Be still, ye inhabitants of the isle; thou whom the merchants of Zidon, that pass over the sea, have replenished.
Be silent, you people who live on the coastland; you whom the merchants of Sidon, who travel across the sea, have made wealthy.
The writer is telling the wealthy coastal people, who became rich through sea trade with Sidon's merchants, to be quiet and listen.
📚 Historical Context
In the 8th century BC, the prophet Isaiah was delivering God's messages of judgment against powerful nations, including Tyre, a prosperous island city in Phoenicia known for its extensive sea trade and wealth accumulated through merchants from nearby Sidon. This verse specifically addresses the inhabitants of Tyre, warning them to be still amid their commercial success, as it foreshadowed divine punishment for their pride and reliance on material riches rather than God. The broader context reflects Israel's surrounding enemies and God's sovereignty over all nations.
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