Isaiah 19:10

KJV

And they shall be broken in the purposes thereof, all that make sluices [and] ponds for fish.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall be broken {H1792} in the purposes {H8356} thereof, all that make {H6213} sluices {H7938} and ponds {H99} for fish {H5315}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the spinners will be crushed, the hired workers dejected.

Berean Standard Bible

The workers in cloth will be dejected, and all the hired workers will be sick at heart.

American Standard Version

And the pillars of Egypt shall be broken in pieces; all they that work for hire shall be grieved in soul.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 19:10 serves as a powerful declaration within a broader prophetic oracle against Egypt, foretelling the comprehensive collapse and utter frustration of a foundational pillar of its ancient economy. It specifically targets those intricately involved in the sophisticated management of water resources for the fishing industry, proclaiming that their meticulously engineered "sluices and ponds," along with all their associated "purposes," would be completely "broken." This verse profoundly underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His capacity to dismantle even the most established and seemingly self-sufficient human systems and industries, revealing the ultimate futility of relying on human ingenuity or material prosperity apart from divine blessing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 19 unfolds as a comprehensive prophetic oracle against Egypt, detailing a series of divine judgments designed to bring about its desolation, humiliation, and eventual spiritual transformation. The chapter commences with a vivid portrayal of internal strife and civil unrest within Egypt, followed by the weakening of its renowned wise counselors and, most crucially, the drying up of the life-giving Nile River. Verses [Isaiah 19:5-7](/isaiah/19-5-7 "Isaiah 19:5-7 - The Drying of the Nile") explicitly describe the desiccation of the Nile, which was the very lifeblood of Egypt, sustaining its agriculture, transportation, and, critically, its extensive fishing industry. Consequently, Isaiah 19:10 directly extends this imagery of the Nile's decline, focusing the judgment specifically on the economic sectors most intimately dependent on its waters. The "broken purposes" of those who manage water for fish represent a direct, devastating, and comprehensive blow to the nation's economic foundation, orchestrated by God's sovereign hand as an integral part of His overarching judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt's existence and prosperity were inextricably linked to the annual inundation of the Nile River, which deposited fertile silt and provided the essential water for all aspects of life. This profound dependence fostered an unparalleled understanding of hydraulic engineering, leading to the construction of elaborate irrigation systems, canals, and extensive fishponds. Fishing was far more than a mere subsistence activity; it constituted a major industry, providing a staple food source for the populace and contributing significantly to the national economy. The "sluices" (Hebrew: _seker_) refer to sophisticated water gates, weirs, or dams used to control water flow, while "ponds" (Hebrew: _ʼâgêm_) denote artificial pools, fish farms, or managed marshy areas where fish were cultivated, trapped, and harvested. For these highly advanced systems to fail, and for the "purposes" of those who managed them to be "broken," would signify an economic and social catastrophe of immense proportions, striking at the very heart of Egypt's perceived self-sufficiency and long-held prosperity. Such a judgment would profoundly undermine the pharaohs' claims of divine power and their supposed control over the land's bounty.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 19:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent within the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment and Economic Collapse**, demonstrating God's absolute power to dismantle even the most robust human systems and economies. The specific targeting of the fishing industry, a cornerstone of Egyptian prosperity, signifies a comprehensive judgment that undermines the very means of sustenance and livelihood, as vividly depicted throughout [Isaiah 19](/isaiah/19 "Isaiah 19 - Prophecy Against Egypt") itself. Secondly, the phrase "they shall be broken in the purposes thereof" speaks to the profound **Frustration of Human Endeavor** when such efforts are pursued in opposition to or apart from God's sovereign will. Despite their remarkable ingenuity in creating complex "sluices and ponds," their efforts would ultimately be rendered futile and useless. This theme resonates deeply with the broader biblical message that human strength, wisdom, and meticulous planning are ultimately insufficient without divine blessing, a concept eloquently articulated in passages like [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God Frustrates the Plans of Nations"). Lastly, the verse underscores Egypt's profound **Reliance on Natural Resources**, particularly the Nile. The prophecy demonstrates that even these seemingly stable and indispensable foundations are subject to God's ultimate control and can be withdrawn or corrupted as a means of His judgment, thereby emphasizing that true security and lasting prosperity reside not in earthly provisions but solely in the Creator and Sustainer of all things.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **broken (Hebrew, _dâkâʼ'_):** From H1792, a primitive root meaning to crumble, bruise, beat to pieces, crush, destroy, humble, oppress, or smite. In the context of Isaiah 19:10, this word signifies not merely damage or failure, but a complete shattering, an utter destruction, and a profound frustration of their plans and the very structures they meticulously built. It conveys a state of being utterly disheartened, oppressed, and rendered useless, reflecting a comprehensive and devastating divine judgment.
* **purposes (Hebrew, _shâthâh'_):** From H8356, derived from a root meaning "to set" or "to place," this noun refers to a basis, a foundation, or figuratively, a political or moral support. Here, it specifically denotes the carefully conceived plans, designs, or underlying foundations upon which Egypt's fishing industry and its associated livelihood were built. The breaking of their "purposes" therefore means the complete frustration and collapse of their meticulously laid plans and the entire infrastructure supporting their economic endeavors.
* **make (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** From H6213, a primitive root meaning to do or make in the broadest sense and widest application. It encompasses actions such as accomplishing, advancing, appointing, preparing, executing, fashioning, and working. In this verse, the verb highlights the active human effort, ingenuity, and considerable labor invested in constructing and maintaining the "sluices and ponds." The fact that those who actively "make" these things will have their purposes broken underscores the profound futility of even diligent human effort when it is not aligned with or stands in opposition to God's sovereign will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall be broken in the purposes thereof":** This opening clause declares the inevitable and devastating outcome for those deeply involved in Egypt's fishing industry. The verb "broken" (dâkâʼ) powerfully conveys a sense of being crushed, shattered, and utterly frustrated. Their "purposes" (shâthâh) refer to their meticulously planned and executed endeavors, their economic foundations, and their very means of livelihood. This signifies a complete and devastating collapse of their economic strategies and the industries they painstakingly built, demonstrating the profound futility of human effort when confronted by a comprehensive divine judgment.
* **"all that make sluices [and] ponds for fish.":** This clause precisely specifies the target of the judgment: those who actively "make" (ʻâsâh) and manage the sophisticated water infrastructure essential for fishing. "Sluices" (seker) refer to various forms of dams, weirs, or water gates used to control and direct water flow, while "ponds" (ʼâgêm) denote artificial pools, fish farms, or managed marshy areas where fish were cultivated or trapped. This detailed description highlights the specific, vital economic sector that would be utterly devastated, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's judgment that would undermine Egypt's self-sufficiency and prosperity at its very core.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 19:10 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message of divine judgment and the fragility of human endeavor. **Metonymy** is prominently evident as "sluices and ponds for fish" stand in for the entire fishing industry and, by extension, a significant portion of Egypt's economy and its inherent reliance on the Nile River. The "breaking" of these physical structures and the "purposes" behind them thus signifies the comprehensive collapse of the entire economic sector. The prophecy also utilizes **Hyperbole** to emphasize the totality and severity of the destruction; it is not merely a setback or a minor disruption, but a complete shattering and utter frustration of their endeavors. There is also a strong element of **Irony** in the verse: the very ingenuity, meticulous planning, and immense labor applied to "make" these systems, which were sources of national pride and vital sustenance, paradoxically become the precise focal point of their undoing. Finally, the verse functions as potent **Symbolism**, where the specific economic collapse of the fishing industry symbolizes the broader, comprehensive judgment God brings upon a nation that places its ultimate trust in its own strength, resources, and human wisdom rather than in Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 19:10 powerfully articulates the profound theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all human plans and endeavors. It reveals unequivocally that no human ingenuity, economic strength, or natural resource, however vital or seemingly indispensable, can ultimately stand against the divine will. The "breaking" of Egypt's purposes in its most foundational industry serves as a stark and timeless reminder that all earthly security, prosperity, and self-sufficiency are ultimately provisional and contingent upon God's permission. This judgment is not merely punitive but also profoundly revelatory, exposing the inherent fragility of human pride and self-reliance, and redirecting focus to the one true, unshakeable source of stability and provision. It underscores the biblical principle that nations, much like individuals, are held accountable to God, and their flourishing is ultimately dependent on His blessing, not solely on their own efforts or the abundance of their resources.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God Frustrates the Plans of Nations"): "The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations."
* [Proverbs 16:3](/proverbs/16-3 "Proverbs 16:3 - Commit Your Works to the Lord"): "Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established."
* [Jeremiah 17:5-8](/jeremiah/17-5-8 "Jeremiah 17:5-8 - Cursed is the one who trusts in man"): "Thus says the LORD: 'Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD... Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD.'"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 19:10 serves as a profound and timeless reminder that all human plans, industries, and economic systems are ultimately under the sovereign hand of God. In a contemporary world that often places immense trust in technological advancement, economic stability, or human ingenuity as the ultimate guarantors of security and prosperity, this verse challenges us to critically examine where our ultimate confidence and hope truly lie. If our hope is solely placed in our own abilities, our financial portfolios, the stability of our national economy, or the latest innovations, we become inherently vulnerable to the "breaking" of those purposes, just as ancient Egypt did. This passage encourages a posture of profound humility and unwavering dependence on God, acknowledging His ultimate control over all aspects of life, including our provisions, prosperity, and the very foundations of our societies. It prompts us to seek God's wisdom and guidance in all our endeavors, to align our plans with His righteous will, and to understand that true, lasting flourishing comes not from self-sufficiency but from a deep, abiding trust in the Creator and Sustainer of all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I primarily place my trust for security and provision in life: in my own efforts, economic systems, or in God?**
* **How might the "breaking of purposes" in my own life or community reveal a deeper need for reliance on God?**
* **What are some "sluices and ponds" (areas of self-reliance or perceived control) in my life that God might be challenging me to surrender to Him?**
* **In what ways can I actively demonstrate a posture of humility and dependence on God in my daily work, career, and future planning?**

### FAQ
**Why did God specifically target Egypt's fishing industry and its related infrastructure?**

Answer: God specifically targeted Egypt's fishing industry and its related infrastructure (sluices and ponds) because it represented a vital cornerstone of their economy and a powerful symbol of their self-sufficiency, ingenuity, and perceived control over their destiny. Egypt's prosperity and very existence were deeply intertwined with the Nile River, and their advanced ability to manage its waters for both agriculture and fishing was a source of immense national pride and a perceived guarantee of security. By striking directly at this specific, foundational industry, God unequivocally demonstrated His absolute sovereignty over even the most established human systems, natural resources, and the very means of sustenance. It was a comprehensive judgment designed to humble Egypt and expose the ultimate futility of trusting in human strength, wisdom, or natural abundance apart from the Creator, a theme that resonates throughout the entire prophecy against Egypt in [Isaiah 19](/isaiah/19 "Isaiah 19 - Prophecy Against Egypt").

**What does "broken in the purposes thereof" mean for us today?**

Answer: "Broken in the purposes thereof" means that human plans, intentions, and endeavors, no matter how meticulously conceived, diligently pursued, or seemingly robust, can be utterly frustrated, shattered, and rendered useless when they are not aligned with God's will or when they become objects of ultimate trust and security instead of God Himself. For us today, this serves as a powerful and enduring reminder that our security, success, and ultimate flourishing are entirely dependent on God's blessing and His sovereign hand. It challenges us to critically examine where we place our ultimate hope – whether in our careers, financial stability, technological advancements, political systems, or in the unfailing character and provision of God. When our "purposes" are broken, it often serves as a profound divine call to re-evaluate our priorities, to repent of self-reliance, and to deepen our reliance on the one who truly holds all things in His hands, as encouraged in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 19:10, with its stark depiction of broken purposes and shattered human endeavors, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "broken purposes" of Egypt, stemming from their misplaced reliance on earthly systems, human ingenuity, and the abundance of the Nile, powerfully foreshadow the universal human condition of attempting to build security, meaning, and life apart from God. Humanity's own "purposes," tainted and distorted by sin, are inherently flawed, ultimately futile, and inevitably lead to spiritual death and separation from God ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All have sinned")). Jesus, however, comes as the ultimate fulfillment of God's perfect and unshakeable purpose for humanity. He is the one in whom all things truly hold together ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - In Him all things hold together")) and the one who offers true, eternal, and unshakeable security and purpose. While earthly "sluices and ponds" (symbols of human provision and self-sufficiency) can be utterly broken and run dry, Jesus offers living water that never runs dry ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Living Water")) and declares Himself to be the bread of life that truly satisfies the deepest longings of the soul ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - The Bread of Life")). In Him, our broken purposes are not merely frustrated but are profoundly redeemed, reoriented, and given eternal significance, leading to a kingdom that cannot be shaken ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom that Cannot Be Shaken")). The judgment on Egypt ultimately points to humanity's desperate need for a Savior who provides true sustenance, establishes an everlasting foundation, and invites all who labor and are heavy laden to find their ultimate purpose, rest, and security in Him ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, all who labor")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 8:5

And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch forth thine hand with thy rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, and cause frogs to come up upon the land of Egypt.

Deuteronomy 11:10

For the land, whither thou goest in to possess it, [is] not as the land of Egypt, from whence ye came out, where thou sowedst thy seed, and wateredst [it] with thy foot, as a garden of herbs:

Exodus 7:19

And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and [that] there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in [vessels of] wood, and in [vessels of] stone.