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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/isaiah/2-15.htm" title="Isaiah 2:15">◄</a> Isaiah 2:16 <a href="/isaiah/2-17.htm" title="Isaiah 2:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/isaiah/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/isaiah/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />for every trading ship and every stately vessel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/isaiah/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He will destroy all the great trading ships and every magnificent vessel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/isaiah/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />against all the ships of Tarshish, and against all the beautiful craft.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />against every ship of Tarshish, and against every stately vessel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/isaiah/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/isaiah/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Upon all the ships of Tarshish, And upon all the beautiful sloops.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/isaiah/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Against all the ships of Tarshish And against all the delightful ships.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/isaiah/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Against all the ships of Tarshish And against all the beautiful craft.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/isaiah/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Against all the ships of Tarshish, And against all the beautiful craft.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/isaiah/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Against all the ships of Tarshish And against all the desirable craft.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/isaiah/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Against all the ships of Tarshish And against all the beautiful craft.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/isaiah/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />against every ship of Tarshish, and against every splendid sea vessel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/isaiah/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />against every ship of Tarshish, and against every splendid sea vessel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/isaiah/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant imagery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/isaiah/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />all the seagoing ships, and every beautiful boat. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/isaiah/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and upon all the ships of Tarshish; and upon all pleasant imagery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/isaiah/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />against all the large ships of Tarshish and all the beautiful boats.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/isaiah/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He will sink even the largest and most beautiful ships. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/isaiah/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />against all the ships from Tarshish, and against all their impressive watercraft.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/isaiah/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />against every ship of Tarshish, and against every stately vessel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/isaiah/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />for all the large ships, for all the impressive ships. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/isaiah/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For all the ships of Tarshish, and for all pleasant imagery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/isaiah/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/isaiah/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />for all the ships of Tarshish, and for all pleasant imagery. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/isaiah/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And for all ships of Tarshish, "" And for all desirable pictures.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/isaiah/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And for all ships of Tarshish, And for all desirable pictures.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/isaiah/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all the flags of desire.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/isaiah/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And upon all the ships of Tharsis, and upon all that is fair to behold. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/isaiah/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />and over all the ships of Tarshish, and over all the beauty that may be seen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/isaiah/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Against all the ships of Tarshish and all stately vessels. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />against all the ships of Tarshish, and against all the beautiful craft.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And against all the ships of Tarshish, and against all the pleasant sights.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/isaiah/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all the desirable sights<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/isaiah/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And upon all the ships of Tarshish, And upon all delightful imagery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/isaiah/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />and upon every ship of the sea, and upon every display of fine ships.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/isaiah/2-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=495" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/2.htm">The Day of Reckoning</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>against every high tower, against every fortified wall, <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: wə·‘al (Conj-w:: Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">against</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">every</a> <a href="/hebrew/591.htm" title="591: ’o·nî·yō·wṯ (N-fpc) -- A ship. Feminine of 'oniy; a ship.">ship</a> <a href="/hebrew/8659.htm" title="8659: tar·šîš (N-proper-ms) -- A son of Javan, his desc. and their land, also a port on the Mediterranean, also a Benjamite, also a Pers. noble. ">of Tarshish,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: wə·‘al (Conj-w:: Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">and against</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">every</a> <a href="/hebrew/2532.htm" title="2532: ha·ḥem·dāh (Art:: N-fs) -- Desire, delight. Feminine of chemed; delight.">stately</a> <a href="/hebrew/7914.htm" title="7914: śə·ḵî·yō·wṯ (N-fpc) -- A conspicuous object. Feminine from the same as Sekuw; a conspicuous object.">vessel.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>So the pride of man will be brought low, and the loftiness of men will be humbled; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/27-25.htm">Ezekiel 27:25-27</a></span><br />The ships of Tarshish carried your merchandise. And you were filled with heavy cargo in the heart of the sea. / Your oarsmen have brought you onto the high seas, but the east wind will shatter you in the heart of the sea. / Your wealth, wares, and merchandise, your sailors, captains, and shipwrights, your merchants and all the warriors within you, with all the other people on board, will sink into the heart of the sea on the day of your downfall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/18-17.htm">Revelation 18:17-19</a></span><br />For in a single hour such fabulous wealth has been destroyed!” Every shipmaster, passenger, and sailor, and all who make their living from the sea, will stand at a distance / and cry out at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. “What city was ever like this great city?” they will exclaim. / Then they will throw dust on their heads as they weep and mourn and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, where all who had ships on the sea were enriched by her wealth! For in a single hour she has been destroyed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zephaniah/1-14.htm">Zephaniah 1:14-16</a></span><br />The great Day of the LORD is near—near and coming quickly. Listen, the Day of the LORD! Then the cry of the mighty will be bitter. / That day will be a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, / a day of horn blast and battle cry against the fortified cities, and against the high corner towers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/51-36.htm">Jeremiah 51:36-37</a></span><br />Therefore this is what the LORD says: “Behold, I will plead your case and take vengeance on your behalf; I will dry up her sea and make her springs run dry. / Babylon will become a heap of rubble, a haunt for jackals, an object of horror and scorn, without inhabitant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/48-7.htm">Psalm 48:7</a></span><br />With a wind from the east You wrecked the ships of Tarshish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nahum/3-16.htm">Nahum 3:16</a></span><br />You have multiplied your merchants more than the stars of the sky. The young locust strips the land and flies away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/10-22.htm">1 Kings 10:22</a></span><br />For the king had the ships of Tarshish at sea with Hiram’s fleet, and once every three years the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/27-29.htm">Ezekiel 27:29-30</a></span><br />All who handle the oars will abandon their ships. The sailors and all the captains of the sea will stand on the shore. / They will raise their voices for you and cry out bitterly. They will throw dust on their heads and roll in ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/8-9.htm">Revelation 8:9</a></span><br />a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/23-1.htm">Isaiah 23:1-14</a></span><br />This is the burden against Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is laid waste, without house or harbor. Word has reached them from the land of Cyprus. / Be silent, O dwellers of the coastland, you merchants of Sidon, whose traders have crossed the sea. / On the great waters came the grain of Shihor; the harvest of the Nile was the revenue of Tyre; she was the merchant of the nations. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/26-17.htm">Ezekiel 26:17-18</a></span><br />Then they will lament for you, saying, “How you have perished, O city of renown inhabited by seafaring men—she who was powerful on the sea, along with her people, who imposed terror on all peoples! / Now the coastlands tremble on the day of your downfall; the islands in the sea are dismayed by your demise.”’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/6-14.htm">Revelation 6:14</a></span><br />The sky receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/107-23.htm">Psalm 107:23-27</a></span><br />Others went out to sea in ships, conducting trade on the mighty waters. / They saw the works of the LORD, and His wonders in the deep. / For He spoke and raised a tempest that lifted the waves of the sea. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/60-9.htm">Isaiah 60:9</a></span><br />Surely the islands will wait for Me, with the ships of Tarshish in the lead, to bring your children from afar, with their silver and gold, to the honor of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for He has glorified you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/10-9.htm">Jeremiah 10:9</a></span><br />Hammered silver is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz—the work of a craftsman from the hands of a goldsmith. Their clothes are blue and purple, all fashioned by skilled workers.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And on all the ships of Tarshish, and on all pleasant pictures.</p><p class="hdg">the ships</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/23-1.htm">Isaiah 23:1</a></b></br> The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/10-22.htm">1 Kings 10:22</a></b></br> For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/22-48.htm">1 Kings 22:48,49</a></b></br> Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Eziongeber… </p><p class="hdg">pleasant pictures.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/33-52.htm">Numbers 33:52</a></b></br> Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/revelation/18-11.htm">Revelation 18:11</a></b></br> And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/songs/7-6.htm">Beautiful</a> <a href="/job/9-26.htm">Boats</a> <a href="/exodus/35-33.htm">Craft</a> <a href="/songs/7-6.htm">Delightful</a> <a href="/songs/5-16.htm">Desirable</a> <a href="/songs/7-6.htm">Fair</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-11.htm">Imagery</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-11.htm">Pictures</a> <a href="/songs/7-13.htm">Pleasant</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-19.htm">Ship</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-14.htm">Ships</a> <a href="/songs/7-7.htm">Stately</a> <a href="/psalms/72-10.htm">Tarshish</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-18.htm">Trading</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-6.htm">Vessel</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-5.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/4-2.htm">Beautiful</a> <a href="/mark/4-36.htm">Boats</a> <a href="/isaiah/25-11.htm">Craft</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-7.htm">Delightful</a> <a href="/isaiah/27-2.htm">Desirable</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-23.htm">Fair</a> <a href="/ezekiel/8-12.htm">Imagery</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-14.htm">Pictures</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-7.htm">Pleasant</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-21.htm">Ship</a> <a href="/isaiah/23-1.htm">Ships</a> <a href="/isaiah/23-18.htm">Stately</a> <a href="/isaiah/23-1.htm">Tarshish</a> <a href="/jeremiah/32-15.htm">Trading</a> <a href="/isaiah/22-24.htm">Vessel</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-18.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/2-1.htm">Isaiah prophesies the coming of Christ's kingdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/2-6.htm">Wickedness is the cause of God's forsaking</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/2-10.htm">He exhorts to fear, because of the powerful effects of God's majesty</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/isaiah/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>against every ship of Tarshish</b><br>The mention of "Tarshish" refers to a distant trading partner known for its wealth and maritime prowess. Tarshish is often associated with the western Mediterranean, possibly modern-day Spain. In biblical times, ships of Tarshish were renowned for their size and ability to undertake long voyages, symbolizing economic power and international trade. The judgment against these ships signifies God's sovereignty over human commerce and the futility of relying on material wealth. This phrase connects to other scriptures, such as <a href="/ezekiel/27-12.htm">Ezekiel 27:12</a>, where Tarshish is listed as a trading partner of Tyre, emphasizing the extensive trade networks of the ancient world. The judgment here reflects a broader theme in Isaiah of God humbling human pride and self-sufficiency.<p><b>and against every stately vessel</b><br>The term "stately vessel" suggests grandeur and human achievement in shipbuilding, representing human pride and technological advancement. In the ancient Near East, ships were symbols of power and prestige, often used by empires to project their influence across seas. The judgment against these vessels underscores the theme of divine supremacy over human accomplishments. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative where God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (<a href="/james/4-6.htm">James 4:6</a>). The imagery of ships being judged can also be seen as a type of Christ's ultimate authority over all creation, as He calms the seas and commands nature (<a href="/mark/4-39.htm">Mark 4:39</a>). This phrase serves as a reminder of the transient nature of human glory in contrast to the eternal sovereignty of God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/isaiah.htm">Isaiah</a></b><br>A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah's ministry spanned the reigns of several kings of Judah. He is known for his prophecies concerning both judgment and redemption.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/tarshish.htm">Tarshish</a></b><br>A distant port city, often associated with wealth and trade. It is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of maritime power and economic prosperity.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/ships_of_tarshish.htm">Ships of Tarshish</a></b><br>These ships symbolize human pride and reliance on material wealth and trade. They were known for their grandeur and were a source of national pride.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/stately_vessels.htm">Stately Vessels</a></b><br>These represent human achievements and the pride associated with them. They are symbols of human ingenuity and the desire for self-sufficiency.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/judgment_day.htm">Judgment Day</a></b><br>The context of <a href="/bsb/isaiah/2.htm">Isaiah 2</a> speaks of the "Day of the Lord," a time of divine judgment against human pride and idolatry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/h/human_pride_and_its_consequences.htm">Human Pride and Its Consequences</a></b><br><a href="/isaiah/2-16.htm">Isaiah 2:16</a> warns against the pride that comes from human achievements and wealth. Believers are reminded to place their trust in God rather than in material possessions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_materialism.htm">The Futility of Materialism</a></b><br>The ships of Tarshish symbolize the futility of relying on material wealth. Christians are encouraged to seek eternal treasures rather than temporary riches.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_nations.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Nations</a></b><br>The judgment against the ships of Tarshish demonstrates God's control over nations and their economies. Believers should find comfort in God's sovereignty and justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_the_day_of_the_lord.htm">Preparation for the Day of the Lord</a></b><br>Isaiah's prophecy serves as a reminder to live in readiness for the Day of the Lord, focusing on spiritual growth and obedience to God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_and_dependence_on_god.htm">Humility and Dependence on God</a></b><br>The passage calls for humility and a recognition of our dependence on God. Christians are encouraged to cultivate a humble heart and rely on God's provision.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_god_break_ships_naturally.htm">Psalm 48:7: How do we reconcile the claim that God breaks “the ships of Tarshish with an east wind” with natural explanations for maritime disasters? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/was_jonah's_storm_divinely_sent.htm">Jonah 1:4 - How plausible is it that a sudden storm was divinely sent precisely to target Jonah's fleeing ship?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_evidence_for_tarshish's_existence.htm">Jonah 1:3 - Is there any archaeological or historical evidence confirming Tarshish as a real destination matching the account?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_isaiah_23_4's_sea_lament_literal.htm">In Isaiah 23:4, how can the sea itself lament or mourn, and should this be taken literally or figuratively?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">And upon all the ships of Tarshish.</span>--The words point to the commerce in the Red Sea carried on by the fleets of Uzziah and Jotham (<a href="/1_kings/22-48.htm" title="Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Eziongeber.">1Kings 22:48</a>); perhaps also to that in the Mediterranean with Tarshish, or Tartessus (Spain), as in <a href="/jonah/1-3.htm" title="But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.">Jonah 1:3</a>. The "ships of Tarshish" had come to be used generically for all ships of the class used in such commerce, whether crossing the Mediterranean to Spain, or circumnavigating Africa, or passing over the Persian Gulf to Ophir.<p><span class= "bld">Upon all pleasant pictures.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">upon all imagery of delight </span>(Comp. <a href="/leviticus/26-1.htm" title="You shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither raise you up a standing image, neither shall you set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down to it: for I am the LORD your God.">Leviticus 26:1</a>; <a href="/numbers/33-52.htm" title="Then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places:">Numbers 33:52</a>.) The combination of the phrase with "the ships of Tarshish" suggests the inference that it includes the works of art which were brought by them from East and West. For these, it would seem, there was a mania among the higher classes in Jerusalem, like that which in later times has fastened upon china, or pictures, or carvings in ivory. So the ships of Solomon brought gold and silver, and "ivory and apes and peacocks" (<a href="/1_kings/10-22.htm" title="For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.">1Kings 10:22</a>). The "ivory beds" of <a href="/amos/6-4.htm" title="That lie on beds of ivory, and stretch themselves on their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the middle of the stall;">Amos 6:4</a>, the "gold rings set with the beryl," the "ivory overlaid with sapphires," the "pillars of marble set upon sockets of fine gold" of <a href="/context/songs/5-14.htm" title="His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires.">Song of Solomon 5:14-15</a>, the precious things in the treasury of Hezekiah (<a href="/isaiah/39-2.htm" title="And Hezekiah was glad of them, and showed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armor, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah showed them not.">Isaiah 39:2</a>), may be taken as examples of this form of luxury. The aestheticism of the Roman Empire, of the <span class= "ital">Renaissance </span>of the fifteenth century, of the age of Louis XIV., of our own time and country, presents obvious parallels. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">All the ships of Tarshish.</span> "Ships of Tarshish" meant originally "ships built to sail to Tarshish;" but was used by the later writers for ships of a certain class or size (<a href="/1_kings/22-48.htm">1 Kings 22:48</a>; <a href="/psalms/48-7.htm">Psalm 48:7</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/27-25.htm">Ezekiel 27:25</a>). Tarshish was Tartessus, in Spain, and voyages thither were regarded as long and dangerous (Herod., 1:163). Consequently, the ships which were built for the Tartessian trade were of unusual size and strength. Uzziah had "built [<span class="accented">i.e.</span> rebuilt] Elath," in the eastern arm of the Red Sea, early in his reign (<a href="/2_kings/14-22.htm">2 Kings 14:22</a>), and no doubt maintained a fleet there, as Jehoshaphat had done (<a href="/1_kings/22-48.htm">1 Kings 22:48</a>). Elath remained in the possession of the Jews till the reign of Ahaz, when it was taken by Rezin, and restored to Edom (see 'Speaker's Commentary' on <a href="/2_kings/16-6.htm">2 Kings 16:6</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Upon all pleasant pictures</span>; Revised Version, <span class="accented">all pleasant imagery</span>. The exact word here translated "pictures" does not occur elsewhere in the Old Testament; but a cognate word is not uncommon. From the passages in which this cognate word occurs (especially <a href="/leviticus/26-1.htm">Leviticus 26:1</a>; <a href="/numbers/33-52.htm">Numbers 33:52</a>; <a href="/proverbs/25-11.htm">Proverbs 25:11</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/8-12.htm">Ezekiel 8:12</a>), it is concluded that works of art, of some sort or other, are intended. More than this can scarcely be determined. Dr. Kay thinks the term to include "sculptures and fresco-paintings." Mr. Cheyne translates "all delightful works of imagery." The sentiment is that the judgment of God will fall on the most valued contents of palaces and grand houses, no less than upon the forests and the mountains, the fortified places, and the national navy. <span class="accented">All</span> wilt be involved in one sweeping destruction. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/isaiah/2-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">against</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעַ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">every</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">ship</span><br /><span class="heb">אֳנִיּ֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(’o·nî·yō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_591.htm">Strong's 591: </a> </span><span class="str2">A ship</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Tarshish,</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּרְשִׁ֑ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(tar·šîš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8659.htm">Strong's 8659: </a> </span><span class="str2">Tarshish -- a son of Javan, also a port on the Mediterranean, also a Benjamite</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and]</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעַ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">every</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">stately</span><br /><span class="heb">הַחֶמְדָּֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(ha·ḥem·dāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">Desire, delight</span><br /><br /><span class="word">vessel.</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׂכִיּ֥וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(śə·ḵî·yō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7914.htm">Strong's 7914: </a> </span><span class="str2">A conspicuous object</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/2-16.htm">Isaiah 2:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/isaiah/2-16.htm">Isaiah 2:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/isaiah/2-16.htm">Isaiah 2:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/isaiah/2-16.htm">Isaiah 2:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/isaiah/2-16.htm">Isaiah 2:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/2-16.htm">Isaiah 2:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/2-16.htm">Isaiah 2:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/2-16.htm">Isaiah 2:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/2-16.htm">Isaiah 2:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/isaiah/2-16.htm">Isaiah 2:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/isaiah/2-16.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 2:16 For all the ships of Tarshish (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/2-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 2:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 2:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/2-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 2:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 2:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>