Moreover they that work in fine flax, and they that weave networks, shall be confounded.
They that work in short flax. Gesenius, for "fine," translates ( sªriyqowt (H8305)) 'combed.' Fine linen was worn by the rich only (Luke 16:19). Egypt was famous for it (Exodus 9:31; 1 Kings 10:28; Proverbs 7:16; Ezekiel 27:7). The processes of its manufacture are represented on the Egyptian tombs. Israel learned the art in Egypt (Exodus 26:36). The cloth now found on the mummies was linen, as is now known by the microscope. Wilkinson mentions linen from Egypt which has 540 (or 270 double) threads in one inch in the warp; whereas some modern cambric has only 160 (Barnes).
They that weave net-works, х chowraay (H2355)] - from chowr (H2355), an aperture. So reticulated tapestry. Or rather, as the English version, net-works, nets. As in Isaiah 19:8 the prophet had said, "they that spread nets upon the waters shall languish," so here also, "they that weave them shall be confounded." Or else, as Gesenius takes it (from chuwr (H2353), white), in parallelism to "fine flax," white cloth (Esther 1:6; Esther 8:15). The Septuagint translates х ton (G3588) busson (G1040)], fine linen; but the Chaldaic supports the English version.