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Book of Isaiah - Chapter 23 - Verse 1

23:1
The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.

Meaning

The verse "The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them." is a passage from the Bible that foretells the destruction and devastation of the city of Tyre. In this verse, the ships of Tarshish, a prosperous trading nation, are called to mourn the fall of Tyre, a powerful and wealthy city known for its maritime commerce and trade. The prophecy describes the complete desolation of Tyre, with no houses left standing and no one able to enter the city. The mention of the land of Chittim in the verse signifies that the news of Tyre's destruction will spread far and wide, reaching distant lands. This verse serves as a warning of the consequences of pride, greed, and disobedience, as well as a reminder of the ultimate power and judgment of God.

Theological Overview

The verse "The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them." (Isaiah 23:1) carries a prophetic message concerning the city of Tyre. In theological interpretation, this verse is understood as a warning of impending destruction and devastation that will befall Tyre. The mention of the ships of Tarshish howling emphasizes the widespread impact of the city's downfall, affecting even distant maritime traders. The reference to the land of Chittim could be seen as a sign of the widespread knowledge of Tyre's fate, as Chittim was likely a distant land, possibly representing all nations. The specificity of the prophecy gives insight into the omniscience and sovereignty of God, who reveals the future events to His people. Through word studies, the significance of terms like "burden," "Howl," "Tyre," "Tarshish," and "Chittim" can provide deeper understanding of the cultural and historical context in which this prophecy was delivered, enriching the reader's appreciation of the verse.

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