Isaiah 23:16

16 sume citharam circui civitatem meretrix oblivioni tradita bene cane frequenta canticum ut memoria tui sit

Isaiah 23:16 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 23:16

Take a harp, go about the city
As harlots used to do, that by their music, both vocal and instrumental, they might allure men into their company to commit fornication with them; so Tyre is directed to, or rather this is a prophecy that she should take very artful and ensnaring methods to restore her commerce and merchandise:

thou harlot that hast been forgotten; (See Gill on Isaiah 23:15):

make sweet melody;
or, "do well by striking" F11; that is, the harp in her hand; strike it well with art and skill, so as to make melody, and give pleasure:

sing many songs;
or, "multiply a song" F12; sing one after another, till the point is carried aimed at:

that thou mayest be remembered;
men may took at thee again, and trade with thee as formerly, who had been so long forgotten and neglected.


FOOTNOTES:

F11 (Ngn ybyjh) "benefac pulsando", Junius; "belle pulsa", Piscator.
F12 (ryv ybrh) "multiplica cantum", Piscator.

Isaiah 23:16 In-Context

14 ululate naves maris quia devastata est fortitudo vestr
15 et erit in die illa in oblivione eris o Tyre septuaginta annis sicut dies regis unius post septuaginta autem annos erit Tyro quasi canticum meretricis
16 sume citharam circui civitatem meretrix oblivioni tradita bene cane frequenta canticum ut memoria tui sit
17 et erit post septuaginta annos visitabit Dominus Tyrum et reducet eam ad mercedes suas et rursum fornicabitur cum universis regnis terrae super faciem terrae
18 et erunt negotiatio eius et mercedes eius sanctificatae Domino non condentur neque reponentur quia his qui habitaverint coram Domino erit negotiatio eius ut manducent in saturitatem et vestiantur usque ad vetustatem
The Latin Vulgate is in the public domain.