Isaiah 19 Study Notes

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).