Isaiah 19:3 — English NIRV 1996 - Copyrighted only for Website
The people of Egypt will lose hope. I will keep them from doing what they plan to do. They will ask their gods for advice. They will turn to the spirits of dead people for help. They will go to people who get messages from those who have died. They will ask for advice from people who talk to the spirits of the dead.
What Does This Mean?
This verse says that the spirit and the wisdom of Egypt will fail, and people will turn to idols and witchcraft for help. God is speaking and predicting that Egypt will lose its strength and seek false gods.
Explained for Children
Imagine a big, strong country like Egypt. God says that one day, this country will feel very weak and confused, so the people will start asking help from things that can't really help, like toys or magic tricks.
Historical Background
Isaiah wrote this prophecy around 700 BC. He was speaking to the Israelites, warning them about the future of Egypt. The cultural setting was one of empires and nations competing for power and influence.
Living It Out Today
In modern times, this could apply to a company losing its competitive edge and turning to unethical practices or unproven methods to recover. This shows how people can turn to unreliable sources when desperate.
