Bible Strands
Isaiah 23:5
When the report reaches Egypt, they will writhe in agony over the news of Tyre.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The prophet pronounces judgment on Tyre immediately after the oracle against Sidon in Isaiah 23:4. The declaration addresses the coastal nations and Egypt as the fall of the maritime city is announced.
The words — The Hebrew verb יָחִ֖ילוּ (ya.chi.lu) means “they will writhe in agony” or “be in anguish.” It is paired with שֵׁ֖מַע (she.ma‘), literally “a report,” which describes the news of Tyre’s collapse reaching Egypt.
The thread — This sequence of distant powers trembling at announced judgment appears in Exodus 15:14, where nations hear and tremble, and Ezekiel 26:15, where coastlands quake at Tyre’s downfall. Joshua 2:9 records a parallel reaction when foreign rulers recognize the certainty of Israel’s conquest.
Why it lands — The text states that Egypt will experience visceral distress upon hearing of Tyre’s fall, establishing a direct link between reported judgment and political fear. It requires the reader to acknowledge that commercial and geopolitical alliances provide no permanent security against divine assessment.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
As at the report concerning Egypt, so shall they be sorely pained at the report of Tyre.
Cross-references
- Exodus 15:14 The nations will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the dwellers of Philistia.
- Joshua 2:9 and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you.
- Ezekiel 26:15 This is what the Lord GOD says to Tyre: ‘Will not the coastlands quake at the sound of your downfall, when the wounded groan at the slaughter in your midst?
- Ezekiel 27:29 All who handle the oars will abandon their ships. The sailors and all the captains of the sea will stand on the shore.
- Ezekiel 28:19 All the nations who know you are appalled over you. You have come to a horrible end and will be no more.’”
- Revelation 18:17 For in a single hour such fabulous wealth has been destroyed!” Every shipmaster, passenger, and sailor, and all who make their living from the sea, will stand at a distance
- Isaiah 19:16 In that day the Egyptians will be like women. They will tremble with fear beneath the uplifted hand of the LORD of Hosts, when He brandishes it against them.