Isaiah 19:7

KJV

The paper reeds by the brooks, by the mouth of the brooks, and every thing sown by the brooks, shall wither, be driven away, and be no [more].

KJV (with Strong's)

The paper reeds {H6169} by the brooks {H2975}, by the mouth {H6310} of the brooks {H2975}, and every thing sown {H4218} by the brooks {H2975}, shall wither {H3001}, be driven away {H5086}, and be no more.

Complete Jewish Bible

The river-plants on the banks of the Nile and everything sown near the Nile will dry up, blow away and be no more.

Berean Standard Bible

The bulrushes by the Nile, by the mouth of the river, and all the fields sown along the Nile, will wither, blow away, and be no more.

American Standard Version

The meadows by the Nile, by the brink of the Nile, and all the sown fields of the Nile, shall become dry, be driven away, and be no more.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 19:7 portrays the devastating economic and ecological consequences of divine judgment upon Egypt, specifically targeting the lifeblood of its civilization: the Nile River and its associated industries. The verse vividly describes the withering and disappearance of papyrus reeds and all crops dependent on the Nile's waters, symbolizing the complete collapse of Egypt's agricultural prosperity, industrial output, and overall national stability, leaving behind desolation and ruin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 19 is a comprehensive oracle against Egypt, unique in its scope as it not only pronounces judgment but also foresees a future conversion and blessing for the nation. The chapter begins with a vivid depiction of internal strife and divine judgment leading to the drying of the Nile and the collapse of its economy, as seen in verses like [Isaiah 19:5](/isaiah/19-5 "Isaiah 19:5 - The Drying of the Nile"). Verse 7 specifically details the agricultural and industrial fallout of this ecological disaster, serving as a concrete illustration of the broader economic ruin prophesied. It follows the description of the Nile's drying (vv. 5-6) and precedes the lament of the fishermen and flax workers (vv. 8-10), forming a cohesive picture of a nation brought to its knees by the withdrawal of its primary resource. This passage is part of a larger section of "burdens" or oracles against foreign nations (Isaiah 13-23), demonstrating Yahweh's universal sovereignty.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt's existence, prosperity, and very identity were inextricably linked to the Nile River. The annual flooding of the Nile deposited fertile silt, making agriculture possible in an otherwise arid land. Beyond food, the Nile supported a vast ecosystem, including the papyrus plant, which was vital for writing materials (hence "paper reeds"), boat building, ropes, mats, and other crafts. The "brooks" mentioned refer to the intricate network of canals and irrigation channels fed by the Nile, which distributed its life-giving waters throughout the land. A disruption to the Nile, whether through drought or divine intervention, meant immediate and catastrophic economic collapse, widespread famine, and societal breakdown. This reliance made Egypt particularly vulnerable to any attack on its primary resource, highlighting the potency of God's judgment against a nation that often boasted of its self-sufficiency and divine pharaohs.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over natural phenomena and the destinies of nations, even mighty empires like Egypt. No nation, however powerful or self-sufficient, is beyond His reach or judgment. Secondly, it highlights **Economic Devastation as Judgment**, illustrating how the withdrawal of foundational resources can lead to widespread collapse, revealing the fragility of human systems built on anything other than God. The drying of the Nile and the perishing of its vegetation symbolize a complete dismantling of Egypt's economic and cultural base, as also seen in the lament over the wise men of Egypt in [Isaiah 19:11-15](/isaiah/19-11 "Isaiah 19:11-15 - The Folly of Egypt's Counselors"). Finally, the passage speaks to the **Transience of Worldly Prosperity**, serving as a stark reminder that human endeavors, material wealth, and even seemingly stable natural resources are ultimately temporary and vulnerable. The imagery of things withering and being driven away echoes the broader biblical truth that all flesh is grass, and its glory fades, as proclaimed in [Isaiah 40:6-8](/isaiah/40-6 "Isaiah 40:6-8 - The Fleeting Nature of Humanity").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Paper reeds (Hebrew, _ʻârâh'_):** This term (H6169) refers to a naked (i.e., level) plot or, specifically, the papyrus plant. Its inclusion here is critical because papyrus was not merely a plant but the foundation of Egypt's writing, administrative, and maritime industries. Its destruction signifies a direct hit to the very infrastructure of Egyptian civilization, impacting communication, record-keeping, and transport.
* **Brooks (Hebrew, _yᵉʼôr'_):** Of Egyptian origin (H2975), this word denotes a channel, canal, or specifically the Nile River, including its collateral trenches. The repetition "by the brooks, by the mouth of the brooks" emphasizes the widespread nature of the desolation, affecting not just the main river but all its tributaries and irrigation systems that sustained life and agriculture across the land.
* **Wither (Hebrew, _yâbêsh'_):** This primitive root (H3001) means to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage), but also carries connotations of being ashamed, confused, or disappointed. In this context, it vividly describes the physical decay of the vegetation, but implicitly suggests the shame and disappointment that will come upon Egypt as its source of pride and prosperity fails.
* **Driven away (Hebrew, _nâdaph'_):** This primitive root (H5086) means to shove asunder, i.e., disperse, or to drive (away, to and fro). It conveys the idea of complete removal and dispersion, not just a temporary wilting. The papyrus and crops will not just dry up but will be scattered and vanish, signifying an irreversible and total loss.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The paper reeds by the brooks":** This phrase identifies the specific vegetation, papyrus, which was a cornerstone of Egypt's economy and culture, growing abundantly along the Nile and its channels.
* **"by the mouth of the brooks":** This repetition emphasizes the pervasive nature of the desolation, affecting not only the main river but also the very entry points and mouths of all its crucial irrigation canals, which were essential for distributing water to agricultural fields.
* **"and every thing sown by the brooks":** This broadens the scope of the judgment beyond papyrus to include all agricultural crops—grains, vegetables, and other cultivated plants—that were dependent on the Nile's waters for their growth, indicating a complete agricultural collapse.
* **"shall wither, be driven away, and be no more":** This powerful triad of verbs describes a process of complete and irreversible destruction. "Wither" speaks of the loss of life and vitality; "be driven away" implies scattering and removal, leaving nothing behind; and "be no more" signifies utter annihilation and disappearance, leaving a barren and desolate landscape.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 19:7 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of desolation. The "paper reeds" and "everything sown by the brooks" evoke the lush, fertile landscape of the Nile Delta, which then sharply contrasts with the verbs "wither," "driven away," and "be no more," creating a powerful visual of ecological and economic ruin. This vivid imagery serves to underscore the severity and totality of God's judgment. The repeated phrase "by the brooks" and "by the mouth of the brooks" employs **Repetition** to emphasize the widespread and inescapable nature of the impending disaster, indicating that no part of the Nile-dependent land will be spared. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a **Metaphor** for Egypt's ultimate vulnerability and the fragility of human power and prosperity when confronted by divine sovereignty. The perishing of the reeds and crops symbolizes the perishing of Egypt's strength, pride, and self-sufficiency.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the theological truth that all earthly foundations, no matter how seemingly stable or abundant, are ultimately transient and subject to God's sovereign will. Egypt, a symbol of human strength and self-reliance, is shown to be utterly dependent on the very natural resources God provides, and which He can withdraw. This highlights a recurring biblical theme: misplaced trust in human ingenuity, military might, or economic stability inevitably leads to disappointment and ruin. True security and flourishing are found only in reliance upon the Creator, who holds all things in His hand. The judgment on Egypt serves as a stark warning against national pride and idolatry, reminding us that God's justice extends to all nations, and His purposes will prevail over all human designs.

* [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord")
* [Jeremiah 17:5-8](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5-8 - Cursed is the One Who Trusts in Man")
* [Haggai 1:9-11](/haggai/1-9 "Haggai 1:9-11 - The Consequences of Neglecting God's House")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 19:7 offers a timeless lesson for individuals and nations alike: where do we place our trust? Just as ancient Egypt relied on the Nile, modern societies often place their faith in robust economies, technological advancements, political stability, or abundant natural resources. This prophecy serves as a sobering reminder that all these human constructs are inherently fragile and vulnerable to forces beyond our control, whether natural disasters, economic downturns, or, ultimately, divine judgment. It challenges us to examine our own lives: are we building our security on fleeting earthly foundations, or on the unshakeable rock of God's eternal truth and provision? The "withering" of our perceived securities can be a painful but necessary process that reorients our hearts towards the only truly reliable source of hope and sustenance. It calls us to cultivate a healthy detachment from material possessions and worldly success, recognizing their temporary nature, and to invest instead in that which has eternal value.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "brooks" or sources of security do I primarily rely on in my life (e.g., career, finances, relationships, health)?**
* **How would I respond if these primary sources of stability "withered" or were "driven away"?**
* **In what ways does my daily life demonstrate a greater trust in worldly systems than in God's sovereign provision and care?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more consistent reliance on God, even when my earthly foundations seem secure?**

### FAQ
**Why is the Nile River so central to this prophecy against Egypt?**

Answer: The Nile River was the absolute lifeblood of ancient Egypt, making it central to any prophecy concerning the nation's fate. Unlike other civilizations that relied on rainfall, Egypt's existence was entirely dependent on the Nile's annual inundation, which deposited fertile silt and provided water for irrigation, transforming the arid desert into arable land. The river was also the primary artery for transportation, trade, and communication, and its banks supported key industries like papyrus cultivation and fishing. Therefore, any disruption to the Nile, such as its drying up as prophesied in [Isaiah 19:5-6](/isaiah/19-5 "Isaiah 19:5-6 - The Drying of the Nile and Its Impact"), directly equated to the collapse of Egypt's entire economic, social, and political infrastructure. God's judgment targeting the Nile was a direct assault on the very source of Egypt's pride, self-sufficiency, and perceived invincibility, demonstrating His ultimate sovereignty over even the most powerful nations and their most vital resources.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 19:7 speaks of the judgment upon Egypt and the perishing of its earthly resources, it points forward to a greater reality fulfilled in Christ. The "withering" of the papyrus reeds and crops symbolizes the ultimate futility of placing hope in anything other than God. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself declares, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). He is the true and everlasting source of sustenance, unlike the perishing "brooks" of this world. The instability and eventual ruin prophesied for Egypt contrast sharply with the eternal and unshakeable kingdom established by Christ. While earthly kingdoms and their resources "wither and are driven away," Christ's words and His kingdom "will never pass away" ([Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away")). Furthermore, the broader context of Isaiah 19, which moves from judgment to a future blessing where Egypt will worship the Lord alongside Israel ([Isaiah 19:23-25](/isaiah/19-23 "Isaiah 19:23-25 - Egypt, Assyria, and Israel Blessed")), foreshadows the universal scope of salvation through Christ, where people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" are redeemed and brought into God's family ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb's Worthiness")). Thus, the perishing of Egypt's earthly foundations ultimately serves to highlight the enduring and life-giving foundation found only in Jesus Christ, the one who truly provides water that springs up to eternal life ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - The Living Water")).

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

Ezekiel 19:13

And now she [is] planted in the wilderness, in a dry and thirsty ground.

Isaiah 23:3

And by great waters the seed of Sihor, the harvest of the river, [is] her revenue; and she is a mart of nations.

Joel 1:17

The seed is rotten under their clods, the garners are laid desolate, the barns are broken down; for the corn is withered.

Joel 1:18

How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.

Jeremiah 14:4

Because the ground is chapt, for there was no rain in the earth, the plowmen were ashamed, they covered their heads.

Isaiah 32:20

Blessed [are] ye that sow beside all waters, that send forth [thither] the feet of the ox and the ass.