Isaiah 23:11 Meaning and Explanation
“He stretched out his hand over the sea, he shook the kingdoms: the LORD hath given a commandment against the merchant city, to destroy the strong holds thereof.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Lord stretched out His hand, shaking kingdoms and destroying merchant strongholds.
The Context of Isaiah 23:11
Divine action manifested through cosmic upheaval and destruction of fortresses.
What Does Isaiah 23:11 Mean?
The Lord's action is depicted in cosmic terms: stretching His hand over the sea and shaking kingdoms. This is the language of divine power moving through creation itself. The merchant city—Tyre—and all her fortified strongholds are targeted for destruction by divine decree.
The image recalls God's power at the Red Sea and other great deliverance moments, but here it is directed against human pride and commercial empire. No earthly fortification can stand against the Lord's commandment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 23:11
What does Isaiah 23:11 mean?
The Lord stretched out His hand, shaking kingdoms and destroying merchant strongholds.
What is the context of Isaiah 23:11?
Divine action manifested through cosmic upheaval and destruction of fortresses.