According to Isaiah, what will happen to the papyrus reeds by the river?

In Isaiah, the imagery of the papyrus reeds by the river symbolizes vulnerability and the consequences of judgment. The statement that they will wither and be no more reflects the broader themes of destruction and desolation that encompass certain prophetic messages throughout the book. This imagery serves to illustrate the fate that awaits those who turn away from God, emphasizing the decay and peril that follows societal and spiritual decline.

The other options present contrasting scenarios that do not align with the context of impending judgment that Isaiah describes. Instead of flourishing or thriving, the correct depiction aligns with the theme of withering under divine retribution, reinforcing the idea of loss when in opposition to divine will. This understanding of the fate of the papyrus reeds solidifies the prophetic tone of warning that characterizes much of Isaiah's message.