Isaiah 19

CHAPTER 19

A Prophecy About Egypt (19:1–25)

1–15 In the first fifteen verses, this prophecy “about” Egypt⁸⁸ seems rather to be a prophecy “against” Egypt—similar to the other prophecies in this part of the book of Isaiah. However, toward the end of the chapter, Isaiah makes some remarkable statements about how God will show grace to Egypt and how, in the Messianic age, Egyptians and Assyrians will be counted among the people of God—together with the Israelites, who had suffered so much at their hands.

In verses 1–15, Isaiah describes the great judgment that is to befall Egypt; this judgment reminds us of the ten plagues that God brought upon Egypt in the time of Moses (Exodus Chapters 7–11). First, fear will strike the Egyptians (verse 1); then civil war will break out (verse 2); then Egypt will be conquered by a fierce king⁸⁹ (verse 4).

The Nile River—the lifeline of Egypt—will dry up (verse 5), which will result in the destruction of the nation’s fields and fisheries and other industries (verses 6–10). The leaders of Egypt, the officials in Zoan and Memphis (two important administrative centers) together with the counselors and wise men will all be given a spirit of dizziness by the Lord (verses 11–15). These leaders are the cornerstones of the people, the head and tail, palm branch and reed (see Isaiah 9:14–15), but they will merely make Egypt stagger. Who but the Lord Almighty can bring such judgments on a people! Who but the Lord can bring a nation to its knees!

16–25 But this story is not over. In the rest of the chapter Isaiah looks forward into the future. In that day (verses 16,18,19,23)—the day of the Messiah—something new will happen to Egypt. Isaiah describes it in four stages.

First, the Egyptians will be terrified by the Lord and by His people, the people of Judah (verses 16–17).

Second, five cities in Egypt will swear allegiance to the Lord (verse 18); the Egyptians—unlike those in Moses’ day—will repent and turn to God.⁹⁰

Third, the worship of the Lord will be established in Egypt; an altar will be set up and sacrifices will be offered⁹¹ (verses 19,21).

Fourth, and most wonderful of all, not only Egypt but also Assyria will worship the Lord (verse 23). A highway of friendship will connect the two nations—together with a third nation, Israel, which will be a blessing on the earth⁹² (verse 24). Thus Isaiah presents a picture of the Messianic age in which Jews and Gentiles (the latter represented by Egypt and Assyria) will live in unity and peace, and worship the one true God together (see Isaiah 2:2–4).