Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"Be ashamed, O Sidon"
Text: Isaiah 23:4
THE CITY OF SIDON
Tyre and Sidon were principal cities of Phoenicia. The message delivered was cryptic and sobering!
“Be ashamed, O Sidon;
For the sea has spoken,
The strength of the sea, saying,
‘I do not labor, nor bring forth children;
Neither do I rear young men,
Nor bring up virgins.’
When the report reaches Egypt,
They also will be in agony at the report of Tyre.
Cross over to Tarshish;
Wail, you inhabitants of the coastland!”
Isaiah 23:4-6
1. The disaster that would affect Sidon.
a) Phoenicia was a maritime nation.
b) They had formed colonies way beyond their shores.
c) They seem to have “mastered” the sea for the nation to become
so rich and influential.
2. The response of “the Sea”.
a) The Sea is personified here.
b) It sent out a disclaimer to Sidon.
i) The Sea did not bring up the children of Sidon.
ii) Thus, it is not responsible for any mishap that may occur.
c) The cryptic message.
When storms arise, even the expert Phoenician seamen cannot prevent the deaths of those who travelled on the high seas!
3. Bad reports reached:
a) Egypt
b) Tyre
c) Tarshish (in the Mediterranean colonies)
4. All were deeply saddened
a) All who have lost loved ones would wail.
b) They would experience great agony.
c) What they had not expected had happened.
Lives were lost in the stormy seas!
d) Sidon and Tyre may have been largely successful
but no one has truly mastered the Seas!