John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 23:14

"Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for your stronghold is laid waste." — Isaiah 23:14 (ASV)

Howl, ye ships of Tarshish. He repeats what he previously said; for the Cilicians, on account of their vicinity, constantly traded with the inhabitants of Tyre. He tells their ships to howl because, when that harbor is closed, the merchants will be struck with amazement at not having their usual commerce. He calls that harbor which they visited their strength, not only because it was a reliable port of call, but also because there was no other way in which their voyages could yield profit.