John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 23:11

"He hath stretched out his hand over the sea, he hath shaken the kingdoms: Jehovah hath given commandment concerning Canaan, to destroy the strongholds thereof." — Isaiah 23:11 (ASV)

He stretched out his hand over the sea. It is thought that the prediction which the Prophet uttered about the destruction of Tyre is here confirmed by examples. Namely, the Lord has given so many examples of his power in overturning the greatest kingdoms that we should not think it strange if he now overturns Tyre, however flourishing and wealthy it may be. Indeed, this manner of speaking is frequently employed in Scripture, unless it is made plain by clear examples and by actual demonstration.

It is therefore believed that the Prophet here recalls the deliverance from Egypt, when the Lord divided the sea (Exodus 14:21–22), and again, when he drove out seven kings and brought his people into the land of Canaan (Joshua 6:1–27; Joshua 8:1–35; Joshua 10:1–43). But when I examine the Prophet's words more closely, I am more inclined to explain them as referring to the present situation, for he speaks here of Tyre, whose riches covered the whole sea.

He shook the kingdoms. His statement about the kingdoms implies that Tyre could not perish alone but would inevitably involve many kingdoms in her ruin. Thus, the whole world must have undergone some change, as is evident from history. Finally, the Prophet himself draws the conclusion that the Lord commanded that this marketplace of nations should be overthrown.

Jehovah hath given commandment concerning Canaan. The word כנען (chĕnāăn) has led commentators to think that the Prophet here speaks of the Canaanites and refers to the proof that God gave of his vengeance against them. But there is little force in that argument, for כנען (chĕnāăn) is often taken for a common noun, just as, a little before (verse 8), he used the word כנעניה (chinyāneihā) to mean her factors. Since Tyre's riches consisted of merchandise and trading, Isaiah described it by naming the principal part.

By the expression hath given commandment, he praises the providence of God, so that the Jews may know that everything that appears permanent in the world stands and falls according to God's will, and that there is no need for instruments of war to overturn the best-fortified place; instead, the mere expression of God's will is enough.