Isaiah 33:23

Thy tacklings are loosed: they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the saile: then is the praye of a great spoile diuided, the lame take the praye. Isaiah 33:23 (KJV)

This quotation does not appear in the canonical Book of Isaiah and is absent from standard translations such as the King James Version. It is sometimes cited in secondary literature, and therefore should be treated as a poetic illustration rather than as Scripture itself.

The image of “tacklings” being loosed refers to the ropes or rigging that secure a ship’s sails and masts. When those lines are released, the vessel is left in disarray, symbolising a nation or people caught in turmoil and lacking cohesion. The phrase “could not well strengthen their mast” conveys an inability to restore stability or to provide the necessary support for forward movement, highlighting vulnerability and powerlessness. Likewise, “could not spread the sail” suggests a hindrance to progress; without a sail catching the wind, a ship cannot advance, underscoring stagnation and the loss of momentum.

The latter half of the verse shifts focus to the consequences of such weakness. “The prey of a great spoil divided” depicts the spoils of victory being scattered among conquerors, indicating that a weakened people become susceptible to plunder and loss. Yet the surprising turn, “the lame take the prey,” asserts that even the most disadvantaged—those normally marginalized—can partake in the blessings when circumstances change dramatically. This paradox highlights a reversal of fortune, where the least expected participants receive abundance.

While the surrounding passages of Isaiah discuss themes of divine judgment and eventual restoration for Jerusalem, this particular saying functions as a literary image that underscores the contrast between hardship and the potential for unexpected deliverance. It reminds readers that in times of distress, circumstances can shift so that even the most marginalized may share in unexpected blessings, pointing to a broader hope that God’s providence can overturn adversity and bring prosperity to all who trust in Him.