Isaiah 33:23
Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey.
ISAIAH 33:23
This verse uses imagery of nautical failure to depict losing strength and provision in a siege or conflict. “Tacklings loosed” and the inability to strengthen the mast or spread the sail describe a ship deprived of essential equipment, leaving it vulnerable to spoil and plunder. The “great spoil” and “the lame take the prey” illustrate how, in the absence of proper preparation and protection, the vulnerable become targets and the strong become prey. In the prophetic tradition, such imagery underscores the consequences of human dependence on political or military might rather than divine safeguarding. The surrounding context emphasizes God’s deliverance and the transformation of danger into safety for those who trust in the Lord. The verse, though vivid, points to a larger theme: when human planning fails or is misdirected, God’s sovereignty can still bring rescue and restoration.
The lines highlight the fragility of human power and the sufficiency of God’s protection. They remind readers that human strategies (even skilled ones) require divine blessing to be effective; without God, even the best resources are useless or misapplied. There is a note of irony in the “prey of a great spoil”—great spoils for the victors only when the defense fails. This supports a biblical pattern: God often uses apparent weakness or failure to accomplish his purposes and to elevate his people. It also foreshadows the transformation of caution into reliance on God’s sovereignty and timing.
For readers today, the verse invites humility in planning and vigilance in dependence on God. When facing career, war, or personal risk, avoid overreliance on machinery, networks, or locks of defense alone. Instead, align preparations with trust in God’s protection and seek his wisdom for timing and strategy. Practically, this could mean evaluating contingency plans—are they grounded in human systems or in God’s leading? It might also mean advocating for protections for the vulnerable and fair handling of resources, recognizing that true security comes from stewardship guided by God. Share with others that ultimate safety belongs to God, not to our inventories or armor. In daily life, it can manifest as being generous in danger zones and using authority with restraint.
Cross-References: Psalm 20:7; Proverbs 21:31; Jeremiah 17:5; Habakkuk 1:11; 1 Corinthians 1:25