Isaiah 19:12

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.

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}.

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

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

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

Isaiah 19:12 is a rhetorical challenge from the prophet Isaiah, directed at ancient Egypt, highlighting the futility of human wisdom and power when confronted with the sovereign plans of God. This verse is part of a larger prophecy, often referred to as the "burden of Egypt," which details God's impending judgment and subsequent restoration for the nation.

Context

The prophecy in Isaiah chapter 19 describes a period of severe distress, civil strife, and economic collapse for Egypt. God declares that He will bring confusion and weakness upon the nation, causing their traditional sources of strength—their wise counselors, magicians, and idols—to fail. In this verse, Isaiah mockingly asks where Egypt's renowned "wise men" are now, challenging them to explain or prevent the divine purpose that is unfolding. This reflects the common ancient Near Eastern belief that a nation's prosperity and stability were tied to the wisdom of its rulers and advisors.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: The core message is that God, referred to as the "LORD of hosts," has a specific "purpose" or plan for Egypt that no human wisdom or power can discern, resist, or alter. This underscores God's absolute control over nations and history.
  • Futility of Human Wisdom: Egypt prided itself on its deep wisdom, its ancient knowledge, and its skilled advisors. However, Isaiah 19:12 exposes the ultimate inadequacy of this wisdom when it stands against God's decree. It emphasizes that worldly intelligence is powerless to comprehend or avert divine judgment. This theme resonates with other scriptures that contrast human wisdom with God's perfect understanding, such as 1 Corinthians 1:20.
  • Judgment and Humiliation: The rhetorical question implies that Egypt's wise men are silent because they are confounded and unable to provide answers or solutions. This public humiliation of Egypt's intellectual elite is part of God's judgment, demonstrating His supremacy over all earthly powers and their supposed wisdom.

Linguistic Insights

The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth) is highly significant here. "Sabaoth" means armies or hosts, referring not just to earthly armies but also to heavenly hosts (angels) and the entire array of creation. By using this title, Isaiah emphasizes God's immense power, His authority as the supreme commander, and His ability to execute His will across all realms. It highlights that the "purpose" He has for Egypt is backed by infinite power and cannot be thwarted by any human counsel or strength.

Practical Application

Isaiah 19:12 serves as a timeless reminder that while human wisdom and planning have their place, they are ultimately limited and fallible. We are called to recognize God's ultimate sovereignty over all circumstances, nations, and individual lives. When faced with challenges or uncertainties, this verse encourages us not to rely solely on our own intellect or the advice of others, but to seek God's wisdom and trust in His unchangeable purposes. It provides comfort in knowing that God is in control, even when situations seem chaotic or beyond human comprehension, echoing the truth that "many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails".

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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