And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the midst thereof,.... 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, Ac 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 word used signifies:and I will destroy the counsels thereof; or "swallow [them] up" , 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 Isa 19:11,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 "Isa 8:19". hqbn "evacuabitur", Pagninus, Montanus, Piscator, Cocceius.