Your ropes are slack; they cannot secure the mast or spread the sail. Then an abundance of spoils will be divided, and even the lame will carry off plunder.
23. Thy cords were loosed. He directs his discourse to the Assyrians, in whose person he likewise addresses all the enemies of the Church. After having promised to the Church such stability as shall never be disturbed, he rebukes the foolish confidence with which ungodly men are puffed up; as if they had been so deeply rooted as to reach the center of the earth.
Here is a preface that commands attention; and it is fit that all should attend, both near and afar off, to what God says and does (Isa 33:13): Hear, you that are afar off, whether in place or time. Let distant regions and future ages hear what God has done.
Commenting on Isaiah 33:13-24
Thy tacklings are loosed,.... Or "are left" (h); forsaken by the mariners, as being of no use and service: they could not well strengthen their mast; with ropes to make it stand upright: they could not spread the sail; upon the mast, without which they could not proceed.