Attributed commentary excerpt
John Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 19:3
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the midst thereof, &c.] Meaning not the spirit of valour and courage, that is expressed before, but of wisdom, prudence, and understanding; the wisdom of Egypt, in which Moses is said to be brought up, (<440722>Acts 7:22) was famous all the world over; hither men of learning, as the ancient philosophers, Pythagoras, Plato, and others, travelled, to improve in knowledge, and gain a larger acquaintance with things human and divine; it was the mother and mistress of the liberal arts and sciences; but now what was before like a river full of water, was about to be “emptied”, and drained dry, as the wordf365 used signifies: and I will destroy the counsels thereof; or “swallow [them] up”f366, so that they shall be no more seen, or take effect: this explains what is before meant by the spirit of Egypt, and which is further enlarged on, and illustrated in (<231911>Isaiah 19:11-13), and they shall seek to the idols; with which the land abounded, particularly to Osiris and Isis, to Apis, Latona, and others: and to the charmers; that used incantations and spells; magicians and conjurers, that whispered and muttered; for the word used has the signification of speaking in a slow and drawling manner. The Targum renders it “witches”; but Jarchi takes it to be the name of an idol: and to them that have familiar spirits, and to the wizards; (see Gill on “<230819>Isaiah 8:19”).
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