Isaiah 23:1 A prophecy against Tyre: Wail, you ships of Tarshish! For Tyre is destroyed and left without house or harbor. From the land of Cyprus word has come to them.
The verb choices in this passage jumped out at me today, probably because my students and I are talking about how authors create mood within a work. These verbs definitely help set a specific mood.
Isaiah 23:2 Be silent, you people of the island and you merchants of Sidon, whom the seafarers have enriched.
Verse 1 includes the verb wail, which means “to give a cry of pain, anguish, or grief.” Verse 2 commands the people to be silent, a command which carries a negative connotation (You are NOT allowed to speak.) Verse 3 bids them to be ashamed, which means “to be embarrassed or guilty because of one’s actions, characteristics, or associations.” Verse 4 promises that they will be in anguish, “severe mental or physical pain or suffering.” Together they paint a very dark picture.
Isaiah 23:4 Be ashamed, Sidon, and you fortress of the sea, for the sea has spoken: “I have neither been in labor nor given birth; I have neither reared sons nor brought up daughters.”
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the many lenses through which we can view Your word. Thank You that as we study Your word, You draw us closer. Thank You. Amen.
Isaiah 23:5 When word comes to Egypt, they will be in anguish at the report from Tyre.
Have a blessed day.