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Book of Isaiah - Chapter 23 - Verse 12

23:12
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.

Meaning

The verse you are referring to comes from the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament. In this particular verse, Isaiah is delivering a message from God to the people of Zidon, a city known for its wealth and prosperity. The phrase "oppressed virgin, daughter of Zidon" is symbolic of the city itself, which had once been proud and powerful but was now facing judgment and punishment for its sins. The command to "arise, pass over to Chittim" is a call to move away from their current place of comfort and security to a new land where they will find no rest or peace. This verse serves as a warning to the people of Zidon that their days of rejoicing are over and that they must prepare for a time of hardship and suffering. It conveys the harsh reality of divine justice and the consequences of disobedience to God's laws.

Theological Overview

In this verse, we see a prophetic message being delivered to the city of Zidon. The word "virgin" is used symbolically here to represent the city's vulnerability and innocence. The city is described as being oppressed and without cause for rejoicing, indicating that it had likely fallen into sin or wrongdoing. The call to pass over to Chittim signifies a journey towards a place where there will be no rest, suggesting that the city will face continued struggles and hardships. The use of Chittim, a distant and unfamiliar land, adds to the sense of isolation and despair in this message. This verse serves as a warning to Zidon to repent and turn from their sinful ways before facing further consequences.

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