Isaiah 23:5
When the report comes to Egypt, they will be in anguish over the report about Tyre.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "anguish" here isn't just sadness; it's a deep, throbbing pain, like labor pains. This highlights that Tyre's impending destruction isn't just a distant event, but something that will cause intense distress, even for those far away who depend on its economic stability.
The prophet Isaiah is delivering a prophecy against the wealthy and powerful city of Tyre, a major Phoenician trading hub. This oracle describes the devastating consequences of Tyre's fall, which will not only impact its own inhabitants and nearby cities but will also cause anxiety and grief in distant nations, including Egypt. The prophecy highlights that Tyre’s downfall is a divine judgment, meant to humble its pride.
Why would the news of a distant city's destruction cause such panic in Egypt? It wasn't just about politics; it was about survival.
The prophecy highlights a deep economic connection between Egypt and Tyre. Tyre was a major trading hub, and Egypt relied on exporting its abundant grain (the 'seed of Sihor,' 'harvest of the river') to Tyre.
Beyond trade, what larger fears gripped Egypt when Tyre, a significant regional power, was suddenly brought low?
The fall of Tyre wasn't just an economic blow; it sent shockwaves through the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East.
Understand the original words
shema' · Hebrew Noun
A message, news, or account brought to others; frequently used to describe a pronouncement that stirs fear or distress.
chil · Hebrew Noun
A state of extreme pain, suffering, or deep internal distress, often characterizing the emotional reaction to catastrophic news.
This prophecy speaks to a time when Tyre, a powerful Phoenician trading hub, faced severe judgment, likely from the Babylonian Empire. The news of Tyre's impending doom would have struck fear into Egypt, as their economies were interconnected, and Egypt might have feared it would be the next target.
c. 722 BC
Assyrian Expansion
The Neo-Assyrian Empire, under rulers like Sargon II and Sennacherib, exerted significant pressure on Egypt and surrounding regions, impacting trade and political stability.
c. 689 BC
Assyrian Destruction of Babylon
The complete destruction of Babylon by Sennacherib demonstrated the immense military power of Assyria, causing widespread fear among other nations, including Tyre and Egypt.
c. 605-562 BC
Nebuchadnezzar II's Reign
Under Nebuchadnezzar II, the Neo-Babylonian Empire rose to power, conquering Judah and exerting influence over the region, posing a threat to Tyre and Egypt.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
The destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile severely impacted the political and economic landscape of the ancient Near East, highlighting the power of Babylon.
This passage lists Tyre and Sidon alongside Egypt, highlighting their interconnectedness in divine judgment and the far-reaching impact of God's pronouncements.
Ezekiel 26:1-14Ezekiel provides an even more extensive prophecy against Tyre, detailing the extensive devastation, the lament of merchant ships, and the eventual scattering of its people, mirroring the anguish described here.
Zechariah 9:3-4This passage speaks of Tyre building a fortress and accumulating wealth, only to be overthrown and her riches plundered, showing the ultimate futility of such earthly security against God's decree.
Luke 10:13-14Jesus pronounces judgment on cities like Chorazin and Bethsaida for their lack of repentance despite powerful works, paralleling how Tyre's prosperity and influence did not lead to repentance, thus inviting divine judgment.
bensonIsaiah 23:5: "As at the report concerning Egypt, so shall they be sorely pained at the report of Tyre."
Isaiah 23:5 . As at the report concerning Egypt, &c. — “The words, as they stand in our translation, imply, that the Zidonians, spoken of Isaiah 23:4 , or in general other neighbouring places, should be as much concerned at the news of the destruction of Tyre as they were at the calamity of Egypt, mentioned chap. 19. But there is a difficulty in admitting this sense, because the destruction o…
cambridgeIsaiah 23:5: "As at the report concerning Egypt, so shall they be sorely pained at the report of Tyre."
5 . The verse should be read as in R.V. When the report cometh to Egypt, they shall be sorely pained at the report of Tyre . Assyria being the common enemy of Egypt and Tyre, the report of the latter’s fall is received with the utmost anxiety in Egypt.
The phrase "anguish" here isn't just sadness; it's a deep, throbbing pain, like labor pains. This highlights that Tyre's impending destruction isn't just a distant event, but something that will cause intense distress, even for those far away who depend on its economic stability.
The prophet Isaiah is delivering a prophecy against the wealthy and powerful city of Tyre, a major Phoenician trading hub. This oracle describes the devastating consequences of Tyre's fall, which will not only impact its own inhabitants and nearby cities but will also cause anxiety and grief in distant nations, including Egypt. The prophecy highlights that Tyre’s downfall is a divine judgment, meant to humble its pride.
The prophet Isaiah is delivering a prophecy against the wealthy and powerful city of Tyre, a major Phoenician trading hub. This oracle describes the devastating consequences of Tyre's fall, which will not only impact its own inhabitants and nearby cities but will also cause anxiety and grief in distant nations, including Egypt. The prophecy highlights that Tyre’s downfall is a divine judgment, meant to humble its pride.
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c. 586-573 BC— this verse
Nebuchadnezzar's Siege of Tyre
Nebuchadnezzar besieged the island city of Tyre for 13 years, eventually leading to its submission and the establishment of Babylonian dominance.
c. 525 BC
Persian Conquest of Egypt
The Persian Empire conquered Egypt, integrating it into their vast empire and shifting the geopolitical balance of power in the region.
"When the report comes to Egypt, they will be in anguish over the report about Tyre." — The phrase "anguish" here isn't just sadness; it's a deep, throbbing pain, like labor pains. This highlights that Tyre's impending destruction isn't just a distant event, but something that will caus…
