Isaiah 23
by Pastor David Groendyk

Tyre, Sidon, and Tarshish are coastal cities on the Mediterranean Sea, so this chapter has a particularly nautical flavor to it. Through their strategic location on the coast, they could trade with many other nations and peoples, which was their main source of revenue (v. 3). But far beyond being just a source of financial support, these cities had an insatiable lust for material possessions. Tyre especially is singled out as a city who, as the ESV Study Bible puts it, had an “anything-for-money ethic”. In this way, Isaiah calls it a prostitute (v. 17).

In verses 1–6, Isaiah lays out what should be Tyre’s response to their sin. He uses commands like “wail” and “be still” and “be ashamed”. The only appropriate response we should have to our sin is mourning and lament. Even in our current age, you can imagine someone explaining away their greedy actions—“Everyone’s got to make a living” or “I have to make sure me and my people are taken care of” or “It’s just business” or “This is the way the world works”. With earthly wisdom and reasoning, we can always find a way to explain away or justify or minimize our sin. But we should never do that. The standard we’re measured up to is a holy, holy, holy God who sees all and knows all and never turns a blind eye to sin. When was the last time you truly mourned over your sin? Consider (as we just heard preached) the discipline and the rewards of fasting, and consider how you might use that to grow in holiness and break the power of your sin.

In verses 7–9, the question raised next is this: who has done this great thing to this great of a city? It is the Lord of hosts. He defiles all the pompous pride of our self-made glory. He brings low all those who think that they themselves are something. He knocks down the strongholds, towers over high kings, and outlasts the most ancient cities. Do not be seduced by the allure of money and possessions! They mean nothing compared to an all-powerful God, and they can be taken away in an instant. Instead give your whole self over to God’s kingdom. Not only will he destroy everything that takes attention away from him, but he is worthy to be worshiped. What is it that tends to take your attention away from God? How can you learn to keep your eyes fixed on him?

In verses 10–14, Isaiah warns Tyre that though they may run, there is no escape from this judgment. It reminds me of the story of Jonah. When Jonah refused to obey God’s command to go preach to Nineveh he ran in the opposite direction and then got on a boat to go even farther away. But it didn’t matter where he went. Even in the middle of the sea, God found him and upheaved the heavens and the earth to get his attention. At the end of the day, our sin will find us out. Do not go on avoiding turning to God. Spend time in prayer confessing your sin and asking for forgiveness today.

In verses 15–18, God explains how, despite Tyre’s horrible corruption and subsequent judgment, he will restore them. More than that, they will be devoted to the Lord. Though God’s judgment seeks out all those who run from it, God’s grace also relentlessly pursues. It is good for God to chastise and speak a hard word to those who are in sin, because ultimately it ends with those people in communion with God, trusting him alone for rescue. And all of those riches that were hoarded in sin earlier are now given over to the Lord for his glory and honor. It still surprises me as I read through this book that God consistently shows grace to and redeems all of these horrible nations who never even showed a hint of worshiping Yahweh. But it goes to show that there is always hope with our God. My view of grace is so much smaller than God’s! How have you experienced God’s grace in changing you and making you more devoted to God? What do you need God’s grace for today?