Isaiah 23:14

14 So be sad, you trading ships, because your strong city is destroyed

Isaiah 23:14 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 23:14

Howl, ye ships of Tarshish
As in ( Isaiah 23:1 ) . (See Gill on Isaiah 23:1):

for your strength is laid waste;
meaning Tyre, a strong seaport, where their ships were safe, and always found vent for their goods and merchandise; and so it was the strength and support of their country; but was now destroyed, and therefore was matter of lamentation and mourning.

Isaiah 23:14 In-Context

12 He said, "Sidon, you will not rejoice any longer, because you are destroyed. Even if you cross the sea to Cyprus, you will not find a place to rest."

13 Look at the land of the Babylonians; it is not a country now. Assyria has made it a place for wild animals. Assyria built towers to attack it; the soldiers took all the treasures from its cities, and they turned it into ruins.

14 So be sad, you trading ships, because your strong city is destroyed

15 At that time people will forget about Tyre for seventy years, which is the length of a king's life. After seventy years, Tyre will be like the prostitute in this song:

16 "Oh woman, you are forgotten. Take your harp and walk through the city. Play your harp well. Sing your song often. Then people will remember you."