Isaiah 23
Jeremiah 23 combines God’s rebuke of Israel’s leaders—especially shepherds and prophets—with a promise of future righteous leadership. The chapter announces judgment on those who misled the people and also declares God’s promise to gather His people and raise up a righteous Branch from David’s line.
1verseThe burden of Tyre. Howl, you ships of Tarshish! For it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in. From the land of Kittim it is revealed to them.
2verseBe still, you inhabitants of the coast, you whom the merchants of Sidon that pass over the sea have replenished.
3verseOn great waters, the seed of the Shihor, the harvest of the Nile, was her revenue. She was the market of nations.
4verseBe ashamed, Sidon; for the sea has spoken, the stronghold of the sea, saying, “I have not travailed, nor given birth, neither have I nourished young men, nor brought up virgins.”
5verseWhen the report comes to Egypt, they will be in anguish at the report of Tyre.
6versePass over to Tarshish! Wail, you inhabitants of the coast!
7verseIs this your joyous city, whose antiquity is of ancient days, whose feet carried her far away to travel?
8verseWho has planned this against Tyre, the giver of crowns, whose merchants are princes, whose traders are the honorable of the earth?
9verseThe LORD of Armies has planned it, to stain the pride of all glory, to bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth.
10versePass through your land like the Nile, daughter of Tarshish. There is no restraint any more.
11verseHe has stretched out his hand over the sea. He has shaken the kingdoms. The LORD has ordered the destruction of Canaan’s strongholds.
12verseHe said, “You shall rejoice no more, you oppressed virgin daughter of Sidon. Arise, pass over to Kittim. Even there you will have no rest.”
13verseBehold, the land of the Chaldeans. This people didn’t exist. The Assyrians founded it for those who dwell in the wilderness. They set up their towers. They overthrew its palaces. They made it a ruin.
14verseHowl, you ships of Tarshish, for your stronghold is laid waste!
15verseIt will come to pass in that day that Tyre will be forgotten seventy years, according to the days of one king. After the end of seventy years it will be to Tyre like in the song of the prostitute.
16verseTake a harp; go about the city, you prostitute that has been forgotten. Make sweet melody. Sing many songs, that you may be remembered.
17verseIt will happen after the end of seventy years that the LORD will visit Tyre. She will return to her wages, and will play the prostitute with all the kingdoms of the world on the surface of the earth.
18verseHer merchandise and her wages will be holiness to the LORD. It will not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise will be for those who dwell before the LORD, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.
Verses 1–8: The Promise of the True Shepherd and the Righteous Branch
In verses 1–8, judgment is pronounced on corrupt shepherds—leaders who scattered and harmed the flock. In contrast, God promises to gather the remnant and raise up a righteous Branch from David’s line. The text presents hope for just rule, safety, and restoration after failed leadership.
Verses 9–32: Warnings Against False Prophets
Continuing (verses 9–32), the chapter issues strong warnings against false prophets. These are the ones who speak their own ideas or dreams as if they were God’s Word, planting false peace and empty assurance in the people. God says that the message of the false prophets is worthless, that the true words (wheat) will be clearly distinguished, and that empty speech (chaff) will be consumed by fire.
Verses 33–40: God’s Word and Accountability
Beginning in verse 33, God speaks of the heavy responsibility regarding the temple and prophecy. He warns against the misuse of “the LORD’s solemn word (burden),” and declares that the use of God’s name for one’s own purposes will no longer be tolerated. Ultimately, the chapter concludes by emphasizing that those who distorted God’s Word will suffer punishment and shame.
Points for Reflection
- Reflect on how heavy a leader’s role and responsibility truly are. Realize that a true leader is one who embraces and protects people belonging to God.
- Ask yourself whether you are listening to God’s will and Word, rather than acting out of human thoughts or desires, and whether you can stand firm.
Try Applying It to Me
- No matter what community I belong to, I will act with truthfulness and a sense of responsibility, and deeply consider how my words and actions affect others.
- In the presence of God, I will examine whether there is any deceit or self-centered deception in my heart, and I will resolve to build my life on the right Word.
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