Isaiah 19:6

KJV

And they shall turn the rivers far away; [and] the brooks of defence shall be emptied and dried up: the reeds and flags shall wither.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall turn {H2186} the rivers {H5104} far away {H2186}; and the brooks {H2975} of defence {H4693} shall be emptied {H1809} and dried up {H2717}: the reeds {H7070} and flags {H5488} shall wither {H7060}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The rivers will become foul, the canals of Egypt's Nile will dwindle and dry up, the reeds and rushes will wither.

Berean Standard Bible

The canals will stink; the streams of Egypt will trickle and dry up; the reeds and rushes will wither.

American Standard Version

And the rivers shall become foul; the streams of Egypt shall be diminished and dried up; the reeds and flags shall wither away.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 19:6 powerfully depicts the catastrophic judgment upon Egypt, focusing on the divine desiccation of its life-sustaining waterways. This verse paints a vivid picture of profound desolation where the nation's vital arteries—its rivers, canals, and their associated flora—are rendered useless, leading to widespread ecological, economic, and defensive collapse. It underscores the complete reversal of Egypt's famed prosperity and self-reliance, revealing the inherent fragility of human strength and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all earthly powers and resources.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal component within a comprehensive prophetic oracle against Egypt, spanning [Isaiah 19](/isaiah/19 "Isaiah 19 - Prophecy Against Egypt"). The chapter commences with a dramatic portrayal of God's descent upon Egypt, causing its idols to tremble and its people to be gripped by panic, as seen in [Isaiah 19:1](/isaiah/19-1 "Isaiah 19:1 - God's Judgment on Egypt"). The prophecy systematically dismantles every perceived pillar of Egyptian strength: its internal stability, its renowned wisdom, its economic foundations, and finally, its natural resources. This verse, with its description of environmental ruin, serves as the culmination of this dismantling, profoundly impacting the nation's very existence. The preceding verses detail internal strife and the failure of Egypt's wise men, setting the stage for the physical desolation described here. The chapter concludes with a surprising and redemptive vision of Egypt's future restoration and worship of the Lord, alongside Assyria and Israel, highlighting God's ultimate plan even for nations under judgment, as prophesied in [Isaiah 19:21-25](/isaiah/19-21-25 "Isaiah 19:21-25 - Egypt's Future Worship of the Lord").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt's civilization was inextricably linked to and entirely dependent upon the Nile River. The annual inundation of the Nile deposited fertile silt, providing the agricultural bedrock for the nation's sustenance. Its waters sustained all life, and an intricate network of canals facilitated irrigation, transportation, and even served as crucial defensive barriers. The "brooks of defence" likely refer to these man-made canals or fortified waterways that protected cities and agricultural lands from invaders. Furthermore, the "reeds and flags" (specifically papyrus and other marsh plants) were not merely incidental vegetation but were fundamental to various Egyptian industries, including papermaking, boat building, and basketry. Therefore, the drying up of these waterways, as described in [Isaiah 19:6](/isaiah/19-6 "Isaiah 19:6 - The Drying Up of Egypt's Waterways"), was not a mere inconvenience but a complete dismantling of Egypt's economic, agricultural, and defensive infrastructure, inevitably leading to widespread famine, societal collapse, and national vulnerability. This context profoundly emphasizes how deeply intertwined Egypt's identity, prosperity, and very survival were with its natural environment, making the divine judgment on its waters particularly devastating.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several foundational themes within Isaiah and broader biblical theology. It unequivocally highlights **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute power to dismantle even the most formidable nations by striking at the very source of their strength and self-sufficiency. The desolation of Egypt's waterways serves as a stark reminder of the **Vulnerability of Human Reliance** on natural resources, technological prowess, or military might apart from God. Egypt, often a symbol of worldly power and a tempting, yet ultimately unreliable, source of false security for Israel, is shown to be utterly dependent on the Creator for its existence. This theme resonates deeply with warnings against trusting in human strength or material possessions found in passages like [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord, Not Chariots or Horses") and [Jeremiah 17:5-6](/jeremiah/17-5-6 "Jeremiah 17:5-6 - Cursed is the One Who Trusts in Man"). Furthermore, the detailed description of ecological collapse underscores the theme of **Comprehensive Desolation**, where divine judgment affects not only human society but also the natural world that sustains it, signifying a complete reversal of prosperity into barrenness and ruin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **turn (Hebrew, _zânach'_):** This primitive root signifies "to push aside," "reject," "forsake," or "remove far away." In the context of Isaiah 19:6, it implies a forceful, deliberate act of divine judgment that causes the mighty rivers to recede or be diverted from their normal course. This is not a natural drought but speaks to God's active, intentional involvement in bringing about the desolation, demonstrating His sovereign control over creation and nations.
* **emptied (Hebrew, _dâlal'_):** This word means "to slacken or be feeble," and figuratively, "to be oppressed," "bring low," "dry up," or "be impoverished." When applied to the brooks, it conveys a profound sense of their vitality being drained away, leaving them weak, shallow, and ultimately useless. It suggests a process of depletion and enfeeblement, leading to a state of utter powerlessness and inability to sustain life or provide defense.
* **dried up (Hebrew, _chârab'_):** This primitive root means "to parch (through drought)" and, by analogy, "to desolate," "destroy," or "waste." This term emphasizes the complete, irreversible, and destructive nature of the desiccation. It goes beyond merely being emptied; it signifies a state of utter barrenness, ruin, and desolation, transforming once-fertile lands into a parched wasteland, utterly incapable of supporting life or industry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall turn the rivers far away":** This initial clause describes a dramatic and supernatural act of desolation. The "they" refers to the agents of God's judgment, implying a divine intervention that causes the mighty Nile and its primary tributaries (Hebrew, _nâhâr_) to recede or be diverted from their normal, life-giving course. This "turning away" signifies a profound and unnatural disruption to Egypt's hydrological system, removing the very source of its life, prosperity, and national identity.
* **"and the brooks of defence shall be emptied and dried up":** This expands upon the desolation, focusing on the smaller, yet equally crucial, waterways. The "brooks" (Hebrew, _yᵉʼôr_) specifically refer to channels, canals, or branches of the Nile, including those used for "defence" (Hebrew, _mâtsôwr_ – referring to fortified or besieged places). These man-made or natural channels, vital for irrigation, transportation, and protection, will not only be "emptied" (their water level significantly lowered or completely gone) but also "dried up" (rendered completely barren and parched). This signifies the comprehensive collapse of Egypt's agricultural system, its economic infrastructure, and its military security.
* **"the reeds and flags shall wither":** This final clause vividly illustrates the devastating ecological and economic impact of the water loss. "Reeds" (Hebrew, _qâneh_, referring to cane-like plants) and "flags" (Hebrew, _çûwph_, specifically papyrus) were characteristic vegetation of the Nile's banks and marshes, essential for various Egyptian industries (e.g., papermaking, boat building) and symbolic of its lush fertility. Their "withering" (Hebrew, _qâmal_) signifies the complete destruction of the ecosystem, transforming the once-vibrant wetlands into a barren, lifeless landscape, underscoring the totality and severity of the divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 19:6 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message of divine judgment and comprehensive desolation. **Hyperbole** is evident in the description of the rivers being "turned far away" and the brooks being completely "emptied and dried up," emphasizing the extreme, unnatural, and supernaturally orchestrated nature of the judgment, far beyond a typical drought. **Vivid Imagery** is central, painting a compelling picture of a once-fertile land transforming into a parched, desolate wasteland, appealing directly to the reader's senses of sight and perhaps even thirst and despair. The withering of "reeds and flags" serves as potent **symbolism** for the complete collapse of Egypt's economic and ecological vitality, as these plants were integral to its industries and represented its lush environment. The entire verse functions as a form of **prophetic lament**, mourning the impending destruction and the stark reversal of Egypt's fortunes, while simultaneously serving as a stark warning to those who place their trust in worldly power and resources rather than in the sovereign God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 19:6 profoundly underscores the theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty over creation and nations. It reveals that even the most powerful and seemingly self-sufficient empires, like ancient Egypt, are utterly dependent on God for their very existence and prosperity. The drying up of the Nile, Egypt's literal lifeblood, serves as a stark reminder that all earthly sources of security, wealth, and power are ultimately fragile and subject to divine will. This judgment is not arbitrary but a consequence of Egypt's pride and its historical role as a tempting, yet ultimately unreliable, ally for God's people, Israel. It teaches that true security is found only in trusting the Lord, not in human ingenuity, natural abundance, or military might.

* [Psalm 107:33-34](/psalms/107-33-34 "Psalm 107:33-34 - God Turns Rivers into Desert")
* [Jeremiah 17:5-6](/jeremiah/17-5-6 "Jeremiah 17:5-6 - Cursed is the One Who Trusts in Man")
* [Ezekiel 29:9-10](/ezekiel/29-9-10 "Ezekiel 29:9-10 - Egypt's Desolation for Relying on Itself")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 19:6 serves as a timeless and poignant reminder that our ultimate security, flourishing, and prosperity are not rooted in material resources, economic stability, or even the natural environment, but solely in the sovereign hand of God. In a world that often places immense trust in human systems, technological advancements, national strength, or personal achievements, this verse calls us to a profound re-evaluation of where our true confidence lies. It challenges us to consider what "rivers of defence" we might be relying upon in our own lives—be it wealth, career success, influential relationships, personal abilities, or even our health—and whether these have subtly become idols that divert our ultimate trust and dependence from the Creator. When God's judgment falls, whether on a nation or in the personal trials and uncertainties of life, it often targets the very things we have placed our ultimate hope in, revealing their transient and unreliable nature. This passage invites us to cultivate a posture of humility and radical dependence, recognizing that true and lasting flourishing comes not from earthly provisions, but from aligning our lives with God's will and placing our unwavering faith in His unchanging character and boundless provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "rivers of defence" or sources of security do I tend to rely on most in my life, apart from God?**
* **How does the fragility of Egypt's "lifeblood" challenge my own sense of self-sufficiency or worldly trust in the face of uncertainty?**
* **In what practical ways might I be called to shift my trust from temporal resources to the eternal provision and sovereign care of God?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "brooks of defence" in this verse?**

Answer: The "brooks of defence" (Hebrew: *yᵉʼôr mâtsôwr*) refer to the intricate network of canals and channels that were absolutely crucial to ancient Egypt's life and security. These waterways served multiple, indispensable purposes: they provided vital irrigation for agriculture, facilitated efficient transportation throughout the land, and, significantly, acted as natural or man-made defensive barriers around cities and fertile regions, protecting them from invaders. Their emptying and drying up, as described in [Isaiah 19:6](/isaiah/19-6 "Isaiah 19:6 - The Drying Up of Egypt's Waterways"), signifies the complete collapse of Egypt's agricultural productivity, its economic infrastructure, and its military security. It powerfully highlights how God's judgment strikes at the very foundations of a nation's strength and prosperity, rendering its most vital resources useless and exposing its utter vulnerability.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 19:6 describes a literal judgment upon ancient Egypt, its deeper theological currents find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The drying up of Egypt's life-giving waters foreshadows the spiritual desolation that humanity experiences apart from Christ, who is the true and ultimate source of living water. Just as Egypt's reliance on the Nile proved futile and led to ruin, so too does humanity's reliance on self, worldly systems, or false gods inevitably lead to spiritual barrenness, thirst, and death. Jesus, however, declares Himself to be the [living water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, the Living Water"), promising that whoever drinks of Him will never thirst again ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Never Thirst Again")). The judgment on Egypt, which ultimately leads to a surprising future where Egypt will know and worship the Lord alongside Israel ([Isaiah 19:21-25](/isaiah/19-21-25 "Isaiah 19:21-25 - Egypt Will Know the Lord")), points to Christ's universal reign and redemptive work. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus removes the spiritual "drought" of sin and offers an abundance of eternal life, becoming the ultimate "defense" and "river" of salvation for all who believe, transforming barren hearts into fruitful landscapes of faith, far surpassing any earthly resource or security ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37-38 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water Flowing from Believers")).

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

Isaiah 37:25

I have digged, and drunk water; and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of the besieged places.

Exodus 2:3

And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid [it] in the flags by the river's brink.

Job 8:11

Can the rush grow up without mire? can the flag grow without water?

2 Kings 19:24

I have digged and drunk strange waters, and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of besieged places.

Exodus 7:18

And the fish that [is] in the river shall die, and the river shall stink; and the Egyptians shall lothe to drink of the water of the river.

Isaiah 18:2

That sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters, [saying], Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled, to a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden down, whose land the rivers have spoiled!

Isaiah 15:6

¶ For the waters of Nimrim shall be desolate: for the hay is withered away, the grass faileth, there is no green thing.