The burden of Egypt. Behold, the Lord rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.
And I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians: and they shall fight every one against his brother, and every one against his neighbour; city against city, and kingdom against kingdom.
And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the midst thereof; and I will destroy the counsel thereof: and they shall seek to the idols, and to the charmers, and to them that have familiar spirits, and to the wizards.
And the Egyptians will I give over into the hand of a cruel lord; and a fierce king shall rule over them, saith the Lord, the Lord of hosts.
And the waters shall fail from the sea, and the river shall be wasted and dried up.
And they shall turn the rivers far away; and the brooks of defence shall be emptied and dried up: the reeds and flags shall wither.
The paper reeds by the brooks, by the mouth of the brooks, and every thing sown by the brooks, shall wither, be driven away, and be no more.
The fishers also shall mourn, and all they that cast angle into the brooks shall lament, and they that spread nets upon the waters shall languish.
Moreover they that work in fine flax, and they that weave networks, shall be confounded.
And they shall be broken in the purposes thereof, all that make sluices and ponds for fish.
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?
Where are they? where are thy wise men? and let them tell thee now, and let them know what the Lord of hosts hath purposed upon Egypt.
The princes of Zoan are become fools, the princes of Noph are deceived; they have also seduced Egypt, even they that are the stay of the tribes thereof.
The Lord hath mingled a perverse spirit in the midst thereof: and they have caused Egypt to err in every work thereof, as a drunken man staggereth in his vomit.
Neither shall there be any work for Egypt, which the head or tail, branch or rush, may do.
In that day shall Egypt be like unto women: and it shall be afraid and fear because of the shaking of the hand of the Lord of hosts, which he shaketh over it.
And the land of Judah shall be a terror unto Egypt, every one that maketh mention thereof shall be afraid in himself, because of the counsel of the Lord of hosts, which he hath determined against it.
In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the Lord of hosts; one shall be called, The city of destruction.
In that day shall there be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the Lord.
And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt: for they shall cry unto the Lord because of the oppressors, and he shall send them a saviour, and a great one, and he shall deliver them.
And the Lord shall be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know the Lord in that day, and shall do sacrifice and oblation; yea, they shall vow a vow unto the Lord, and perform it.
And the Lord shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal it: and they shall return even to the Lord, and he shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them.
In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians.
In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land:
Whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance.
Isaiah 19 holds a unique place in the prophetic writings, shifting from a declaration of judgment upon Egypt to a stunning vision of future reconciliation and shared worship. Understanding this chapter requires grasping its immediate historical context and its ultimate fulfillment in God's redemptive plan for all nations.
Context: Shifting Alliances and Divine Sovereignty
Isaiah 19 emerges from a time when Judah was tempted to rely on foreign powers, particularly Egypt, for protection against the rising threat of Assyria. Throughout the Old Testament narrative, Egypt appears as both a refuge and an oppressor of God's people. From providing sanctuary during famine in Genesis to enslaving the Israelites in Exodus, Egypt's relationship with God's people has always been complex. In Isaiah's time, Egypt, though weakened, still held considerable sway, and Judah was tempted to trust in its military might rather than in the Lord.
Isaiah 19 serves as a powerful reminder that true security lies not in earthly alliances but in God alone. The chapter reveals the Lord's sovereignty over all nations, including those seemingly powerful and independent. It unveils the futility of trusting in idols, human wisdom, or economic prosperity when God's judgment is at hand. But even more remarkably, it foreshadows a future where former enemies unite in worship of the one true God.
Judgment on Egypt (Isaiah 19:1-15)
The initial verses of Isaiah 19 paint a vivid picture of divine judgment descending upon Egypt. The Lord is depicted as "riding on a swift cloud" (Isaiah 19:1), a symbolic representation of His swift and irresistible intervention. This imagery directly challenges the Egyptian worship of gods like Baal, often associated with clouds and storms, asserting the Lord's supreme power.
The consequences of God's judgment are multifaceted:
- Internal Strife (Isaiah 19:2-4): The Lord declares, "I will stir up Egyptians against Egyptians" (Isaiah 19:2). This internal conflict would lead to societal breakdown, despair, and a desperate search for guidance from idols and spiritists. However, these false sources of help would prove useless, and Egypt would ultimately fall under the dominion of a "fierce king" (Isaiah 19:4), likely a reference to the Assyrian conquest that occurred in 671 BC under King Esarhaddon. This serves as a warning to Judah: why rely on a nation so easily defeated?
- Economic Collapse (Isaiah 19:5-10): Egypt's prosperity was intrinsically linked to the Nile River, the lifeblood of its agriculture and commerce. Isaiah prophesies a severe drought, causing the Nile to dry up (Isaiah 19:5), leading to widespread economic devastation. Fishermen, flax workers, and all wage earners would be demoralized (Isaiah 19:10), underscoring the fragility of earthly wealth and the Lord's power to control natural resources.
- Foolish Counsel (Isaiah 19:11-15): Egypt was renowned for its wisdom and skilled counselors. However, Isaiah declares that the Lord would confound their wisdom, causing them to give foolish advice and leading the nation into confusion. This highlights the limitations of human intellect and the ultimate source of true wisdom, which comes from God alone. Even the wisest advisors would be rendered ineffective, unable to discern God's plans.
A Future of Healing and Reconciliation (Isaiah 19:16-25)
After this dire pronouncement of judgment, Isaiah's prophecy takes a dramatic turn, offering a vision of hope and reconciliation that would have seemed impossible to his original audience.
- Turning to the Lord (Isaiah 19:16-22): The Egyptians, once terrified by the Lord's power, will eventually "fear because of the waving of the hand of the Lord of hosts that he waves over it" (Isaiah 19:16). This fear will lead to repentance and a turning to the Lord. They will swear allegiance to Him (Isaiah 19:18) and worship Him with sacrifices and offerings. The Lord, in turn, will respond with compassion, healing their wounds and answering their prayers. God is always ready to show grace and mercy to those who repent.
- A Triple Alliance (Isaiah 19:23-25): The most astonishing aspect of this prophecy is the vision of a future alliance between Egypt, Assyria, and Israel. These nations, historically enemies, will unite in worship of the Lord. "In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and Assyria will come into Egypt, and Egypt into Assyria, and the Egyptians will worship with the Assyrians" (Isaiah 19:23). This unprecedented unity will result in a blessing for the entire world, as God declares, "Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance" (Isaiah 19:25). This passage points toward the future kingdom of Christ. God's plan is to win worshipers from all nations, not only from Israel.
Significance and Application
Isaiah 19 offers several key takeaways:
- God's Sovereignty: The chapter underscores God's absolute control over nations and history. He uses both judgment and mercy to accomplish His purposes.
- The Futility of False Idols: Whether those idols are military strength, economic prosperity, or human wisdom, Isaiah 19 exposes the emptiness of trusting in anything other than God.
- The Universality of God's Love: The prophecy's ultimate message is one of hope and reconciliation. God's plan extends to all nations, offering salvation and the opportunity to worship Him.
- A Call to Repentance: Isaiah 19 reminds us that repentance and a turning to God are essential for experiencing His healing and blessing.
For us today, Isaiah 19 serves as a powerful reminder to place our trust in God alone, to seek His wisdom, and to pray for the reconciliation of all nations. It encourages us to look beyond earthly divisions and to embrace the vision of a future where all people worship the one true God in unity and peace. It is a call to participate in God's global mission, sharing the good news of salvation with people from every nation, tribe, and tongue.
The burden of Egypt. Behold, the Lord rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.
And I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians: and they shall fight every one against his brother, and every one against his neighbour; city against city, and kingdom against kingdom.
And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the midst thereof; and I will destroy the counsel thereof: and they shall seek to the idols, and to the charmers, and to them that have familiar spirits, and to the wizards.
And the Egyptians will I give over into the hand of a cruel lord; and a fierce king shall rule over them, saith the Lord, the Lord of hosts.
And the waters shall fail from the sea, and the river shall be wasted and dried up.
And they shall turn the rivers far away; and the brooks of defence shall be emptied and dried up: the reeds and flags shall wither.
The paper reeds by the brooks, by the mouth of the brooks, and every thing sown by the brooks, shall wither, be driven away, and be no more.
The fishers also shall mourn, and all they that cast angle into the brooks shall lament, and they that spread nets upon the waters shall languish.
Moreover they that work in fine flax, and they that weave networks, shall be confounded.
And they shall be broken in the purposes thereof, all that make sluices and ponds for fish.
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?
Where are they? where are thy wise men? and let them tell thee now, and let them know what the Lord of hosts hath purposed upon Egypt.
The princes of Zoan are become fools, the princes of Noph are deceived; they have also seduced Egypt, even they that are the stay of the tribes thereof.
The Lord hath mingled a perverse spirit in the midst thereof: and they have caused Egypt to err in every work thereof, as a drunken man staggereth in his vomit.
Neither shall there be any work for Egypt, which the head or tail, branch or rush, may do.
In that day shall Egypt be like unto women: and it shall be afraid and fear because of the shaking of the hand of the Lord of hosts, which he shaketh over it.
And the land of Judah shall be a terror unto Egypt, every one that maketh mention thereof shall be afraid in himself, because of the counsel of the Lord of hosts, which he hath determined against it.
In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the Lord of hosts; one shall be called, The city of destruction.
In that day shall there be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the Lord.
And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt: for they shall cry unto the Lord because of the oppressors, and he shall send them a saviour, and a great one, and he shall deliver them.
And the Lord shall be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know the Lord in that day, and shall do sacrifice and oblation; yea, they shall vow a vow unto the Lord, and perform it.
And the Lord shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal it: and they shall return even to the Lord, and he shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them.
In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians.
In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land:
Whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance.
Isaiah 19 holds a unique place in the prophetic writings, shifting from a declaration of judgment upon Egypt to a stunning vision of future reconciliation and shared worship. Understanding this chapter requires grasping its immediate historical context and its ultimate fulfillment in God's redemptive plan for all nations.
Context: Shifting Alliances and Divine Sovereignty
Isaiah 19 emerges from a time when Judah was tempted to rely on foreign powers, particularly Egypt, for protection against the rising threat of Assyria. Throughout the Old Testament narrative, Egypt appears as both a refuge and an oppressor of God's people. From providing sanctuary during famine in Genesis to enslaving the Israelites in Exodus, Egypt's relationship with God's people has always been complex. In Isaiah's time, Egypt, though weakened, still held considerable sway, and Judah was tempted to trust in its military might rather than in the Lord.
Isaiah 19 serves as a powerful reminder that true security lies not in earthly alliances but in God alone. The chapter reveals the Lord's sovereignty over all nations, including those seemingly powerful and independent. It unveils the futility of trusting in idols, human wisdom, or economic prosperity when God's judgment is at hand. But even more remarkably, it foreshadows a future where former enemies unite in worship of the one true God.
Judgment on Egypt (Isaiah 19:1-15)
The initial verses of Isaiah 19 paint a vivid picture of divine judgment descending upon Egypt. The Lord is depicted as "riding on a swift cloud" (Isaiah 19:1), a symbolic representation of His swift and irresistible intervention. This imagery directly challenges the Egyptian worship of gods like Baal, often associated with clouds and storms, asserting the Lord's supreme power.
The consequences of God's judgment are multifaceted:
- Internal Strife (Isaiah 19:2-4): The Lord declares, "I will stir up Egyptians against Egyptians" (Isaiah 19:2). This internal conflict would lead to societal breakdown, despair, and a desperate search for guidance from idols and spiritists. However, these false sources of help would prove useless, and Egypt would ultimately fall under the dominion of a "fierce king" (Isaiah 19:4), likely a reference to the Assyrian conquest that occurred in 671 BC under King Esarhaddon. This serves as a warning to Judah: why rely on a nation so easily defeated?
- Economic Collapse (Isaiah 19:5-10): Egypt's prosperity was intrinsically linked to the Nile River, the lifeblood of its agriculture and commerce. Isaiah prophesies a severe drought, causing the Nile to dry up (Isaiah 19:5), leading to widespread economic devastation. Fishermen, flax workers, and all wage earners would be demoralized (Isaiah 19:10), underscoring the fragility of earthly wealth and the Lord's power to control natural resources.
- Foolish Counsel (Isaiah 19:11-15): Egypt was renowned for its wisdom and skilled counselors. However, Isaiah declares that the Lord would confound their wisdom, causing them to give foolish advice and leading the nation into confusion. This highlights the limitations of human intellect and the ultimate source of true wisdom, which comes from God alone. Even the wisest advisors would be rendered ineffective, unable to discern God's plans.
A Future of Healing and Reconciliation (Isaiah 19:16-25)
After this dire pronouncement of judgment, Isaiah's prophecy takes a dramatic turn, offering a vision of hope and reconciliation that would have seemed impossible to his original audience.
- Turning to the Lord (Isaiah 19:16-22): The Egyptians, once terrified by the Lord's power, will eventually "fear because of the waving of the hand of the Lord of hosts that he waves over it" (Isaiah 19:16). This fear will lead to repentance and a turning to the Lord. They will swear allegiance to Him (Isaiah 19:18) and worship Him with sacrifices and offerings. The Lord, in turn, will respond with compassion, healing their wounds and answering their prayers. God is always ready to show grace and mercy to those who repent.
- A Triple Alliance (Isaiah 19:23-25): The most astonishing aspect of this prophecy is the vision of a future alliance between Egypt, Assyria, and Israel. These nations, historically enemies, will unite in worship of the Lord. "In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and Assyria will come into Egypt, and Egypt into Assyria, and the Egyptians will worship with the Assyrians" (Isaiah 19:23). This unprecedented unity will result in a blessing for the entire world, as God declares, "Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance" (Isaiah 19:25). This passage points toward the future kingdom of Christ. God's plan is to win worshipers from all nations, not only from Israel.
Significance and Application
Isaiah 19 offers several key takeaways:
- God's Sovereignty: The chapter underscores God's absolute control over nations and history. He uses both judgment and mercy to accomplish His purposes.
- The Futility of False Idols: Whether those idols are military strength, economic prosperity, or human wisdom, Isaiah 19 exposes the emptiness of trusting in anything other than God.
- The Universality of God's Love: The prophecy's ultimate message is one of hope and reconciliation. God's plan extends to all nations, offering salvation and the opportunity to worship Him.
- A Call to Repentance: Isaiah 19 reminds us that repentance and a turning to God are essential for experiencing His healing and blessing.
For us today, Isaiah 19 serves as a powerful reminder to place our trust in God alone, to seek His wisdom, and to pray for the reconciliation of all nations. It encourages us to look beyond earthly divisions and to embrace the vision of a future where all people worship the one true God in unity and peace. It is a call to participate in God's global mission, sharing the good news of salvation with people from every nation, tribe, and tongue.