Keraia
Isaiah 23

Isaiah 23:14

The Burden against Tyre · Isaiah 23:1–18
Read Isaiah 23

Translations

Modern
Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for your harbor has been destroyed!
Traditional
Howl, ye ships of Tarshish: for your strength is laid waste.
Literal
Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for your refuge has been destroyed!
Latin
Ululate, naves maris, quia devastata est fortitudo vestra.

Original

Hebrew
English
Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for your harbor has been destroyed!

Notes

Isaiah 23:1–18

Tyre was a wealthy seaport northwest of Israel. The connection between Judah and Tyre dates back to the time of David and Solomon (1 Kings 5:8–9).

Tyre was near large forests and the Mediterranean Sea. It was a major trade center in the ancient Near East. Its ships were famous, and its colonies gave it great prestige and wealth.

The city faced repeated attacks by the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Macedonians, and Alexander the Great conquered it in 332 BC. Isaiah not only predicted Tyre's downfall but also warned those whose wealth and security lead to pride instead of reliance on God (see Isaiah 2:12–16; Matthew 11:21).

Events

Parallels

Ezekiel 26:1–21

Places

Tarshish: Distant maritime city known for its wealth and trade

Glossary

Book of Jeremiah Isaiah, Book of Nile River Phoenicia, Phoenicians Tarshish (Place) Tyre

Topics

Ships: Strong Tarshish: Also Called Tharshish: Commerce and Wealth of Tarshish: Also Called Tharshish: Prophecies Concerning Tyre: Prophecies Respecting: To be Destroyed by the King of Babylon