Isaiah Chapter 23

1 This is a message about Tyre: Ships traveling from Cyprus heard this message: "Cry, you ships from Tarshish! Your harbor has been destroyed."

2 People living near the sea, mourn in silence. The merchants of Sidon sent traders across the sea and filled the city with riches.

3 They traveled the seas looking for grain. The men from Tyre bought grain that grows near the Nile River and sold it to other nations.

Isaiah Chapter 23

4 Sidon, you should be very sad, because now the Sea and the Fort of the Sea say, "I have no children. I have never felt the pain of birth; I have never given birth to children. I have never raised young men and women."

5 When Egypt hears the news about Tyre, it will feel the pain of sorrow.

6 You ships, try to escape to Tarshish! Cry out, you people living near the sea!

Isaiah Chapter 23

7 Can this be that happy city that was founded so long ago? Is it that same city whose people traveled so far to settle other lands?

8 This city produced so many leaders. Its merchants were like princes. Its traders had the whole world's respect. So who made these plans against Tyre?

9 It was the Lord All-Powerful. He decided to destroy the great things they were so proud of. He wanted to disgrace those who were so highly respected.

Isaiah Chapter 23

10 Ships from Tarshish, go back home. Cross the sea as if it were a river. No one will stop you now.

11 The Lord raised his arm over the sea to make the kingdoms angry enough to fight against Tyre. He commanded Canaan to destroy her place of safety.

12 He said, "Daughter Sidon, you have been hurt badly, so you will no longer rejoice like a bride. Go ahead, go to Cyprus for help, but you will not find a place to rest there either."

Isaiah Chapter 23

13 As for Babylon, look at the land of the Chaldeans! It is not even a country now. Assyria built war towers to attack it. The soldiers took everything from the beautiful houses. Assyria destroyed Babylon. They turned it into a pile of ruins and made it a place for wild animals.

14 So be sad, you ships from Tarshish. Your place of safety has been destroyed.

Isaiah Chapter 23

15 People will forget about Tyre for 70 years�that is, about the length of a king's rule. After 70 years, Tyre will be like the prostitute in this song:

16 "Oh, woman who men forgot, take your harp and walk through the city. Play your song well and sing it often. Maybe someone will remember you."

17 After 70 years, the Lord will review Tyre's case, and he will give her a decision. Tyre will again have trade. She will be like a prostitute for all the nations on earth.

Isaiah Chapter 23

18 But Tyre will not keep the money she earns. The profit from her trade will be saved for the Lord. Tyre will give that money to the people who serve the Lord to buy good food and nice clothes.