Isaiah 19:9

“Moreover they that work in fine flax, &c.] 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, (<111028>1 Kings 10:28 <262707>Ezekiel 27:7) but now would have no flax to work, that being withered and gone which was sown by the sides of the brooks, (<231907>Isaiah 19:7,15) and no linen cloth or yarn to sell, and consequently in great confusion and distress, as they are here representedf377. 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…”

“fine flax--GESENIUS, for "fine," translates, "combed"; fine "linen" was worn by the rich only (Luk 16:19). Egypt was famous for it (Exo 9:31; Kg1 10:28; Pro 7:16; Eze 27:7). The processes of its manufacture are represented on the Egyptian tombs. Israel learned the art in Egypt (Exo 26:36). The cloth now found on the mummies was linen, as is shown by the microscope. WILKINSON mentions linen from Egypt which has five hundred forty (or two hundred seventy double) threads in one inch in the warp; whereas some modern cambric has but a hundred sixty [BARNES]. networks--rather, white cloth (Est 1:6; Est 8:16).”

“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 the exode of the Hebrews, we find that the art was known by which stuffs made of linen or other materials were curiously…”

“They - That make fine linen, which was one of their best commodities. Isaiah 19:10”

“19:9 There was no flax or thread: The drought crippled the linen industry.”

“work: Kg1 10:28; Pro 7:16; Eze 27:7, net works, or, white works Isaiah 19:10”