Isaiah 23:3

"Be still, you inhabitants of the coast, you whom the merchants of Sidon that pass over the sea have replenished."

Key Reflection

Isaiah 23:3 addresses the coastal inhabitants of Sidon, a significant trading center in ancient times. The verse speaks to their complacency and self-assuredness, as it calls them to "be still" and acknowledges that they have been enriched by merchants from afar. This statement reflects a broader theme of judgment, suggesting that despite their prosperity, which came from extensive trade networks, Sidon's inhabitants should recognize the temporary nature of their wealth and prepare for impending divine retribution.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

And by great waters -That is, by the abundant-waters, or the overflowing of the Nile. Tyre was the mart to which the superabundant productions of Egypt were borne (seeEzekiel 27:0) The seed of Sihor -There can be no doubt that by ‘Sihor’ here is meant the river Nile in Egypt (seeJoshua 13:3;1 Chronicles 13:5;Jeremiah 2:18). The wordשׁחרshichoris derived fromשׁחרshachar, “to be black”Job 30:30, and is given to the Nile from its color when it brings down the slime or mud by which Egypt is rendered so fertile. The Greeks gave to the river the nameΜέλαςMelas(“black”), and the Latins call it “Melo” - (Serv. ad Virg. “Geor.” iv. 291.

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