Isaiah 23:13

"He said, “You shall rejoice no more, you oppressed virgin daughter of Sidon. Arise, pass over to Kittim. Even there you will have no rest.”"

Key Reflection

The prophecy in Isaiah 23:13 addresses Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city and maritime trading center, metaphorically as a “virgin daughter.” This imagery suggests Tyre’s prosperity and innocence before divine judgment. The message of this verse is twofold: first, it declares that Tyre will no longer enjoy its former status and glory; second, it commands the city to leave its homeland and seek refuge in Kittim (likely referring to Cyprus or some other island in the Greek world), yet even there, Tyre will not find peace. This prophecy conveys a sense of impending doom and displacement for Tyre, reflecting the broader theme of God's judgment on nations that oppose His people.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Behold the land of the Chaldeans -This is a very important verse, as it expresses the source from where these calamities were coming upon Tyre; and as it states some historical facts of great interest respecting the rise of Babylon. In the previous verses the prophet had foretold the certain destruction of Tyre, and had said that whoever was the agent, it was to be traced to the overruling providence of God. He here states distinctly that the agent in accomplishing all this would be the Chaldeans - a statement which fixes the time to the siege of Nebuchadnezzar, and proves that it does not refer to the conquest by Alexander the Great.

More from Isaiah 23

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