Isaiah 19:9

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

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

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

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

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

Isaiah 19:9 is part of a significant prophecy detailing the impending judgment and subsequent restoration of ancient Egypt. This particular verse focuses on the economic fallout, specifically targeting the highly skilled and renowned Egyptian textile industry.

Context

Chapter 19 of Isaiah presents a comprehensive oracle concerning Egypt, a powerful nation often allied with or opposed to Israel. The prophecy outlines a series of judgments, including civil strife (Isaiah 19:2), the drying up of the life-giving Nile River (Isaiah 19:5-7), and the failure of its wisdom and leadership. Verse 9 zeroes in on the economic consequences of these natural and social disasters. Ancient Egypt was famous for its fine linen and textile production, a key component of its wealth and international trade. The collapse of this industry would signify a profound and humiliating blow to their national pride and prosperity.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty over Nations: This verse powerfully illustrates God's absolute control over the destinies of nations, even mighty empires like Egypt. He can disrupt the very foundations of their economic and social stability.
  • Economic Disruption as Judgment: God's judgment is not always military; it can manifest as the collapse of vital industries and livelihoods. The textile workers, once a source of national pride and income, face ruin.
  • Humbling of Human Pride: Egypt's reliance on its own ingenuity, resources (like the Nile), and skilled labor is brought to nothing. This serves as a stark reminder that all human endeavor and wealth are ultimately subject to divine will, a theme echoed in Proverbs 16:18.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "fine flax" translates the Hebrew word shesh (שֵׁשׁ), which specifically refers to high-quality, bleached linen. Ancient Egypt was renowned for its superior linen production, used for everything from priestly garments to royal attire and export goods. The "weavers of networks" refers to those who crafted intricate fabrics or even fishing nets, indicating a broad segment of the skilled labor force. The word "confounded" comes from the Hebrew bosh (בּוֹשׁ), meaning to be ashamed, disgraced, or put to shame. It conveys not just economic failure but a public and humiliating downfall for those whose livelihoods and identities were tied to these flourishing industries.

Practical Application

Isaiah 19:9 speaks to the transient nature of worldly prosperity and the futility of placing ultimate trust in human systems, whether economic or political. While we are called to work diligently, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that our ultimate security and hope should rest in God alone, not in our industries, skills, or wealth. It encourages us to consider where our true treasures lie, as Jesus taught in Matthew 6:19-21. Furthermore, it reassures us that God is just and sovereign, capable of bringing down even the most seemingly stable human enterprises to accomplish His purposes.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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