Isaiah 23:6
Passe ye ouer to Tarshish, howle ye inhabitants of the yle. Isaiah 23:6 (KJV)
Isaiah 23 presents a vivid prophecy against Tyre, the great maritime city of Phoenicia, located in what is now modern‑day Lebanon. The chapter opens by announcing Tyre’s forthcoming desolation and its eventual restoration. Some readings note a specific period of seventy years for this restoration, while other portions of the text do not specify a precise time span, leaving the duration open to interpretation.
In verse 6 the prophet commands, “Pass ye over to Tarshish; howl, ye inhabitants of the isle.” The reference to Tarshish points to a distant locale, traditionally associated with a seafaring region of the Mediterranean. The exact identification of Tarshish remains uncertain; scholars suggest it may denote a real port city or function symbolically as a metaphorical destination representing escape, exile, or a place of safety beyond the imminent disaster.
The injunction to “howl” the inhabitants of the isle (Tyre) conveys a powerful image of mourning and lamentation. The impending destruction of this prosperous city would naturally provoke deep sorrow, and the prophet’s language captures the intensity of that emotional response.
Beyond the immediate historical setting, Isaiah frequently employs symbolic and prophetic language that operates on multiple levels. In this context, Tarshish can be understood not merely as a geographic point but as a symbol of refuge or deliverance—a potential sanctuary for those fleeing the coming judgment. The call to “pass over” therefore carries both a literal suggestion of physical relocation and a figurative invitation to seek divine protection.
Overall, Isaiah 23:6 urges the people of Tyre to recognize the severity of their situation, to mourn the loss that approaches, and to consider moving toward a place of safety, whether that be a literal destination like Tarshish or a spiritual refuge offered by God. The verse encapsulates both the historical reality of Tyre’s decline and the broader theological theme of God’s judgment tempered by the promise of restoration for those who turn to Him.
