Isaiah – Chapter 23

Old Testament18 Verses

Chapter Summary

Isaiah 23 opens with the words: "The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of the sea, for the house is destroyed, from whence they were wont to come: from the land of Cethim it…" Across its 18 verses, two threads run through the text: God's kingdom and kingship and worship and praise. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of the sea, for the house is destroyed, from whence they were wont to come: from the land of Cethim it is revealed to them.

2Be silent, you that dwell in the island: the merchants of Sidon passing over the sea, have filled thee.

3The seed of the Nile in many waters, the harvest of the river is her revenue: and she is become the mart of the nations.

4Be thou ashamed, O Sidon: for the sea speaketh, even the strength of the sea, saying: I have not been in labour, nor have I brought forth, nor have I nourished up young men, nor brought up virgins.

5When it shall be heard in Egypt, they will be sorry when they shall hear of Tyre:

6Pass over the seas, howl, ye inhabitants of the island.

7Is not this your city, which gloried from of old in her antiquity? her feet shall carry her afar off to sojourn.

8Who hath taken this counsel against Tyre, that was formerly crowned, whose merchants were princes, and her traders the nobles of the earth?

9The Lord of hosts hath designed it, to pull down the pride of all glory, and bring to disgrace all the glorious ones of the earth.

10Pass thy land as a river, O daughter of the sea, thou hast a girdle no more.

11He stretched out his hand over the sea, he troubled kingdoms: the Lord hath given a charge against Chanaan, to destroy the strong ones thereof.

12And he said: Thou shalt glory no more, O virgin daughter of Sidon, who art oppressed: arise and sail over to Cethim, there also thou shalt have no rest.

13Behold the land of the Chaldeans, there was not such a people, the Assyrians founded it: they have led away the strong ones thereof into captivity, they have destroyed the houses thereof, they have, brought it to ruin.

14Howl, O ye ships of the sea, for your strength is laid waste.

15And it shall come to pass in that day that thou, O Tyre, shalt be forgotten, seventy years, according to the days of one king: but after seventy years, there shall be unto Tyre as the song of a harlot.

16Take a harp, go about the city, harlot that hast been forgotten: sing well, sing many a song, that thou mayst be remembered.

17And it shall come to pass after seventy years, that the Lord will visit Tyre, and will bring her back again to her traffic: and she shall commit fornication again with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth.

18And her merchandise and her hire shall be sanctified to the Lord: they shall not be kept in store, nor laid up: for her merchandise shall be for them that shall dwell before the Lord, that they may eat unto fulness, and be clothed for a continuance.

Important Verses in Isaiah 23

The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of the sea, for the house is destroyed, from whence they were wont to come: from the land of Cethim it is revealed to them.

Isaiah 23:1

The Lord of hosts hath designed it, to pull down the pride of all glory, and bring to disgrace all the glorious ones of the earth.

Isaiah 23:9

And he said: Thou shalt glory no more, O virgin daughter of Sidon, who art oppressed: arise and sail over to Cethim, there also thou shalt have no rest.

Isaiah 23:12

And it shall come to pass after seventy years, that the Lord will visit Tyre, and will bring her back again to her traffic: and she shall commit fornication again with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth.

Isaiah 23:17

Historical Context

Isaiah belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for judah in crisis, the exiles in Babylon, and all who await the Messiah. Chapter 23 of 66 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 18 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter begins: "The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of the sea, for the house is destroyed, from whence they were wont to come: from the…" The chapter ends with: "And her merchandise and her hire shall be sanctified to the Lord: they shall not be kept in store, nor laid up: for her…" In terms of historical background, Isaiah prophesied in Jerusalem during the Assyrian crisis, calling kings to trust God rather than alliances. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Isaiah's ministry about 740-700 BC; the book's later chapters address the exile and return (6th century BC).

Who Wrote It

The prophet Isaiah of Jerusalem; chapters 40-66 continue his message through inspired disciples

When It Was Written

Isaiah's ministry about 740-700 BC; the book's later chapters address the exile and return (6th century BC)

Catholic Commentary

The literal sense of Isaiah 23 unfolds through 18 verses that carry forward the message of judgment, comfort, and messianic hope. A pivotal line is verse 1: "The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of the sea, for the house is destroyed, from whence they were wont to come: from the land of Cethim it is revealed to them." The passage repeatedly touches on God's kingdom and kingship.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of judgment, comfort, and messianic hope. Isaiah's prophecies are fulfilled in Christ, especially the Suffering Servant (CIC 601). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 2683).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.

Reflection for Today

The central section of Isaiah—Chapter 23 of 66—opens a particular moment in the story of judgment, comfort, and messianic hope.

According to Catholic teaching, Isaiah's prophecies are fulfilled in Christ, especially the Suffering Servant (CIC 601). This chapter especially highlights sacrificial love modeled on Christ, a theme the Catechism develops in relation to the whole of revelation (CIC 2340).

Let Isaiah Chapter 23 deepen your love for the Eucharist, where the Word made flesh continues to feed His people. The same Christ who speaks in Scripture offers Himself sacramentally on the altar.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Isaiah Chapter 23 about?

Isaiah 23 contains 18 verses. It opens with "The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of the sea, for the house is destroyed, from whence they were wont to come: from the…" and closes with "And her merchandise and her hire shall be sanctified to the Lord: they shall not be kept in store, nor laid up: for her…". The book as a whole is prophetic oracles and poetry.

What is a key verse in Isaiah 23?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of the sea, for the house is destroyed, from whence they were wont to come: from the land of Cethim it is revealed to them." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Isaiah and when?

The prophet Isaiah of Jerusalem; chapters 40-66 continue his message through inspired disciples. Isaiah's ministry about 740-700 BC; the book's later chapters address the exile and return (6th century BC).

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