Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"The LORD has given a commandment against Canaan"
Text: Isaiah 22:11
THE LORD’S COMMANDMENT
The destruction of proud Phoenecia with its colonies was determined by the LORD. He declared that this was His sovereign will against Canaan.
“Overflow through your land like the River,
O daughter of Tarshish;
There is no more strength.
He stretched out His hand over the sea,
He shook the kingdoms;
The LORD has given a commandment against Canaan
To destroy its strongholds.
And He said, ‘You will rejoice no more,
O you oppressed virgin daughter of Sidon.
Arise, cross over to Cyprus;
There also you will have no rest.'”
Isaiah 23:10-12
1. The River
a) In this context it is the River Nile.
b) It is well-known for flooding huge swathes of land.
c) Phoenecia will be overwhelmed.
d) Phoenecia would lose all its strength.
2. God’s judgment was pronounced against the following:
a) The sea
i) This was mentioned because it was greatly associated with Phoenecia.
ii) The LORD would send storms to make sea-travel dangerous.
b) The kingdoms
i) There were many smaller kingdoms in Canaan.
ii) Edom, Philistia, Ammon, Moab etc.
iii) All would be conquered by invaders from the North.
c) Canaan and its strongholds.
d) Phoenecia (Tyre and Sidon) are included in the mention of the word “Canaan”.
3. Some Phoenecians tried to flee from God’s judgment.
a) The “Daughter of Sidon” represented Phoenecia.
b) Some tried to flee to Cyprus (Tarshish).
c) But all their efforts would be in vain.
d) The Phoenecians would find no rest wherever they think their mighty ships would take them.