Isaiah 19:11

“Surely the princes of Zoan are fools, the counsel of the wise counsellors of Pharaoh is become brutish: how say ye unto Pharaoh, I am the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?”

Context:The book of Isaiah contains prophecies primarily directed towards the kingdom of Judah, but it also includes messages concerning other nations. In this particular passage (Isaiah 19), God’s judgment is pronounced against Egypt for its reliance on false gods and idols rather than turning to the Lord.

The Princes of Zoan:Zoan, also known as Tanis, was a city located in the eastern Nile Delta of Egypt and was one of the nation’s major centers of power and influence. The “princes of Zoan” refer to the rulers or leaders of the city.

Folly of the Princes:The verse describes the princes of Zoan as “fools.” This does not imply a lack of intelligence but rather a moral foolishness, indicating their spiritual blindness and lack of wisdom in their actions and decisions. It suggests that despite their position of authority, they were unable to discern God’s truth or follow His ways.

The Counsel of Pharaoh:The verse further states that the “counsel of the wise counsellors of Pharaoh is become brutish.” This refers to the advisors and wise men who provided guidance and counsel to Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. Despite their reputation as being wise, their counsel has become “brutish,” meaning they have lost their wisdom and insight. Their advice is misguided and lacking in true understanding.

Questioning Pharaoh’s Claim:The verse concludes with a question: “how say ye unto Pharaoh, I am the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?” This statement challenges the pride and arrogance of the advisors who claimed to be descendants of wise and ancient kings. It questions their legitimacy and suggests that their ancestry or heritage does not automatically grant them wisdom or the ability to govern righteously.