Isaiah 19:12

"The princes of Zoan are utterly foolish. The counsel of the wisest counselors of Pharaoh has become stupid. How do you say to Pharaoh, “I am the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings”?"

Key Reflection

These verses highlight the spiritual blindness and foolishness that afflict even those in positions of authority during times of divine judgment. The princes and counselors of Zoan, representing the wise men of Egypt, are shown to be misguided, underscoring how even the most educated can fail when they disregard God’s wisdom.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Where are they? -This whole verse is an appeal by the prophet to the king of Egypt respecting the counselors and soothsayers of his kingdom. The sense is, ‘a time of distress and danger is evidently coming upon Egypt. They pretend to be wise; and there is now occasion for all their wisdom, and opportunity to evince it. Let them show it.

More from Isaiah 19

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