Isaiah 23:13
Behold the land of the Chaldeans; this people was not, till the Assyrian founded it for them that dwell in the wilderness: they set up the towers thereof, they raised up the palaces thereof; and he brought it to ruin.
Original Language Analysis
כַּשְׂדִּ֗ים
of the Chaldeans
H3778
כַּשְׂדִּ֗ים
of the Chaldeans
Strong's:
H3778
Word #:
3 of 16
a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people
הָעָם֙
this people
H5971
הָעָם֙
this people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
5 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הָיָ֔ה
H1961
הָיָ֔ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
7 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אַשּׁ֖וּר
was not till the Assyrian
H804
אַשּׁ֖וּר
was not till the Assyrian
Strong's:
H804
Word #:
8 of 16
ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire
יְסָדָ֣הּ
founded
H3245
יְסָדָ֣הּ
founded
Strong's:
H3245
Word #:
9 of 16
to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult
לְצִיִּ֑ים
it for them that dwell in the wilderness
H6728
לְצִיִּ֑ים
it for them that dwell in the wilderness
Strong's:
H6728
Word #:
10 of 16
a desert-dweller, i.e., nomad or wild beast
הֵקִ֣ימוּ
they set up
H6965
הֵקִ֣ימוּ
they set up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
11 of 16
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
עֽוֹרְרוּ֙
thereof they raised up
H6209
עֽוֹרְרוּ֙
thereof they raised up
Strong's:
H6209
Word #:
13 of 16
to bare; figuratively, to demolish
Historical Context
The Neo-Babylonian (Chaldean) Empire under Nabopolassar and Nebuchadnezzar (626-539 BC) rose suddenly after Assyria's collapse. Within decades, this 'insignificant' people dominated the ancient Near East. Their rapid rise and fall (less than a century of dominance) illustrates the transience of human empires—a theme Daniel's visions elaborate.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the rise and fall of empires demonstrate that political power is temporary and serves God's larger purposes?
- What comfort and warning does this verse provide: comfort that oppressive powers won't last; warning that judgment comes from unexpected quarters?
- How should the temporary nature of all human governments shape Christian political engagement and expectations?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Behold the land of the Chaldeans; this people was not—The Chaldeans (כַּשְׂדִּים, Kasdim) were relative newcomers to power. The phrase 'was not' (lo hayah) means they were insignificant, not a recognized nation. Till the Assyrian founded it for them that dwell in the wilderness—This historical note is debated: some see it as Assyria founding what would become Babylon's power; others as Assyria's attempt to settle nomadic Aramean tribes. Either way, the point is clear: upstart Chaldeans, recently organized, now destroy ancient Tyre.
They set up the towers thereof, they raised up the palaces thereof; and he brought it to ruin—The 'they/he' confusion in Hebrew manuscripts reflects complex fulfillment: Assyria weakened Tyre; Babylon (Chaldean) destroyed her; Alexander (Greek) finished the work. The theological lesson transcends historical details: God raises up new powers to judge old powers. No empire is permanent. Those who trust in antiquity, cultural achievement, or past glory miss the point—all human kingdoms serve God's purposes and are discarded when that purpose is fulfilled. Babylon itself would fall to Persia (Isaiah 21); Persia to Greece; Greece to Rome; Rome to barbarians. Only God's kingdom endures forever (Daniel 2:44).