Isaiah 19:5

KJV

And the waters shall fail from the sea, and the river shall be wasted and dried up.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the waters {H4325} shall fail {H5405} from the sea {H3220}, and the river {H5104} shall be wasted {H2717} and dried up {H3001}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The water will ebb from the sea, the river will be drained dry.

Berean Standard Bible

The waters of the Nile will dry up, and the riverbed will be parched and empty.

American Standard Version

And the waters shall fail from the sea, and the river shall be wasted and become dry.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 19:5 vividly portrays a catastrophic judgment upon ancient Egypt, prophesying the complete desolation of its life-sustaining water sources—the "sea" and "river," primarily referring to the Nile River system. This divine intervention would lead to the utter failure and drying up of these vital waters, symbolizing the collapse of Egypt's economic stability, agricultural productivity, and national pride, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over even the most formidable nations and their seemingly impregnable natural resources.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a larger prophetic oracle against Egypt, spanning [Isaiah chapter 19](/isaiah/19 "Isaiah 19 - Oracle Against Egypt"). The chapter begins with a dramatic depiction of the Lord riding on a swift cloud to Egypt, causing its idols to tremble and its heart to melt ([Isaiah 19:1](/isaiah/19-1 "Isaiah 19:1 - God's Coming to Egypt")). The prophecy then details internal strife, the failure of wisdom, and ultimately, a series of devastating judgments designed to humble Egypt and turn its heart towards the Lord. Verse 5 specifically describes the environmental and economic consequences of this divine judgment, setting the stage for the subsequent collapse of Egypt's industries and the despair of its people. The oracle concludes with a surprising vision of Egypt, Assyria, and Israel becoming a blessing in the earth, hinting at a future restoration and spiritual transformation under God's sovereign plan ([Isaiah 19:23-25](/isaiah/19-23 "Isaiah 19:23-25 - Egypt, Assyria, and Israel Blessed")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was renowned for its unparalleled dependence on the Nile River. The Nile was not merely a river; it was the lifeblood of the nation, providing fertile soil through its annual inundations, water for irrigation, a primary transportation route, and sustenance through its fish and surrounding flora. Egyptian civilization, agriculture, and economy were entirely predicated on the Nile's consistent flow. The "sea" in this context, especially when paired with "river," refers not to the Mediterranean but to the extensive Nile Delta, its branches, and the vast network of canals and marshes that were integral to Egyptian life. Culturally, the Nile was often deified, seen as a source of divine blessing and a symbol of Egypt's enduring power and self-sufficiency. For Israel, Egypt frequently represented a powerful, tempting alliance, a source of military strength and a refuge, yet one that often led them away from trusting in God alone (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Rebellious Children")). Therefore, the drying up of the Nile would have been the ultimate symbol of Egypt's vulnerability and God's supreme authority over even the most formidable human systems and natural forces.

* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 19:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over creation and nations. The drying up of the Nile, an seemingly impregnable natural resource, highlights that even the most powerful human civilizations are utterly dependent on God's will, echoing themes found in [Psalm 29:10](/psalm/29-10 "Psalm 29:10 - The Lord Sits Enthroned Over the Flood"). Secondly, the verse speaks to **Desolation and Economic Ruin**. The failure of the waters would inevitably lead to agricultural collapse, widespread famine, and the destruction of industries reliant on the Nile, such as fishing, linen production (flax needs water), and papyrus. This prophecy foretells an environmental and economic disaster of immense proportions, a direct consequence of divine displeasure. Lastly, it emphasizes **The Fragility of Human Reliance**. Egypt prided itself on its wealth and natural defenses, yet this verse highlights the vulnerability of any nation that places its ultimate trust in created things rather than the Creator. Their reliance on the Nile, a powerful but finite resource, was ultimately misplaced, serving as a stark warning against idolatry and self-sufficiency.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **waters (Hebrew, _mayim'_):** This word (H4325) refers to water in its various forms, often used in a dual sense but singular in meaning. Here, it represents the very essence of life and sustenance for Egypt—the Nile's flow, its floods, and the vast network of channels. Its failure signifies a complete cessation of life-giving resources.
* **fail (Hebrew, _nâshath'_):** This primitive root (H5405) means to eliminate or, intransitively, to dry up. It conveys the idea of a complete and utter cessation, not merely a reduction. The waters will not just diminish; they will cease to exist as a viable source.
* **wasted (Hebrew, _chârab'_):** This root (H2717) means to parch, desolate, or destroy through drought. When applied to the river, it indicates that it will become a desolate, ruined place, utterly devoid of its former life-giving properties. It speaks to a state of complete devastation.
* **dried up (Hebrew, _yâbêsh'_):** This primitive root (H3001) means to dry up, wither, or be ashamed/confounded. Its use here reinforces the finality and completeness of the desiccation. The river will not only be wasted but will be utterly parched, leaving no doubt about the severity of the judgment. The secondary meaning of "be ashamed" might subtly hint at the shame and confusion that would befall Egypt as its prideful reliance on the Nile proved futile.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the waters shall fail from the sea":** This clause immediately establishes the subject of the judgment: the vital water sources of Egypt. The "sea" here refers specifically to the extensive water bodies associated with the Nile, particularly its delta region and marshes, which were crucial for fishing and agriculture. The verb "fail" (nâshath) signifies a complete and irreversible cessation, indicating that the very foundation of Egypt's life would disappear.
* **"and the river shall be wasted and dried up":** This second clause specifies the "river" as the Nile itself, the primary artery of Egypt. The dual verbs "wasted" (chârab) and "dried up" (yâbêsh) intensify the description of desolation. "Wasted" implies a state of ruin and emptiness, while "dried up" denotes the complete absence of water, emphasizing the utter and final destruction of this life-giving source. Together, these phrases paint a picture of comprehensive environmental and economic collapse.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 19:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment and desolation. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the Nile River itself symbolizes the very life, power, and self-sufficiency of ancient Egypt. Its drying up is not merely an ecological disaster but a profound symbol of the nation's utter collapse and the shattering of its pride. The use of strong, evocative verbs like "fail," "wasted," and "dried up" creates a sense of **Hyperbole** or intense emphasis, underscoring the severity and totality of the judgment. While a literal drying up of the entire Nile might be an extreme depiction, it powerfully conveys the magnitude of the economic and social ruin that would befall Egypt. Furthermore, the passage uses **Metonymy**, where the effect (the drying up of the water) stands for the cause (God's judgment) and the subsequent societal collapse. The physical desolation of the waters is a direct representation of the spiritual and national desolation that God would bring upon Egypt.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 19:5 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His role as the righteous judge of nations. It demonstrates that even the most powerful and self-sufficient human empires, boasting of their natural resources and technological prowess, are utterly dependent on the will of the Almighty. The drying up of the Nile, a seemingly insurmountable natural force, underscores that God can manipulate the very elements to achieve His purposes, humbling the proud and revealing the futility of trusting in anything other than Him. This passage reminds us that all earthly sources of security and prosperity are ultimately contingent upon God's favor and can be withdrawn at His command, serving as a timeless warning against idolatry and misplaced trust.

* [Psalm 107:33-34](/psalm/107-33 "Psalm 107:33-34 - God Turns Rivers into Desert")
* [Jeremiah 50:38](/jeremiah/50-38 "Jeremiah 50:38 - Judgment on Babylon's Waters")
* [Ezekiel 29:10-12](/ezekiel/29-10 "Ezekiel 29:10-12 - Desolation of Egypt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 19:5 offers a stark and enduring lesson for all generations: our ultimate security and sustenance do not lie in human ingenuity, economic systems, or even the most abundant natural resources, but solely in the sovereign hand of God. Just as Egypt's lifeblood could be cut off by divine decree, so too can our perceived sources of stability—our careers, finances, health, or relationships—prove fragile and fleeting. This verse calls us to a radical trust in the Creator rather than the created. It challenges us to examine where our ultimate hope and confidence truly reside. When we place our faith in anything other than God, we build on shifting sands, vulnerable to the inevitable "drying up" of earthly provisions. Instead, we are called to lean not on our own understanding, but to acknowledge God in all our ways, knowing that He alone is the unfailing source of life and provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Niles" (sources of security, comfort, or pride) do I tend to rely on in my own life, perhaps more than I rely on God?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over natural forces and nations impact my trust in Him during times of personal or global instability?**
* **In what ways might God be calling me to shift my dependence from earthly provisions to His divine, unfailing supply?**

### FAQ
**Was this prophecy literally fulfilled, and if so, how?**

Answer: While there is no historical record of the Nile River completely drying up in ancient times as described in a hyper-literal sense, the prophecy in [Isaiah 19](/isaiah/19 "Isaiah 19 - Oracle Against Egypt") is understood to have been fulfilled through a series of severe judgments that significantly crippled Egypt's power, economy, and influence. These judgments included internal strife, economic decline, and foreign invasions (e.g., by Assyria and later Babylon and Persia) that severely disrupted the Nile's irrigation systems, trade routes, and overall productivity, effectively "drying up" the nation's prosperity and strength. The language of the prophecy uses vivid imagery to convey the totality of the desolation, emphasizing the *effect* of God's judgment rather than a precise literal meteorological event. The historical record confirms periods of significant decline and subjugation for Egypt, which align with the spirit and intent of Isaiah's oracle.

**Why is the "sea" mentioned alongside the "river" in relation to Egypt?**

Answer: In the context of ancient Egypt, the "sea" (Hebrew: _yam_) often refers not to the open Mediterranean Sea, but to the extensive water bodies and marshlands associated with the Nile River system, particularly the vast Nile Delta. The Nile branches out into numerous distributaries and creates a complex network of lakes, lagoons, and marshes before emptying into the Mediterranean. These areas were crucial for fishing, papyrus harvesting, and various industries. Therefore, the mention of both "sea" and "river" in [Isaiah 19:5](/isaiah/19-5 "Isaiah 19:5 - The Drying of Egypt's Waters") comprehensively describes the entire life-sustaining Nile system, including its main channel and its associated deltaic waters, all of which were essential for Egypt's survival and prosperity. The prophecy indicates a complete desolation across all of Egypt's vital water resources.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 19:5 speaks of the desolation of Egypt's physical waters, its spiritual fulfillment points to Christ as the ultimate and unfailing source of life, contrasting with the transient and vulnerable sources of the world. The drying up of the Nile symbolized the spiritual barrenness and ultimate futility of trusting in human power and earthly provisions. In the New Covenant, Jesus Christ declares Himself to be the true "living water" ([John 4:13-14](/john/4-13 "John 4:13-14 - Jesus, the Living Water")), offering an internal, spiritual wellspring that never runs dry. On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus stood and cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water'" ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")). This promise stands in stark contrast to the failing waters of Egypt; Christ offers an eternal supply that quenches spiritual thirst and brings abundant life, regardless of external circumstances. He is the one who transforms spiritual deserts into fertile ground, and His Spirit provides a constant flow of grace and truth. Ultimately, the book of Revelation depicts the New Jerusalem as having "the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb" ([Revelation 22:1](/revelation/22-1 "Revelation 22:1 - River of the Water of Life")), signifying that in Christ, all desolation is overcome by an everlasting, divine provision that will never fail.

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

Jeremiah 51:36

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will plead thy cause, and take vengeance for thee; and I will dry up her sea, and make her springs dry.

Ezekiel 30:12

And I will make the rivers dry, and sell the land into the hand of the wicked: and I will make the land waste, and all that is therein, by the hand of strangers: I the LORD have spoken [it].

Zechariah 14:18

And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that [have] no [rain]; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.

Zechariah 10:11

And he shall pass through the sea with affliction, and shall smite the waves in the sea, and all the deeps of the river shall dry up: and the pride of Assyria shall be brought down, and the sceptre of Egypt shall depart away.