Isaiah 23:1

The returning ships are apprised, at the last stage of their voyage, of the disaster that has overtaken their mother-country. Ships of Tarshishmay mean here, literally, "ships trading with Tarshish" (Tartessus) at the mouth of the Guadalquivir in Spain. See on Isaiah 2:16.

it is laid waste The unexpressed subject is best left indefinite, "a destruction has been wrought."

no house, no entering in i.e. "no house (harbour) to enter in." Cf. ch. Isaiah 24:10 "every house is shut up so that none can enter." The last word, however, might be joined with the following clause, which would then run: since leaving the land of Chittim, &c. The vessels learn of the fall of Tyre, not atCyprus, but on their voyage thence. The Chittimare the inhabitants of Kition, in the south of Cyprus, rounded by the Phœnicians. The name was extended to the whole island, and ultimately in biblical usage to the islands and coasts of the Mediterranean (Daniel 11:30).

it is revealed to them whether by rumour from flying vessels, or by eye-sight as they approached the shore, does not appear.