Isaiah 19:9

Moreover they that work in fine flax, and they that weave networks, shall be confounded. THEY THAT WORK IN SHORT FLAX. Gesenius, for "fine," translates ( sªriyqowt (H8305)) 'combed.' Fine linen was worn by the rich only (Luke 16:19). Egypt was famous for it (Exodus 9:31; 1 Kings 10:28; Proverbs 7:16; Ezekiel 27:7). The processes of its manufacture are represented on the Egyptian tombs. Israel learned the art in Egypt ...

9._And they who work in the finest flax. _As he spoke of mourning, so he now speaks of shame; for they who formerly earned an abundant livelihood by this trade will have no gains. Now, the two occupations are closely connected, to weave nets and to fish. Yet it is doubtful if he speaks of those only who manufactured nets; for if we understand שריקות, (_sĕrīkōth_) to mean certain very fine linens, it is probable that the latter clause relates to other productions of the loom, manufactured out of small fine thread, and of the most elegant workmanship. We know that linens of very great value were woven in Egypt, and there may be good reason for interpreting the phrase _white nets, _or, as we have rendered it, “perforated,” to mean also linen garments, which were more costly in proportion to the greater delicacy of their texture. It will thus be a metaphorical expression, by which the Prophe...

1-17 God shall come into Egypt with his judgments. He will raise up the causes of their destruction from among themselves. When ungodly men escape danger, they are apt to think themselves secure; but evil pursues sinners, and will speedily overtake them, except they repent. The Egyptians will be given over into the hand of one who shall rule them with rigour, as was shortly after fulfilled. The Egyptians were renowned for wisdom and science; yet the Lord would give them up to their own perverse schemes, and to quarrel, till their land would be brought by their contests to become an object of contempt and pity. He renders sinners afraid of those whom they have despised and oppressed; and the Lord of hosts will make the workers of iniquity a terror to themselves, and to each other; and every object around a terror to them....

Verse Isaiah 19:9. _THEY THAT WORK IN FINE FLAX_] פשתים שריקות _pishtim_ _sericoth, heckled flax_, i.e., flax dressed on the heckle, or comb used for that purpose. The _Vulgate_ uses the word _pectentes_, combing. _They that weave networks shall be confounded _- _And confounden_ _schul ben that wrogten flax, plattinge and wevynge sotel_ _thingis_. - Old MS. Bible....

MOREOVER - In addition to the calamities that will come upon the fishermen, the drying up of the river will affect all who are supported by that which the overflowing of its waters produced. THEY THAT WORK IN SHORT FLAX - Egypt was celebrated anciently for producing flax in large quantities, and of a superior quality (see Exodus 9:31; 1 Kings 10:28). The fine linen of Egypt which was manufactured from this is celebrated in Scripture Proverbs 7:16; Ezekiel 27:7. The Egyptians had early carried the art of manufacturing linen to a great degree of perfection. As early as

EXPOSITION ISAIAH 19:1 THE BURDEN OF EGYPT. It has been doubted whether this prophecy refers to the conquest of Egypt by Piankhi, as related in the monument which he set up at Napata, or to that by Esarhaddon, of which we gain our knowledge from the inscriptions of his son, Asshur-bani-pal. In the former case, we must suppose it written as early as B.C. 735; in the latter, its date might be as late as B.C. 690. The division of Egypt, "kingdom against kingdom," is a circumstance rather in favor of the earlier date; but the "cruel lord," and the mention of the "princes of Zoan and Noph," are decisive for the later. Piankhi is anything rather than a "cruel lord," being particularly mild and clement; Napata (Noph) is under him, and cannot be said to have been "deceived" or to have "seduced

MOREOVER THEY THAT WORK IN FINE FLAX,.... Of which they made fine linen cloth, and yarn, and was much wore by the Egyptians, and was the commodity of the country, and for which other nations traded with them, 1 Kings 10:28 but now would have no flax to work, that being withered and gone which was sown by the sides of the brooks, Isaiah 19:7 and no linen cloth or yarn to sell, and consequently in great confusion and distress, as they are here represented l. The Targum renders the whole verse thus, "they shall be confounded which work flax, which they comb, and of it weave nets;'' and so Jarchi and Kimchi interpret it, not of persons that wrought in flax, to make yarn or linen of it; but who combed it, to make nets of it, as follows: and they that weave networks shall

CHAPTER 19 The Burden of Egypt 1. _The judgment announced (Isaiah 19:1)_ 2. _Egypt blest with Israel in the last days (Isaiah 19:16) _ Egypt has passed through many judgments. Hundreds of years after the divine predictions had been given the Word of the Lord was accomplished. The final judgment upon Egypt comes in that day when the Lord appears in visible glory. Egypt will come, like other nations, to the front once more at the close of the times of the Gentiles. But mercy is also in store for Egypt. Egypt will be called “His people.” When the Lord smites Egypt that land will return to Him. It will then be lifted out of the dust and receive a place of blessing only second to that which Israel will enjoy....

ISAIAH 19. ORACLE ON EGYPT. This is one of the most difficult Chapter s in the book. It falls into two sections, Isaiah 19:1 and Isaiah 19:18. If Isaiah 19:1 is in the main from Isaiah, it probably refers to an anticipated conquest of Egypt by Assyria. Three possibilities are then open: (_a_) the defeat of Egypt by Sargon at Raphia in 720 B.C. (pp. 59, 71); (_b_) the occasion which called forth the similar prophecy in Isaiah 20; (_c_) the early part of Sennacherib's reign, when Judah was planning an alliance with Egypt. It is true that no Assyrian king ruled over Egypt till 672, when Esarhaddon did so (p. 60). But it is better to regard the cruel lord and fierce king, into whose power Egypt is to be deliv

WEAVE. Occurs in the "former" portion only here, and in Isaiah 38:12. and in the "latter" portion only in Isaiah 59:5....