1. Isaiah 23:1–18 (ESV)
  2. Structure and outline

Structure and outline of Isaiah 23

Isaiah 23:1–18 (ESV)

1 The oracle concerning Tyre. Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is laid waste, without house or harbor! From the land of Cyprus it is revealed to them.

The series of prophecies that started in Isaiah 13:1–22 and Isaiah 14:1–32 with an oracle concerning Babylon, ends in Isaiah 23:1–18 with an oracle about Tyre. Where Babylon was the mighty city of the east, Tyrus had the power in the west. In contrast to Babylon, Tyre was peaceful, extending its power by commerce and the planting of colonies instead of war.

The chapter can be divided into three parts:

  • A call to mourn the destructed city (Isaiah 23:1–7)

  • A question and answer about the One responsible for the downfall of Tyre (Isaiah 23:8–14)

  • Further description of the destruction and later restoration (Isaiah 23:15–18)