Isaiah 19:10

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

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

the spinners will be crushed, the hired workers dejected.

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

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

Isaiah 19:10 is part of a significant prophetic oracle concerning Egypt, detailing the judgments that would befall the nation. This particular verse highlights the frustration and collapse of a vital sector of the ancient Egyptian economy, directly tied to the life-giving Nile River.

Context

The entire chapter of Isaiah 19 describes a series of divine judgments against Egypt, leading to its desolation and eventual spiritual transformation. Before this verse, Isaiah speaks of civil strife, the weakening of wisdom, and the drying up of the Nile River itself (Isaiah 19:5-6). The Nile was the lifeblood of Egypt, sustaining its agriculture, transportation, and, critically, its fishing industry. Therefore, the prophecy of "broken purposes" for those involved in "sluices and ponds for fish" points to a direct and devastating impact on the nation's economic foundation, orchestrated by God's sovereign hand.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Economic Collapse: This verse powerfully illustrates God's ability to dismantle even the most robust human systems and economies. The collapse of the fishing industry, a cornerstone of Egyptian prosperity, signifies a comprehensive judgment that undermines the very means of sustenance and livelihood.
  • Frustration of Human Endeavor: "They shall be broken in the purposes thereof" speaks to the futility of human planning and industry when it stands against God's will. Despite their ingenuity in creating "sluices and ponds," their efforts would ultimately be rendered useless. This theme resonates with the broader biblical message that human strength and wisdom are insufficient without divine blessing, a concept explored in Psalm 33:10.
  • Reliance on Natural Resources: The focus on the Nile-dependent fishing industry underscores Egypt's reliance on its natural resources. The prophecy demonstrates that even these seemingly stable foundations are subject to God's control and can be withdrawn or corrupted as part of His judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "sluices [and] ponds for fish" refers to the elaborate systems ancient Egyptians created to manage water for fishing. The Hebrew word for "sluices" is sekher (סֶכֶר), often implying a dam or enclosure, while "ponds" comes from 'agam (אֲגַם), meaning a pool or marshy place. These terms together paint a picture of sophisticated aquaculture infrastructure. The verb "broken" is from the Hebrew shabar (שָׁבַר), meaning to break, shatter, or frustrate. This implies not just damage, but a complete shattering of their plans and the very structures they built for their livelihood, leading to utter futility in their efforts (their "purposes," from ma'aseh - work, deed).

Practical Application

Isaiah 19:10 serves as a timeless reminder that all human plans, industries, and economic systems are ultimately under the sovereign hand of God. It challenges us to consider where our ultimate trust lies. If our security is placed solely in our ingenuity, our resources, or the stability of our economy, we become vulnerable to the "breaking" of those purposes. This verse encourages a posture of humility and dependence on God, acknowledging His ultimate control over all aspects of life, including our provisions and prosperity. It prompts us to seek God's wisdom and guidance in our endeavors, rather than relying solely on our own strength and planning, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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