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?
The rulers of Zoan are complete fools, and the advice of Pharaoh's wisest advisors has become stupid and senseless. How can they dare to tell Pharaoh, 'I am descended from wise men and from kings of long ago'?
God is pointing out that Egypt's supposedly wise leaders and counselors are actually foolish, despite their claims of having ancient wisdom and noble heritage.
📚 Historical Context
Zoan was an important city in northern Egypt that served as a royal residence and center of government. Egyptian rulers and their advisors prided themselves on their ancient wisdom traditions and claimed divine authority through their connection to previous pharaohs. This prophecy was likely given during a time when Egypt was facing political instability or making poor decisions that would lead to their downfall.
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