Isaías 23

1 Carga de Tiro. Aullad, naves de Tarsis, porque destruida es Tiro hasta no quedar casa, ni entrada; de la tierra de Quitim es revelado a ellos

2 Callad, moradores de la isla, mercader de Sidón, que pasando el mar te abastecían

3 Su provisión era de las sementeras que crecen con las muchas aguas del Nilo, de la mies del río. Fue también feria de gentiles

4 Avergüénzate, Sidón, porque el mar, la fortaleza del mar habló, diciendo: Nunca estuve de parto, ni di a luz, ni crié jóvenes, ni levanté vírgenes

5 Al llegar la noticia a Egipto, tendrán dolor de las nuevas de Tiro

6 Pasaos a Tarsis; aullad, moradores de la isla

7 ¿No era ésta vuestra ciudad alegre, su antigüedad de muchos días? Sus pies la llevarán a peregrinar lejos

8 ¿Quién decretó esto sobre Tiro, la coronada, cuyos negociantes eran príncipes, cuyos mercaderes eran los nobles de la tierra

9 El SEÑOR de los ejércitos lo decretó, para envilecer la soberbia de toda gloria; y para abatir todos los ilustres de la tierra

10 Pásate, como río, de tu tierra, oh hija de Tarsis; porque no tendrás ya más fortaleza

11 Extendió su mano sobre el mar; hizo temblar los reinos. El SEÑOR mandó sobre Canaán que sus fuerzas sean debilitadas

12 Y dijo: No te alegrarás más, oh tú, oprimida virgen hija de Sidón. Levántate para pasar a Quitim y aun allí no tendrás reposo

13 Mira, la tierra de los Caldeos. Este pueblo no era antes; Assur la fundó para los que habitaban en el desierto; levantaron sus fortalezas, edificaron sus palacios; él la convirtió en ruinas

14 Aullad, naves de Tarsis; porque destruida es vuestra fortaleza

15 Y acontecerá en aquel día, que Tiro será puesta en olvido por setenta años, como días de un rey. Después de los setenta años, cantará Tiro canción como de ramera

16 Toma arpa, y rodea la ciudad, oh ramera olvidada; haz buena melodía, reitera la canción, para que tornes en memoria

17 Y acontecerá, que al fin de los setenta años visitará el SEÑOR a Tiro; y se tornará a su ganancia; y otra vez fornicará con todos los reinos de la tierra sobre la faz de la tierra

18 Mas su negociación, y su ganancia será consagrada al SEÑOR; no se guardará ni se atesorará, porque su negociación será para los que estuvieren delante del SEÑOR, para que coman hasta saciarse, y vistan honradamente

Isaías 23 Commentary

Chapter 23

The overthrow of Tyre. (1-14) It is established again. (15-18)

Verses 1-14 Tyre was the mart of the nations. She was noted for mirth and diversions; and this made her loth to consider the warnings God gave by his servants. Her merchants were princes, and lived like princes. Tyre being destroyed and laid waste, the merchants should abandon her. Flee to shift for thine own safety; but those that are uneasy in one place, will be so in another; for when God's judgments pursue sinners, they will overtake them. Whence shall all this trouble come? It is a destruction from the Almighty. God designed to convince men of the vanity and uncertainty of all earthly glory. Let the ruin of Tyre warn all places and persons to take heed of pride; for he who exalts himself shall be abased. God will do it, who has all power in his hand; but the Chaldeans shall be the instruments.

Verses 15-18 The desolations of Tyre were not to be for ever. The Lord will visit Tyre in mercy. But when set at liberty, she will use her old arts of temptation. The love of worldly wealth is spiritual idolatry; and covetousness is spiritual idolatry. This directs those that have wealth, to use it in the service of God. When we abide with God in our worldly callings, when we do all in our power to further the gospel, then our merchandise and hire are holiness to the Lord, if we look to his glory. Christians should carry on business as God's servants, and use riches as his stewards.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 23

This chapter gives an account both of the desolation and restoration of Tyre, an ancient city of Phoenicia. Its desolation is described as so complete, that a house was not left in it, Isa 23:1 and by the fewness and stillness of the inhabitants of it, with which it had been replenished, it having been a mart of nations, Isa 23:2,3 and by the shame and pain Zidon, a neighbouring city, was put into, on account of it, Isa 23:4,5 and by the removal of its inhabitants to other places, Isa 23:6,7,12 all which is attributed to the counsel, purpose, and commandment of God, to destroy it; whose view was to stain their pride, and bring them into contempt, Isa 23:8-11 the means and instruments made use of to this purpose were the Assyrians or Chaldeans, Isa 23:13 and its desolation is further aggravated by the loss of its trade; hence the merchants of other countries are called to mourning, Isa 23:1,14 the date and duration of this desolation were seventy years, Isa 23:15 after which it should be restored, and its merchandise and commerce with all the nations of the earth be revived again, Isa 23:15-18.