Isaiah 19:12

KJV

Where [are] they? where [are] thy wise [men]? and let them tell thee now, and let them know what the LORD of hosts hath purposed upon Egypt.

KJV (with Strong's)

Where {H335} are they? where {H645} are thy wise {H2450} men? and let them tell {H5046} thee now, and let them know {H3045} what the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} hath purposed {H3289} upon Egypt {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Where are they, then, those sages of yours? Let them tell you, so all can know what ADONAI-Tzva'ot has planned against Egypt!

Berean Standard Bible

Where are your wise men now? Let them tell you and reveal what the LORD of Hosts has planned against Egypt.

American Standard Version

Where then are thy wise men? and let them tell thee now; and let them know what Jehovah of hosts hath purposed concerning Egypt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 19:12 delivers a poignant rhetorical challenge to Egypt, a nation long celebrated for its profound wisdom and strategic prowess. Through the prophet, the Lord of hosts exposes the utter inadequacy and impotence of human counsel when confronted with the sovereign, unalterable decrees of the Almighty God. The verse serves as a divine taunt, demanding that Egypt's renowned wise men, who once boasted of their foresight and strategic acumen, now explain or avert the divine judgment purposed against their land, thereby highlighting the absolute futility of relying on earthly understanding and self-reliance over the omniscient and omnipotent will of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a comprehensive prophetic oracle against Egypt, specifically spanning [Isaiah 19:1-25](/isaiah/19 "Isaiah 19 - The Burden of Egypt"). The chapter commences with a dramatic depiction of God's arrival in Egypt, riding on a swift cloud, bringing judgment that causes their idols to tremble and their hearts to melt in fear. The preceding verses detail a cascade of calamities: internal strife and civil war, a devastating economic collapse marked by the drying of the Nile and the failure of key industries, and the widespread confusion and foolishness among Egypt's leaders and counselors. [Isaiah 19:11](/isaiah/19-11 "Isaiah 19:11 - The Folly of Egypt's Princes") explicitly denounces the princes of Zoan as fools and Pharaoh's wise counselors as giving utterly foolish advice. Against this backdrop of national decay, intellectual bankruptcy, and spiritual blindness, [Isaiah 19:12](/isaiah/19-12 "Isaiah 19:12 - A Challenge to Egypt's Wisdom") emerges as a climactic rhetorical question, a divine challenge designed to expose the utter inability of Egypt's celebrated intellectual elite to comprehend or counteract God's unfolding plan. This underscores the inescapable and irresistible nature of divine judgment when God's purposes are set in motion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt held a preeminent position in the Near East, revered for its advanced civilization, sophisticated administration, profound wisdom, and mystical knowledge. Egyptian pharaohs relied heavily on a distinguished class of "wise men," including scribes, priests, magicians, and astrologers, who were believed to possess deep insight into both earthly governance and divine matters. These counselors guided national policies, interpreted omens, and were considered the intellectual backbone of the empire. Egypt's strategic geographical location and its reputation for stability often made it a tempting, though ultimately unreliable, political ally for smaller nations like Judah, particularly in the face of the encroaching and formidable Assyrian empire. Isaiah's prophecy, therefore, directly confronts this deep-seated cultural pride and reliance on human sagacity. By demonstrating that even the most esteemed human wisdom is utterly powerless before the God of Israel, the prophet highlights the futility of seeking alliances or counsel apart from the one true God. The public humiliation of Egypt's wise men would have signified a profound cultural blow, symbolizing the complete breakdown of their societal order and the impotence of their gods and human systems.
* **Key Themes:** The core themes intricately woven into [Isaiah 19:12](/isaiah/19-12 "Isaiah 19:12 - The Futility of Earthly Wisdom") are profoundly significant. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty** stands paramount; the verse unequivocally declares that it is "the LORD of hosts" who "hath purposed upon Egypt," emphasizing God's absolute and unchallengeable control over nations, historical events, and all human affairs. This truth resonates throughout Scripture, affirming that God's plans are immutable, as articulated in [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - The Lord's Purpose Will Prevail"), "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." Secondly, the **Futility of Human Wisdom** when pitted against divine purpose is starkly highlighted. Egypt's celebrated wise men are rendered speechless and impotent, unable to discern, explain, or alter God's predetermined plan. This starkly underscores the biblical contrast between worldly wisdom and divine understanding, a theme powerfully echoed in [1 Corinthians 1:20](/1_corinthians/1-20 "1 Corinthians 1:20 - God Makes Worldly Wisdom Foolish"), which asks, "Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?" Thirdly, the theme of **Judgment and Humiliation** is overtly present, as the rhetorical question itself serves as a public exposure of the intellectual and spiritual bankruptcy of a nation that prides itself on its own understanding, thereby demonstrating God's supreme authority over all earthly powers and their supposed wisdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wise (Hebrew, _châkâm'_):** (H2450) This term denotes intelligence, skill, and artfulness. In the context of ancient Egypt, it referred to those who possessed profound knowledge, foresight, and strategic acumen, often associated with scribes, priests, and royal counselors. Isaiah's challenge directly targets this esteemed class, questioning the very foundation of Egypt's intellectual pride and demonstrating that their renowned wisdom is utterly incapable of comprehending or thwarting God's divine purpose.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** (H3068) This is the sacred, self-existent, and eternal name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "the Lord." Its presence here emphasizes the personal, covenantal God of Israel as the one who is orchestrating these events, distinguishing Him from the impotent gods and human wisdom of Egypt. The use of this specific divine name underscores His unique and supreme authority.
* **purposed (Hebrew, _yâʻats'_): (H3289)** A primitive root meaning "to advise," but reflexively, "to deliberate or resolve." Here, it signifies God's deliberate, unchangeable plan or counsel. It is not a mere suggestion but a firm, determined decree that will inevitably come to pass, regardless of human opposition or understanding. This highlights the unassailable nature of God's will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Where [are] they? where [are] thy wise [men]?"**: This opening phrase is a sharp, rhetorical question designed to mock and expose the absence and impotence of Egypt's famed counselors. It implies that in the face of true crisis—a divinely orchestrated judgment—those who once boasted of their wisdom are nowhere to be found or are utterly silent, unable to offer any meaningful advice or solution. The repetition of "where" intensifies the challenge and underscores their disappearance from relevance, highlighting the futility of their earthly wisdom when confronted by divine power.
* **"and let them tell thee now,"**: This is a direct, almost sarcastic, challenge to the wise men to speak up and offer their supposed insights. The word "now" adds urgency and immediacy, emphasizing that the time for their counsel is at hand, yet they remain silent and helpless. It highlights the stark contrast between their past reputation for sagacity and their present inability to provide any answers or solutions in the face of God's unfolding judgment.
* **"and let them know what the LORD of hosts hath purposed upon Egypt."**: This final clause reveals the ultimate test of their wisdom: to comprehend and declare God's sovereign plan. The "LORD of hosts" is explicitly named as the agent of this purpose, underscoring that the events unfolding are not random or accidental, but part of a deliberate divine decree. The challenge is not merely to explain what is happening, but to "know" (in the sense of fully understanding and perhaps even influencing) the unalterable purpose of the all-powerful God concerning Egypt. Their inability to do so definitively proves the supremacy of God's wisdom over all human understanding and the impotence of human counsel against His divine will.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 19:12 is exceptionally rich in **Rhetorical Question**, which serves as the primary literary device, employed not to elicit an answer but to forcefully assert a point. The prophet's repeated "Where are they? where are thy wise men?" is not a genuine inquiry but a powerful declaration of Egypt's counselors' conspicuous absence or utter impotence in the face of divine judgment. This device powerfully conveys the futility and emptiness of human wisdom when confronted by God's omnipotence. Closely intertwined with this is **Irony**, as the verse ironically challenges those celebrated for their sagacity to explain what is demonstrably beyond their grasp, thereby highlighting the stark contrast between their inflated reputation and their stark reality. The phrase "and let them tell thee now, and let them know" carries a sardonic, almost taunting tone, implicitly mocking their inability to provide any meaningful answers or solutions. Furthermore, the verse employs a **Divine Challenge**, where God, through His prophet, directly confronts the perceived strength and intellect of a mighty nation, unequivocally demonstrating His absolute sovereignty and the unthwartable nature of His purposes. The specific use of the divine title "LORD of hosts" also functions as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the immense power, authority, and cosmic might behind the divine purpose, rendering any human resistance or comprehension ultimately insignificant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 19:12 profoundly underscores the biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and human affairs, contrasting divine wisdom with the inherent limitations of human intellect. It teaches that no human counsel, no matter how profound, celebrated, or strategically astute, can discern, thwart, or alter the determined purposes of the Almighty God. This foundational principle resonates throughout the entirety of Scripture, reminding us that while humanity may devise countless plans in its heart, it is ultimately the Lord's counsel that stands firm and prevails. The public humiliation of Egypt's wise men serves as a timeless object lesson, demonstrating that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, and that any reliance on human understanding or self-sufficiency apart from divine guidance inevitably leads to confusion, impotence, and ultimate failure.

* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - The Lord's Purpose Will Prevail"): "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."
* [1 Corinthians 1:20](/1_corinthians/1-20 "1 Corinthians 1:20 - God Makes Worldly Wisdom Foolish"): "Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?"
* [Daniel 2:20-22](/daniel/2-20-22 "Daniel 2:20-22 - God Gives Wisdom and Knowledge"): "Daniel answered and said: 'Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him.'"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 19:12 serves as a profound and timely reminder that our ultimate trust and confidence must never be placed in human wisdom, political strategies, economic forecasts, technological advancements, or even our own intellectual prowess. In a world that frequently elevates human achievement, self-reliance, and perceived control, this verse calls us to profound humility and a deep recognition of God's unassailable, overarching sovereignty. When faced with national crises, personal uncertainties, complex dilemmas, or seemingly insurmountable challenges, this passage compels us to look beyond the limited and often fallible counsel of humanity and to earnestly seek the infinite wisdom of the "LORD of hosts." It provides immense comfort in knowing that even when circumstances appear chaotic, unpredictable, and beyond human comprehension, there is an overarching divine purpose unfolding, orchestrated by a God who is in complete and perfect control. This truth encourages us to pray fervently for divine guidance, to trust implicitly in God's perfect plan, and to rest in the unwavering assurance that His purposes will prevail, regardless of human opposition, understanding, or perceived obstacles.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life, or in current global events, am I tempted to rely more on human wisdom, strategies, or predictions than on God's sovereign purpose?**
* **How does the concept of "the LORD of hosts" purposing events upon nations impact my understanding of God's absolute power and my personal response to challenging or uncertain circumstances?**
* **What does it mean practically to "know what the LORD of hosts hath purposed" in my daily life, and how can I cultivate a deeper, more discerning understanding of God's will?**
* **How can I better acknowledge the inherent futility of human wisdom apart from God, and what tangible steps can I take to seek God's wisdom more diligently and consistently in all my decisions?**

### FAQ

**Why was God judging Egypt in Isaiah 19?**

Answer: God's judgment on Egypt, as meticulously detailed throughout [Isaiah 19](/isaiah/19 "Isaiah 19 - Prophecy Against Egypt"), was multifaceted in its purpose. Primarily, it served as a powerful demonstration of His absolute sovereignty over all nations, directly challenging Egypt's deep-seated pride, pervasive idolatry, and over-reliance on its own perceived wisdom and military strength. Egypt had a historical legacy of oppressing God's people, as vividly recounted in [Exodus 1:8-14](/exodus/1-8 "Exodus 1:8-14 - Oppression in Egypt"). Furthermore, in Isaiah's time, Egypt frequently became a tempting, but ultimately unreliable, political ally for Judah against the rising and formidable Assyrian empire. God's judgment was designed to break Egypt's strength, humble its arrogance, and unequivocally demonstrate that all earthly powers are utterly subject to His divine will. However, it is also crucial to note that the prophecy concludes with a remarkable promise of future restoration and blessing for Egypt, indicating God's ultimate redemptive purpose even for Gentile nations, as beautifully depicted in [Isaiah 19:23-25](/isaiah/19-23 "Isaiah 19:23-25 - Blessing for Egypt and Assyria").

**What does the title "LORD of hosts" signify in this context?**

Answer: The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: _Yahweh Sabaoth_) is profoundly significant in [Isaiah 19:12](/isaiah/19-12 "Isaiah 19:12 - The Lord of Hosts' Purpose"). The term "Sabaoth" means "armies" or "hosts," referring not only to earthly armies but also, and more importantly, to the vast heavenly hosts (angels) and the entire array of creation—the stars, planets, and all cosmic forces. By employing this majestic title, Isaiah emphasizes God's immense, unparalleled power, His supreme authority as the ultimate commander over all spiritual and earthly forces, and His absolute ability to execute His will across all realms of existence. It highlights that the "purpose" He has determined for Egypt is backed by infinite, irresistible power and cannot be thwarted by any human counsel, military might, or intellectual strength, no matter how wise or mighty. It powerfully underscores His universal dominion and His unwavering capacity to bring about His divine plans through any means necessary.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 19:12, with its stark contrast between the utter futility of human wisdom and the unassailable, sovereign purpose of the "LORD of hosts," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of divine wisdom, the one in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom All Wisdom is Hidden")). While Egypt's wise men were utterly confounded and rendered speechless by God's purpose, Christ perfectly understood, perfectly revealed, and perfectly executed the Father's eternal will, becoming "the power of God and the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Wisdom of God")). The "purpose" that the LORD of hosts had for all humanity—the grand plan of redemption from sin and reconciliation with God—was realized through Christ's sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, a plan that human wisdom frequently deemed foolish but which proved to be God's ultimate triumph and the demonstration of His infinite wisdom ([1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - The Foolishness of God is Wiser Than Human Wisdom")). In Christ, God's eternal purpose to "unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth" ([Ephesians 1:9-10](/ephesians/1-9 "Ephesians 1:9-10 - God's Purpose in Christ")) is being progressively revealed and brought to its glorious completion. Thus, the rhetorical challenge of [Isaiah 19:12](/isaiah/19-12 "Isaiah 19:12 - The Challenge to Human Wisdom") ultimately points to Christ as the only one who truly knows, perfectly reveals, and fully fulfills the sovereign, unchangeable purposes of God for all creation.

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

1 Corinthians 1:20

Where [is] the wise? where [is] the scribe? where [is] the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

Judges 9:38

Then said Zebul unto him, Where [is] now thy mouth, wherewith thou saidst, Who [is] Abimelech, that we should serve him? [is] not this the people that thou hast despised? go out, I pray now, and fight with them.

Isaiah 47:10

For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I [am], and none else beside me.

Isaiah 47:13

Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from [these things] that shall come upon thee.

Isaiah 44:7

And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them.

Isaiah 14:24

¶ The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, [so] shall it stand:

Jeremiah 2:28

But where [are] thy gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble: for [according to] the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah.