Isaiah 19:6

The canals will stink; the streams of Egypt will trickle and dry up; the reeds and rushes will wither.

Study Bible

The canals will stink;
This phrase refers to the irrigation canals of Egypt, which were vital for agriculture and daily life. The stench indicates decay and neglect, symbolizing the judgment and desolation that would come upon Egypt. In biblical times, the Nile River and its canals were the lifeblood of Egypt, and their pollution or drying up would signify a severe economic and social crisis. This imagery is reminiscent of the plagues in Exodus, where the Nile turned to blood, causing a stench (Exodus 7:18, 21). It serves as a warning of divine judgment and the futility of relying on earthly resources instead of God.

the streams of Egypt will trickle and dry up;
The streams refer to the smaller branches and tributaries of the Nile. The drying up of these waters would have catastrophic effects on agriculture, leading to famine and economic collapse. Historically, Egypt's prosperity was heavily dependent on the Nile's annual flooding, which deposited fertile silt on the land. The prophecy of the streams drying up underscores the theme of divine intervention disrupting natural and expected cycles. This can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual dryness and the consequences of turning away from God, as seen in other scriptures like Jeremiah 17:5-6, where trust in man leads to desolation.

the reeds and rushes will wither.
Reeds and rushes were common along the Nile and were used for various purposes, including making papyrus and as fodder for livestock. Their withering signifies the broader ecological and economic impact of the drying waters. This imagery highlights the totality of the judgment, affecting not just water but also the vegetation and industries dependent on it. The withering of reeds and rushes can also symbolize the fragility of human achievements and the transience of earthly glory, as echoed in Isaiah 40:6-8, where human life and accomplishments are compared to grass that withers. This serves as a reminder of the need for reliance on the eternal Word of God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book bearing his name. He prophesied during the reigns of several kings of Judah and is known for his messages of both judgment and hope.

2. Egypt
A significant nation in biblical history, often representing worldly power and opposition to God's people. In Isaiah 19, Egypt is the subject of a prophecy concerning its downfall and eventual redemption.

3. The Nile River
While not mentioned explicitly in this verse, the Nile is central to Egypt's economy and agriculture. The prophecy of drying streams and canals directly impacts the Nile, symbolizing economic and ecological disaster.

4. Reeds and Rushes
These plants are common along the Nile and are symbolic of the natural resources and agricultural wealth of Egypt. Their withering signifies the collapse of Egypt's prosperity.

5. Prophetic Judgment
The drying up of Egypt's waters is part of a broader prophetic judgment against the nation, illustrating God's sovereignty over all nations.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The prophecy against Egypt demonstrates that God holds authority over all nations and their resources. No nation is beyond His reach or control.

Dependence on God, Not Resources
The drying of Egypt's waters serves as a reminder that reliance on natural resources or economic strength is futile without acknowledging God's provision and sovereignty.

Judgment and Redemption
While Isaiah 19 begins with judgment, it ultimately points to redemption and healing. God's judgments are often a precursor to restoration for those who turn to Him.

Environmental Stewardship
The imagery of withering reeds and rushes can prompt reflection on our responsibility to care for God's creation, recognizing that misuse can lead to ecological and spiritual consequences.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the drying up of Egypt's waters in Isaiah 19:6 illustrate God's control over natural and economic resources?

2. In what ways can we see parallels between the judgment on Egypt and the plagues in Exodus? How does this shape our understanding of God's consistent character?

3. How can the prophecy of Egypt's downfall and eventual redemption in Isaiah 19 encourage us in times of personal or national crisis?

4. What lessons can we learn about the dangers of relying solely on material wealth and resources, as seen in the prophecy against Egypt?

5. How can we apply the concept of environmental stewardship in our lives today, considering the imagery of withering reeds and rushes in Isaiah 19:6?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 7:19-21
The plagues of Egypt, particularly the turning of the Nile into blood, serve as a historical precedent for God's judgment on Egypt's waters.

Ezekiel 30:12
This passage also speaks of the drying up of the Nile as part of God's judgment, reinforcing the theme of divine control over natural resources.

Revelation 16:12
The drying up of the Euphrates River in Revelation parallels the drying of Egypt's waters, symbolizing preparation for divine intervention and judgment.