Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Isaiah Ch.23 / 66 Ch.s
ISA:23
* The overthrow of Tyre. (1-14) It is established again. (15-18)
#1-14 Tyre was the mart of the nations. She was noted for mirth
and diversions; and this made her loth to consider the warnings
God gave by his servants. Her merchants were princes, and lived
like princes. Tyre being destroyed and laid waste, the merchants
should abandon her. Flee to shift for thine own safety; but
those that are uneasy in one place, will be so in another; for
when God's judgments pursue sinners, they will overtake them.
Whence shall all this trouble come? It is a destruction from the
Almighty. God designed to convince men of the vanity and
uncertainty of all earthly glory. Let the ruin of Tyre warn all
places and persons to take heed of pride; for he who exalts
himself shall be abased. God will do it, who has all power in
his hand; but the Chaldeans shall be the instruments.
#15-18 The desolations of Tyre were not to be for ever. The Lord
will visit Tyre in mercy. But when set at liberty, she will use
her old arts of temptation. The love of worldly wealth is
spiritual idolatry; and covetousness is spiritual idolatry. This
directs those that have wealth, to use it in the service of God.
When we abide with God in our worldly callings, when we do all
in our power to further the gospel, then our merchandise and
hire are holiness to the Lord, if we look to his glory.
Christians should carry on business as God's servants, and use
riches as his stewards.