Isaiah 19 Study Notes

PLUS

19:1 The swift cloud, a storm cloud, is God’s war chariot. The image is found elsewhere in Scripture (Ps 18:10; 68:33; 104:3; Nah 1:3) and even has an older ancient Near Eastern background (the god Baal is often described as a “cloud rider”). Fear strikes the hearts of Egypt’s idols again, just as the plagues were described as a victory over Egypt’s gods at the time of the exodus (Ex 12:12).

19:2 God will use Egyptian civil war to judge that nation. During much of the eighth century BC Egypt was at war with itself. There were conflicts between power centers at Tanis, Thebes, and in the delta. There were also conflicts between Cushite rulers and the rulers at Sais. Not until 712 BC was Egypt united under one pharaoh, the Cushite king Shabaka. Even though conditions through much of the eighth century are described by this verse, the picture is so general that it could apply to a different, future time as well.

19:3 Egyptian religion was filled with many gods and mysterious rites, but this verse describes a darker religious turn born out of frustration.

19:4 Egypt’s punishment is to be delivered into the control of harsh masters, a strong king. The lack of specificity does not allow the identification of a concrete historical figure. The description reminds the reader that Egypt at an earlier point had been a harsh master for Israel in bondage.

19:5-7 The waters of the Nile River were the lifeblood of Egypt. Its fresh waters running northward from the south to the delta and out into the Mediterranean Sea were the only source of drinkable water in the country. Egypt’s prosperity was enhanced by the early development of an irrigation system. God’s judgment of Egypt is pictured as a drying up of the water. As a result farmland will vanish.

19:8 The disappearance of the Nile waters will not only affect farmers but also those who make their living by fishing.

19:9-10 Another major industry associated with Egypt was the production of flax, a fiber from which clothes were made. The loss of this industry would lead to economic depression.

19:11 Zoan was an important city (also known as Tanis), formerly a capital of Egypt. It is mentioned in this verse because it was the residence of Pharaoh’s wisest advisers. Egypt was known as a center of wisdom in the ancient Near East. This pronouncement mocks their wisdom.

19:12 The ignorance of the wise men of Egypt is revealed by their ignorance of God’s plans for their country.

19:13 This essentially repeats v. 11.

19:14 Egyptian leaders and wise men are pictured as drunk, in a state of heightened confusion. The image of a drunkard staggering and passing out, representing the demise of God’s enemies, occurs frequently in the Prophets. It is often connected with the theme of the cup of God’s wrath (Jr 25:15-38), but sometimes not explicitly (Jr 48:26-28; Nah 3:11). See also Ps 75:8; Lm 4:21; Ezk 23:32-33; Hab 2:16; Zch 12:2; Mt 26:42; Rv 14:10; 16:19; 17:4; 18:6. The image recurs in Is 51:17-23 and is alluded to in 63:6.

19:15 The expression head or tail, palm or reed points to a totality (9:14). Nothing can protect Egypt against God’s devastating judgment.

19:16 On that day points to a future but unspecified time (vv. 18-19,23). It was an insult to say that Egypt’s troops will be like women (Jr 50:37; 51:30).

19:17 Egypt was always militarily superior to Judah, so Judah was tempted to depend on Egypt for military support, but this verse envisions Egypt fearing Judah, a shameful reversal for this proud nation.

19:18 On that day, see note at v. 16. While Hebrew settlements were known from the postexilic period on, it is more likely that this verse refers to a conversion of at least some Egyptians to Yahweh. The five cities cannot be identified and may be a symbolic number for “a few.” But the City of the Sun is well known. It was Heliopolis, closely associated with the worship of the sun god. That the worship of the Lord would be taken up in this city is a sign of a radical transformation.

19:19 On that day, see note at v. 16. As a sign of an Egyptian conversion to the worship of the true God, there will be an altar set up in the center of the land and a memorial pillar at the border. The land will be dedicated to the worship of the true God.

19:20 The language of this verse is reminiscent of that of the book of Judges. Here, however, sending someone to rescue a repentant nation from an oppressor describes the situation in future Egypt.

19:21 No more would it be asked in Egypt, “Who is the Lord that I should obey him?” (Ex 5:2).

19:22 Egypt’s conversion will be after that country experiences God’s judgment; healing will follow striking.

19:23 On that day, see note at v. 16. Highway is a “favorite metaphor in Isaiah for the removal of alienation and separation (11:16; 33:8; 35:8; 40:3; 49:11; 62:10)” (John Oswalt, Isaiah 1-39). Assyria and Egypt had been enemies for many years, but this amazing passage envisions a time when travel will be free and easy between them. They will be united in the worship of God.

19:24 Israel was a land bridge between Egypt and Assyria. Both of these nations had tried to control Israel to get a foothold against the other. Here Israel is added to Assyria and Egypt in an intimate relationship of love and worship of the Lord.

19:25 The description of God blessing Israel and the two most powerful Gentile nations of the time anticipates the fulfillment of the Abrahamic promise that God would bless not only Abraham’s descendants but other nations as well (Gn 12:1-3).