John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 23:13

"Behold, the land of the Chaldeans: this people was not; the Assyrian founded it for them that dwell in the wilderness; they set up their towers; they overthrew the palaces thereof; they made it a ruin." — Isaiah 23:13 (ASV)

Behold, the land of the Chaldeans. He now confirms by an example what he predicted about the taking of Tyre, for those things could hardly be believed, especially among the inhabitants of Tyre, who thought they were very far from such ruin. I am aware that this passage is explained in various ways, but I will not spend time refuting the opinions of others. It will be enough if I state, as far as I am able to judge, the Prophet’s real meaning.

The people of the Chaldeans was not; that is, they were not a recognized people, for if we inquire into their origin, they were descended from the Assyrians, as is evident from Genesis 10:11. He therefore says truly that at first they were not a nation, but were hidden under the name of another, so that they did not form a separate body.

Ashur founded it for the inhabitants of the wilderness. The words that we have translated as “inhabitants of the wilderness” others translate as ships, but we do not approve of that interpretation. What we initially stated is preferable: namely, that the Assyrians gave a settled condition to the Chaldeans, who formerly led a wandering life in the deserts under skins, but were gathered into cities and trained to a higher civilization by the Assyrians. This is also the meaning of the word עוררו (gnōrĕrū): namely, that they erected and built cities, for we cannot agree with those who translate it as “to destroy.” What happened?

He brought it to ruin. That is, to use a common expression, “The daughter has devoured the mother,” for the Assyrian monarchy was overturned by the Chaldeans, even though it was more powerful and flourishing than all the others.

It will be asked, what does this have to do with Tyre? We answer: it is because Tyre will be overthrown by the Assyrians and Chaldeans. Therefore, since the Chaldeans, who formerly were not a recognized people, could conquer the Assyrians and subject them to their power, why should we wonder if both united should conquer Tyre?

Since the Lord displayed such power in the case of the Assyrians, why should Tyre rely on her riches? She will undoubtedly be made to feel the hand of God, and her power will be of no use to her.