1. Isaiah 23:11 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What does this verse tell us about the predicted devastation?

Isaiah 23:11 (ESV)

11 He has stretched out his hand over the sea; he has shaken the kingdoms; the LORD has given command concerning Canaan to destroy its strongholds.

Tyre may have been master of the seas among the nations, but the sea, the source of Tyre’s livelihood, only obeys God. Therefore, when he stretches his hand over the sea in punishment, nothing can be done about it.

This verse describes the far-reaching effects of Tyre’s destruction on the nations and colonies that were dependent on or closely allied to Tyre. They would be shaken, and it is made very clear that it is the Lord who would do these things.

The people of the Lord were often warned not to become part of the Canaanite culture (Leviticus 18:3; Deuteronomy 12:1–4). Through its influence, Tyre was part of maintaining the Canaanite culture. The Lord would bring this to an end.