Isaiah 19:6 - Exposition

And they shall turn the rivers far away ; rather, and the rivers shall stagnate (Cheyne). Probably the canals are intended, as in Exodus 7:19 (see 'Pulpit Commentary,' ad loc .). The brooks of defense shall be emptied . Some render this "brooks of Egypt," regarding matsor as here used for "Mitsraim;" but our translation is more forcible, and may well stand. The "brooks of defense" are those which had hitherto formed the moats round walled cities (comp. Isaiah 37:25 ; Nahum 3:8 ). The reeds and flags shall wither . Reeds, flags, rushes, and water-plants of all kinds abound in the backwaters of the Nile, and the numerous ponds and marshes connected with its overflow. These forms of vegetation would be the first to wither on the occurrence of a deficient inundation.