The LORD has poured into her a spirit of confusion. Egypt has been led astray in all she does, as a drunkard staggers through his own vomit. The LORD has pouredThe phrase "The LORD has poured" indicates a deliberate action by God. The Hebrew root for "poured" is "נָסַךְ" (nasak), which often implies an intentional outpouring or infusion. This suggests that the confusion experienced by Egypt is not accidental but a direct result of divine intervention. In the biblical narrative, God’s sovereignty is emphasized, showing that He is actively involved in the affairs of nations, directing them according to His purposes. into them a spirit of confusion
The "spirit of confusion" is a significant phrase, with "confusion" derived from the Hebrew word "עִוְעִים" (ivvim), which can mean distortion or perversion. This spirit causes disarray and lack of clarity, leading to poor judgment and chaos. In a historical context, Egypt was known for its wisdom and learning, yet here, God is demonstrating that human wisdom is futile without divine guidance. This serves as a reminder of the limitations of human understanding when it is not aligned with God’s truth. and they have made Egypt stagger
The imagery of Egypt staggering is powerful. The Hebrew word "נָעָה" (na'ah) for "stagger" conveys instability and a lack of balance. This reflects the broader theme of judgment against Egypt, a nation that was once a symbol of strength and stability. The staggering represents the downfall of a proud nation, illustrating the consequences of turning away from God. in all she does
This phrase underscores the totality of Egypt's confusion. The Hebrew "בְּכָל־מַעֲשֶׂיהָ" (b'chol-ma'aseha) indicates that every action and endeavor of Egypt is affected. It highlights the pervasive nature of the judgment, affecting every aspect of life and governance. This serves as a warning that when a nation or individual is not aligned with God’s will, every part of their life can be impacted. as a drunkard staggers in his vomit
The comparison to a drunkard is vivid and graphic. The Hebrew "כְּהִתְעוֹת שִׁכּוֹר בְּקִיאוֹ" (k'hit'ot shikkor b'ki'o) paints a picture of helplessness and disgrace. A drunkard is someone who has lost control, and the mention of "vomit" adds a layer of humiliation and uncleanness. This imagery serves as a metaphor for Egypt’s spiritual and moral decay, emphasizing the depth of their fall from grace. It is a call to repentance and a return to God, who alone can restore order and dignity. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORDThe sovereign God of Israel, who exercises authority over nations and peoples, including Egypt. 2. EgyptA significant nation in biblical history, often seen as a symbol of worldly power and opposition to God's people. 3. Spirit of ConfusionA divinely sent state of disorder and chaos, affecting the decision-making and stability of Egypt. 4. DrunkardUsed metaphorically to describe Egypt's inability to function properly due to the confusion inflicted by God. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NationsGod has the authority to influence and direct the affairs of nations according to His purposes. This should remind us of His ultimate control over world events. The Consequences of Pride and IdolatryEgypt's confusion is a result of their pride and reliance on false gods. We must examine our own lives for areas where we rely on anything other than God. The Dangers of Spiritual ConfusionJust as Egypt staggered in confusion, spiritual confusion can lead us away from God's truth. We must seek clarity through prayer and Scripture. The Call to RepentanceGod's judgment is often a call to repentance. We should be quick to turn back to God when we recognize His discipline in our lives. The Assurance of God's GuidanceWhile God may allow confusion as a form of judgment, He also offers guidance and wisdom to those who seek Him. We should continually seek His direction. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of a "spirit of confusion" in Isaiah 19:14 relate to the broader theme of God's judgment in the Bible? 2. In what ways can we see the effects of spiritual confusion in today's world, and how can we guard against it in our personal lives? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced confusion or disorder. How did turning to God help you find clarity and peace? 4. How does understanding God's sovereignty over nations impact your view of current global events? 5. What steps can you take to ensure that you are relying on God rather than worldly powers or idols in your daily life? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 11:7-9The Tower of Babel incident, where God confuses the language of the people, leading to their dispersion. This highlights God's power to disrupt human plans. 1 Corinthians 14:33Paul states that God is not a God of confusion but of peace, contrasting the divine judgment on Egypt with God's desire for order among His people. Jeremiah 25:15-16The imagery of nations drinking the cup of God's wrath, causing them to stagger and act irrationally, similar to Egypt's condition in Isaiah 19:14. People Assyrians, Egyptians, Isaiah, PharaohPlaces Assyria, Canaan, City of Destruction, Egypt, Memphis, Nile River, ZoanTopics Astray, Caused, Confusion, Distortion, Dizziness, Doings, Drunkard, Drunken, Egypt, Err, Erreth, Error, Led, Midst, Mingled, Mixed, Overcome, Perverse, Perverseness, Spirit, Stagger, Staggereth, Staggers, Steps, Thereof, Uncertain, Vomit, Wine, Within, WorksDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 19:12-14 6708 predestination Isaiah 19:13-14 5602 vomit Isaiah 19:13-15 4416 branch Isaiah 19:14-15 4502 reed Library The Fruits of Grace
"In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the Lord of hosts; one shall be called the city of destruction. In that day shall there be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the Lord. And it all be for a sign and for a witness unto the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt: for they shall cry unto the Lord because of the oppressors, and he shall send them a Saviour, and a great one, and he shall …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916 'He Uttered his Voice, the Earth Melted'
'Then Isaiah the son of Amos sent to Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, That which thou hast prayed to Me against Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard. 21. This is the word that the Lord hath spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee. 22. Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Exposition of the Moral Law.
1. The Law was committed to writing, in order that it might teach more fully and perfectly that knowledge, both of God and of ourselves, which the law of nature teaches meagrely and obscurely. Proof of this, from an enumeration of the principal parts of the Moral Law; and also from the dictate of natural law, written on the hearts of all, and, in a manner, effaced by sin. 2. Certain general maxims. 1. From the knowledge of God, furnished by the Law, we learn that God is our Father and Ruler. Righteousness …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion a survey of the third and closing discourse of the prophet
We shall now, in conclusion, give a survey of the third and closing discourse of the prophet. After an introduction in vi. 1, 2, where the mountains serve only to give greater solemnity to the scene (in the fundamental passages Deut. xxxii. 1, and in Is. 1, 2, "heaven and earth" are mentioned for the same purposes, inasmuch as they are the most venerable parts of creation; "contend with the mountains" by taking them in and applying to [Pg 522] them as hearers), the prophet reminds the people of …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Manner of Covenanting.
Previous to an examination of the manner of engaging in the exercise of Covenanting, the consideration of God's procedure towards his people while performing the service seems to claim regard. Of the manner in which the great Supreme as God acts, as well as of Himself, our knowledge is limited. Yet though even of the effects on creatures of His doings we know little, we have reason to rejoice that, in His word He has informed us, and in His providence illustrated by that word, he has given us to …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Covenanting Predicted in Prophecy.
The fact of Covenanting, under the Old Testament dispensations, being approved of God, gives a proof that it was proper then, which is accompanied by the voice of prophecy, affording evidence that even in periods then future it should no less be proper. The argument for the service that is afforded by prophecy is peculiar, and, though corresponding with evidence from other sources, is independent. Because that God willed to make known truth through his servants the prophets, we should receive it …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Isaiah
CHAPTERS I-XXXIX Isaiah is the most regal of the prophets. His words and thoughts are those of a man whose eyes had seen the King, vi. 5. The times in which he lived were big with political problems, which he met as a statesman who saw the large meaning of events, and as a prophet who read a divine purpose in history. Unlike his younger contemporary Micah, he was, in all probability, an aristocrat; and during his long ministry (740-701 B.C., possibly, but not probably later) he bore testimony, as …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Isaiah 19:14 NIVIsaiah 19:14 NLTIsaiah 19:14 ESVIsaiah 19:14 NASBIsaiah 19:14 KJV
Isaiah 19:14 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
