Isaiah 19:15

Neither shall there be [any] work for Egypt, which the head or tail, branch or rush, may do.

Neither shall there be any work {H4639} for Egypt {H4714}, which the head {H7218} or tail {H2180}, branch {H3712} or rush {H100}, may do {H6213}.

Nobody in Egypt will find work to do - neither head nor tail, neither [tall] palm frond nor [lowly] reed.

There is nothing Egypt can do— head or tail, palm or reed.

Neither shall there be for Egypt any work, which head or tail, palm-branch or rush, may do.

Commentary

Isaiah 19:15 (KJV) is a poignant verse from a prophetic oracle concerning Egypt, describing the utter paralysis and helplessness that would befall the nation due to divine judgment. It paints a picture of complete societal breakdown, where no one, regardless of their position or ability, can accomplish anything meaningful.

Context of Isaiah 19:15

This verse is part of a larger prophecy in Isaiah chapter 19, which foretells God's severe judgment upon ancient Egypt. The prophecy describes a series of woes that would afflict the nation: internal strife and civil war (verses 2-3), economic collapse due to the drying up of the Nile River (verses 5-10), and a complete failure of the nation's wise men and counselors (verses 11-14). Verse 15 serves as a powerful summary of this widespread desolation, emphasizing that the entire social and economic fabric of Egypt would be rendered useless. This prophecy highlights the consequences of a nation's pride and its reliance on idols and human wisdom rather than on God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Universal Paralysis: The core message is the complete inability of Egypt to function or contribute. The phrase "neither shall there be any work for Egypt" signifies a total cessation of productive activity, leading to national stagnation and despair.
  • Comprehensive Breakdown: The metaphors "head or tail" and "branch or rush" powerfully convey the extent of this paralysis, indicating that no segment of society would be spared.
    • The "head or tail" idiom, often used in Scripture (e.g., Deuteronomy 28:13), refers to the highest and lowest ranks of society – leaders and common people, or the entire body politic. It means that no one, from top to bottom, would be able to act effectively or offer solutions.
    • The "branch or rush" further emphasizes this universality. A "branch" (Hebrew: kappah) typically refers to the prominent, strong part of a tree, while a "rush" (Hebrew: agmon) is a weak reed growing in swamps. This imagery suggests that neither the strong nor the weak, the significant nor the insignificant, would be able to accomplish anything, signifying a complete loss of national capability.
  • Divine Sovereignty in Judgment: This prophecy underscores God's absolute control over nations and their destinies. The judgment on Egypt, a powerful empire of the ancient world, demonstrates that even the mightiest human endeavors are subject to God's will. This theme of divine judgment on nations is echoed throughout the prophetic books (e.g., Jeremiah 25:15-38).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used, particularly rosh (head) and zanab (tail), and kappah (branch) and agmon (rush), are carefully chosen to convey a sense of completeness and utter helplessness. The parallelism in these phrases reinforces the idea that no part of Egyptian society, from its leadership to its common laborers, would be spared from this incapacitation, highlighting the depth of the national crisis.

Practical Application

While this prophecy was specifically for ancient Egypt, its principles offer timeless lessons. It reminds us that:

  • Human plans are fallible: Even the most advanced civilizations and their wisest leaders can be brought to naught without divine favor. It's a call to humility and dependence on God rather than self-reliance.
  • Consequences of rebellion: When a nation or individual turns away from God, they can experience a loss of direction, productivity, and peace, regardless of their inherent strength or resources. This verse serves as a warning against pride and idolatry.
  • Hope beyond judgment: It's important to remember that Isaiah 19 also speaks of a future redemption for Egypt, where they would eventually turn to the Lord and be blessed alongside Israel and Assyria (verses 18-25). This highlights God's ultimate desire for all nations to know Him and His redemptive plan, even amidst judgment.
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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 9:14 (3 votes)

    Therefore the LORD will cut off from Israel head and tail, branch and rush, in one day.

  • Isaiah 9:15 (3 votes)

    The ancient and honourable, he [is] the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he [is] the tail.

  • Habakkuk 3:17 (2 votes)

    Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither [shall] fruit [be] in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and [there shall be] no herd in the stalls:

  • Psalms 128:2 (2 votes)

    For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy [shalt] thou [be], and [it shall be] well with thee.

  • Proverbs 14:23 (2 votes)

    ¶ In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips [tendeth] only to penury.

  • Haggai 1:11 (2 votes)

    And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon [that] which the ground bringeth forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon all the labour of the hands.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:11 (2 votes)

    And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;