John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 23:3

"And on great waters the seed of the Shihor, the harvest of the Nile, was her revenue; and she was the mart of nations." — Isaiah 23:3 (ASV)

And by great waters. He suggests that the riches of Tyre will not prevent it from being destroyed. Therefore, he highlights its wealth so that God's judgment may be more evident, and that all may know it was no ordinary calamity that happened to it. The more unexpected it was, the more clearly it would appear to be the work of God.

The seed of the Nile. He uses an elegant expression to describe Tyre's wealth. Since the Nile supplied it with wheat and other necessities of life, and since a great quantity of grain was brought to it from Egypt, he says that Tyre had fields and sowing along the course of the Nile. This is similar to how the inhabitants of Venice say their harvest is on the sea, because they grow nothing at home; instead, all their necessary food is brought to them by commerce.

The Prophet speaks of Tyre's inhabitants in the same way. Indeed, it might seem incredible that those whom the Nile supplied so freely and abundantly should lack food. He shows that this will be an empty boast, because they will be in need of all things. As we have already said, Isaiah describes these things so that all may more fully acknowledge God's avenging hand.