Isaiah 23:10
Pass through thy land as a river, O daughter of Tarshish: there is no more strength.
Original Language Analysis
עִבְרִ֥י
Pass
H5674
עִבְרִ֥י
Pass
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
1 of 8
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
אַרְצֵ֖ךְ
through thy land
H776
אַרְצֵ֖ךְ
through thy land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
2 of 8
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
כַּיְאֹ֑ר
as a river
H2975
כַּיְאֹ֑ר
as a river
Strong's:
H2975
Word #:
3 of 8
a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m
בַּת
O daughter
H1323
בַּת
O daughter
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
4 of 8
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
תַּרְשִׁ֕ישׁ
of Tarshish
H8659
תַּרְשִׁ֕ישׁ
of Tarshish
Strong's:
H8659
Word #:
5 of 8
tarshish, a place on the mediterranean, hence, the ephithet of a merchant vessel (as if for or from that port); also the name of a persian and of an i
Cross References
Isaiah 23:14Howl, ye ships of Tarshish: for your strength is laid waste.Psalms 18:32It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.Job 12:21He poureth contempt upon princes, and weakeneth the strength of the mighty.1 Samuel 28:20Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night.
Historical Context
Phoenician colonies from Tarshish (Spain) to Carthage (North Africa) initially gained independence when Tyre fell, but many struggled economically. Carthage eventually rose to power but others declined. The breakup of the Phoenician trading network disrupted Mediterranean commerce for generations, illustrating that empires' collapse affects subjects ambiguously.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the collapse of controlling authority sometimes bring not freedom but chaos and vulnerability?
- What is the difference between tyrannical control that oppresses versus legitimate authority that protects and orders?
- How does this verse illustrate that true freedom is not mere autonomy but exists within proper relationship to righteous authority?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Pass through thy land as a river, O daughter of Tarshish: there is no more strength—The imagery shifts: Tarshish, once a constrained colony controlled by Tyre, now flows freely like a river (ye'or, the Nile). The Hebrew mezach (strength/restraint/girdle) indicates the binding control that once constrained colonial expansion. There is no more strength can also read 'there is no more girdle'—the metaphorical belt or restraint has broken. Colonies are free but orphaned.
This captures colonialism's paradox: subject peoples desire freedom from imperial control, yet imperial collapse often brings chaos rather than prosperity. Tarshish and other Phoenician colonies depended on Tyre's trading network, naval protection, and economic coordination. Freedom from oppression does not automatically produce flourishing. The verse hints at a deeper truth: created beings need proper authority. Throwing off tyrannical control often leads not to liberty but to different bondage. True freedom comes not from autonomy but from submission to righteous authority—ultimately, God's loving rule.