belong to those who live in the presence of the LORD so that they will have plenty of food and expensive clothing.
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