Isaiah 23:10-14 - Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary

Bible Comments

Here we are brought acquainted with the means the Lord will make use of, for the overthrow of Tyre. The Chaldeans shall be the Lord's instruments; and what adds to the aggravation of Tyre's sorrow, to humble her pride still more, is, that she shall be brought down by a power, which, like a mushroom that springs up in a night, was nothing in the days of Tyre's grandeur. The Chaldeans were not, until the Assyrian founded the nation: it was but a wilderness. Reader, it is distressing to the proud, both of empires and individual persons, to be brought low; but when the Lord makes use of contemptible instruments to humble them; this is humbling indeed. And is it not so now? In the contentions of nations do we not see it? In the bringing down the lofty looks of a sinner, is it not done frequently by humbling providences, such as sickness, poverty, and the like? See a beautiful illustration, Jeremiah 31:18-20. And another, Luke 15:13-19.

Isaiah 23:10-14

10 Pass through thy land as a river, O daughter of Tarshish: there is no more strength.c

11 He stretched out his hand over the sea, he shook the kingdoms: the LORD hath given a commandment against the merchant city, to destroy the strong holds thereof.

12 And he said, Thou shalt no more rejoice, O thou oppressed virgin, daughter of Zidon: arise, pass over to Chittim; there also shalt thou have no rest.

13 Behold the land of the Chaldeans; this people was not, till the Assyrian founded it for them that dwell in the wilderness: they set up the towers thereof, they raised up the palaces thereof; and he brought it to ruin.

14 Howl, ye ships of Tarshish: for your strength is laid waste