Isaiah 19:9

KJV

Moreover they that work in fine flax, and they that weave networks, shall be confounded.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover they that work {H5647} in fine {H8305} flax {H6593}, and they that weave {H707} networks {H2355}, shall be confounded {H954}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The linen-workers will be in despair, along with the weavers of white cotton;

Berean Standard Bible

The workers in flax will be dismayed, and the weavers of fine linen will turn pale.

American Standard Version

Moreover they that work in combed flax, and they that weave white cloth, shall be confounded.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 19:9, nestled within a broader prophetic oracle against Egypt, specifically foretells the devastating economic fallout that will afflict the nation. It zeroes in on the highly skilled and renowned Egyptian textile industry, predicting that those engaged in the production of fine flax and the weaving of intricate networks will be utterly humiliated and put to shame. This verse underscores God's sovereign power to dismantle even the most established and proud human enterprises, signaling a profound blow to Egypt's wealth, national pride, and perceived self-sufficiency.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 19 is a comprehensive oracle, or "burden," concerning Egypt, a powerful and often enigmatic nation in relation to Israel. The chapter begins by detailing the Lord's swift descent upon Egypt, leading to the collapse of its idols and the melting of its heart. The prophecy then outlines a series of judgments: internal civil strife and chaos among its cities and rulers ([Isaiah 19:2-4](/isaiah/19-2 "Isaiah 19:2 - Civil Strife in Egypt")), followed by severe ecological and economic disasters, most notably the drying up of the Nile River, Egypt's lifeblood ([Isaiah 19:5-7](/isaiah/19-5 "Isaiah 19:5-7 - The Drying of the Nile")). This ecological catastrophe directly impacts agriculture and, as seen in verse 9, the crucial textile industry. The chapter progresses to describe the failure of Egypt's wise counselors and its eventual humbling, culminating in a surprising future where Egypt, along with Assyria, will turn to the Lord and become a blessing to the earth ([Isaiah 19:18-25](/isaiah/19-18 "Isaiah 19:18-25 - Egypt's Future Conversion")). Verse 9, therefore, serves as a specific illustration of the economic component of God's judgment, demonstrating how foundational industries would be crippled.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was renowned throughout the ancient Near East for its advanced civilization, agricultural prowess, and sophisticated industries. Central to its economy and cultural identity was the production of linen, particularly fine linen, which was highly prized for its quality and used for everything from royal and priestly garments to everyday clothing and export goods. The Nile River was the indispensable source of life, providing fertile soil for flax cultivation and serving as a vital transportation artery. Egyptian weavers were celebrated for their intricate techniques, producing not only fine fabrics but also specialized "networks," possibly referring to fishing nets (critical given the Nile's importance for food) or complex woven patterns. The collapse of this industry, as prophesied, would not merely be an economic downturn but a profound national humiliation, striking at the heart of their skilled labor force, their trade, and their self-sufficient pride. Egypt often relied on its own wisdom and resources, sometimes acting as an unreliable ally to Israel, making this judgment a powerful statement about God's sovereignty over even the most formidable human powers.
* **Key Themes:** The prophecy in Isaiah 19, and verse 9 in particular, powerfully articulates several key theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty over Nations**, demonstrating God's absolute control over the destinies of even mighty empires like Egypt. He can disrupt the very foundations of their economic and social stability, proving that no nation, however powerful or self-sufficient, is beyond His reach or judgment. Secondly, the verse illustrates **Economic Disruption as Judgment**. God's judgment is not solely military; it can manifest as the collapse of vital industries and livelihoods, directly impacting the prosperity and well-being of a nation. The textile workers, once a source of national pride and income, face ruin, signifying a comprehensive divine intervention. Thirdly, it underscores the **Humbling of Human Pride**. Egypt's reliance on its own ingenuity, its abundant resources (like the Nile), and its skilled labor is brought to nothing. This serves as a stark reminder that all human endeavor, wealth, and perceived security are ultimately subject to divine will, a theme frequently echoed throughout Scripture, such as in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall") which warns that "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **work (Hebrew, _ʻâbad'_):** This primitive root (H5647) carries a broad meaning, encompassing various forms of labor, service, and even enslavement. In this context, it refers to the diligent and skilled labor involved in the textile industry. The use of `ʻâbad` here emphasizes the active, productive effort of the workers, making their impending "confounding" a direct judgment on their very means of livelihood and contribution to society. It highlights that even human industry, when not aligned with God's purposes or when it becomes a source of idolatrous pride, can be subject to divine disruption.
* **flax (Hebrew, _pishteh'_):** Derived from a root suggesting "comminuting" or breaking down, `pishteh` (H6593) specifically refers to linen or flax, the raw material for the renowned Egyptian textile industry. When paired with `sᵉrîyqâh` (H8305, "fine"), it denotes the high-quality linen for which Egypt was famous. The targeting of "fine flax" indicates that the judgment will impact the most prestigious and economically significant sector of their textile production, symbolizing a blow to their national excellence and wealth.
* **confounded (Hebrew, _bûwsh'_):** This primitive root (H954) means "to pale," "to be ashamed," "disappointed," or "delayed." It conveys a sense of public disgrace and humiliation, not merely economic failure. The workers will not just lose their jobs; they will experience profound shame and disappointment as their once-thriving industry collapses. This word emphasizes the emotional and social impact of the judgment, highlighting the public nature of Egypt's downfall and the futility of their trust in their own works.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover they that work in fine flax,"**: This clause identifies the first group affected by the judgment: those engaged in the initial stages of textile production, specifically the cultivation and processing of flax into fine linen. This was a labor-intensive and highly skilled process, from growing the plant to retting, scutching, heckling, and spinning the fibers. The phrase "fine flax" underscores the premium quality of Egyptian linen, a source of national pride and significant export revenue. The judgment targets the very foundation of this industry.
* **"and they that weave networks,"**: This second clause broadens the scope to include another segment of the textile industry—the weavers. "Networks" (H2355, _chôwr_) could refer to intricately woven fabrics, perhaps with open or net-like patterns, or even literal fishing nets, which would be crucial in a riverine economy. This implies that the judgment affects not just the raw material producers but also the artisans and manufacturers who transform the flax into finished goods, indicating a comprehensive collapse across the entire textile supply chain.
* **"shall be confounded."**: This final clause declares the outcome for both groups of workers. "Confounded" (H954, _bûwsh_) signifies more than just economic failure; it implies deep shame, disappointment, and public disgrace. Their livelihoods will be destroyed, their skills rendered useless, and their national pride, once tied to their renowned industry, will be shattered. This expresses the profound humiliation that accompanies God's judgment, demonstrating the futility of human endeavor when it stands in opposition to divine will or becomes an object of idolatrous trust.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 19:9 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message of judgment. **Metonymy** is evident as "they that work in fine flax" and "they that weave networks" stand in for the entire Egyptian textile industry and, by extension, a significant portion of the nation's economy and its people. This specific focus on a key industry allows the prophet to illustrate the broader economic devastation. There is also an element of **Symbolism**, where the fine flax and intricate networks symbolize Egypt's wealth, skill, and national pride. The collapse of this industry, therefore, is not just an economic event but a symbolic dismantling of Egypt's perceived strength and self-sufficiency. The use of the future tense, "shall be confounded," functions as **Prophetic Language**, declaring a divinely decreed outcome with certainty, emphasizing God's absolute control over historical events and the destinies of nations. The vivid imagery of skilled workers being "confounded" evokes a sense of public humiliation and the futility of human effort when God's judgment falls.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 19:9 serves as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and their economies. It reveals that no human industry, no matter how skilled, prosperous, or vital, is immune to divine judgment. The "confounding" of Egypt's renowned textile workers illustrates that God can humble even the proudest human achievements and sources of national security. This passage underscores the biblical truth that true and lasting security is found not in human ingenuity, economic strength, or material wealth, but in the Lord alone. It challenges the human tendency to place ultimate trust in earthly systems and reminds us that God is capable of dismantling anything that becomes an idol or a source of self-reliance apart from Him, ultimately for His redemptive purposes.

* [Psalm 33:10](/psalm/33-10 "The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")
* [Jeremiah 9:23-24](/jeremiah/9-23 "Boasting in the Lord")
* [Haggai 1:6](/haggai/1-6 "Working for Wages Earned into a Bag with Holes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 19:9 offers profound insights for contemporary reflection and application. It serves as a stark reminder of the transient nature of worldly prosperity and the futility of placing ultimate trust in human systems, whether economic, political, or technological. While we are called to work diligently and steward the resources God provides, this verse powerfully teaches that our ultimate security, identity, and hope should rest in God alone, not in our industries, skills, or accumulated wealth. In a world often defined by economic cycles, market fluctuations, and the rise and fall of industries, this prophecy encourages us to cultivate a posture of humility and dependence on the divine. It prompts us to consider where our true treasures lie, echoing Jesus' teaching in [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Laying Up Treasures in Heaven"), which warns against storing up earthly treasures that can be destroyed. Furthermore, it reassures us that God is just and sovereign, capable of bringing down even the most seemingly stable human enterprises to accomplish His righteous purposes, ultimately inviting us to find our stability in His unchanging character and promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I tend to place my ultimate security and hope: in my skills, my career, my financial stability, or in God alone?**
* **How might God be calling me to re-evaluate my priorities in light of the transient nature of earthly success and wealth?**
* **In what ways might my nation or culture be placing its pride and trust in human achievements rather than in divine sovereignty?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of dependence on God amidst the uncertainties of life and economy?**

### FAQ
**Why did God specifically target the textile workers and their industry in this prophecy against Egypt?**

Answer: God targeted the textile industry because it was a cornerstone of Egypt's economy, a major source of its national wealth, and a symbol of its skilled craftsmanship and self-sufficiency. By "confounding" the workers in fine flax and networks, God struck at a vital artery of Egyptian prosperity and pride. This specific judgment demonstrated that even the most established and renowned human enterprises are subject to His sovereign will. It was a strategic blow designed to humble Egypt and reveal the futility of trusting in human ingenuity and resources apart from God. The humiliation of these skilled workers underscored the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, affecting not just leadership or military, but the very livelihoods of the people and the economic foundations of the nation.

**What is the significance of the word "confounded" in this verse?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated "confounded" (H954, `bûwsh`) means more than just economic failure or disappointment; it conveys a deep sense of shame, disgrace, and public humiliation. For the highly skilled Egyptian textile workers, whose craft was a source of national pride and personal identity, to be "confounded" meant their skills would become useless, their industry would collapse, and they would face public dishonor. This word emphasizes the profound psychological and social impact of God's judgment, highlighting the complete reversal of their fortunes and the futility of their trust in their own works. It underscores that God's judgment often involves a humbling of human pride and a public demonstration of His ultimate authority over all human endeavors, as seen in passages like [Psalm 14:4-6](/psalm/14-4 "Psalm 14:4-6 - The Folly of the Wicked").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 19:9, with its depiction of the "confounding" of those who work in earthly industries, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Firstly, it foreshadows the ultimate futility of placing our trust in human works, achievements, or economic systems for lasting security and righteousness. While the Egyptian textile workers were confounded in their earthly labor, humanity's greatest "work" of self-salvation and self-sufficiency is utterly confounded before the perfect righteousness of Christ. The New Testament declares that salvation is not by works, lest anyone should boast, but by grace through faith in Jesus Christ ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). Christ Himself is the ultimate "work" of God, the one in whom we are to believe for eternal life ([John 6:29](/john/6-29 "John 6:29 - The Work of God")). Secondly, the humbling of Egypt's pride points to the universal humbling of all human pride before the exalted Christ. Just as Egypt's self-reliance was shattered, so too is the pride of humanity brought low before the King of kings, who humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross and was therefore highly exalted by God ([Philippians 2:8-11](/phil/2-8 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). Finally, while earthly industries and economies may rise and fall, leading to confusion and disappointment, Christ offers an unshakable kingdom and a hope that does not disappoint ([Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - Hope Does Not Disappoint")). He is the true source of provision and security, inviting us to lay up treasures in heaven where they cannot be confounded or destroyed ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Laying Up Treasures in Heaven")), thereby transforming our focus from transient earthly labor to eternal spiritual realities found in Him.

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 27:7

Fine linen with broidered work from Egypt was that which thou spreadest forth to be thy sail; blue and purple from the isles of Elishah was that which covered thee.

Proverbs 7:16

I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved [works], with fine linen of Egypt.

1 Kings 10:28

And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.