Isaiah 33:23
Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey.
Original Language Analysis
נִטְּשׁ֖וּ
are loosed
H5203
נִטְּשׁ֖וּ
are loosed
Strong's:
H5203
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive
בַּל
H1077
בַּל
Strong's:
H1077
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest
יְחַזְּק֤וּ
strengthen
H2388
יְחַזְּק֤וּ
strengthen
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
4 of 17
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
בַּל
H1077
בַּל
Strong's:
H1077
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest
נֵ֔ס
the sail
H5251
נֵ֔ס
the sail
Strong's:
H5251
Word #:
9 of 17
a flag; also a sail; by implication, a flagstaff; generally a signal; figuratively, a token
אָ֣ז
H227
Cross References
2 Kings 7:8And when these lepers came to the uttermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and did eat and drink, and carried thence silver, and gold, and raiment, and went and hid it; and came again, and entered into another tent, and carried thence also, and went and hid it.Psalms 68:12Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.1 Corinthians 1:27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
Historical Context
Though Assyria was a land power, nautical imagery depicts their helplessness. Ancient ships with loosened rigging were uncontrollable—dead in water, unable to escape or fight. Assyria's mighty army, reduced to corpses (Isaiah 37:36), became helpless prey. The 'lame' plundering them shows complete reversal—normally excluded from warfare (2 Samuel 5:8), now even they participate in victory spoils. God's deliverance is so complete it includes the marginalized.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God sometimes disable enemies so thoroughly that even the weak can overcome them?
- What 'loose tacklings'—areas of incapacity and failure—characterize those who oppose God?
- When have you, in weakness, experienced victory because God fought for you?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail (נִטְּשׁוּ חֲבָלָיִךְ בַּל־יְחַזְּקוּ־כֵן תָּרְנָם בַּל־פָרְשׂוּ נֵס, nitteshu chavalayikh bal-yechazzequ-khen tornam bal-parsesu nes)—your ropes (חֶבֶל, chevel) are loosened (נָטַשׁ, natash), they can't strengthen (חָזַק, chazaq) the mast (תֹּרֶן, toren), can't spread (פָּרַשׂ, paras) the sail (נֵס, nes). Then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey (אָז חֻלַּק עַד שָׁלָל מַרְבֶּה פִּסְחִים בָּזְזוּ בַז, az chullaq ad shalal marbeh pischim bazzu vaz)—even פִּסֵּחַ (pisseach, lame) plunder (בָּזַז, bazaz) the spoil (שָׁלָל, shalal).
This addresses Assyria (or any enemy) in defeat—their ship disabled, ropes loose, mast unsecured, sail unspreadable. The nautical metaphor depicts complete incapacitation. Then even the lame can plunder them—those normally disadvantaged in battle easily overcome the paralyzed enemy. This fulfills verse 4's locust imagery. God so thoroughly defeats enemies that the weakest Judeans can gather spoils. David, before fighting Goliath, declared: 'the battle is the LORD's' (1 Samuel 17:47). When God fights, even the weak triumph.