Isaiah 23:16

WEB

Take a harp; go about the city, you prostitute that has been forgotten. Make sweet melody. Sing many songs, that you may be remembered.

KJV

Take an harp, go about the city, thou harlot that hast been forgotten; make sweet melody, sing many songs, that thou mayest be remembered.

Commentary

Take a harp, go about the city,.... As harlots used to do, that by their music, both vocal and instrumental, they might allure men into their company to commit fornication with them; so Tyre is directed to, or rather this is a prophecy that she should take very artful and ensnaring methods to restore her commerce and merchandise: thou harlot that hast been forgotten; See Gill on Isa 23:15 , make sweet melody; or, "do well by striking" (k); that is, the harp in her hand; strike it well with art and skill, so as to make melody, and give pleasure: sing many songs; or, "multiply a song" (l); sing one after another, till the point is carried aimed at: that thou mayest be remembered; men may took at thee again, and trade with thee as formerly, who had been so long forgotten and neglected. (k) "benefac pulsando", Junius; "belle pulsa", Piscator. (l) "multiplica cantum", Piscator.