1 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.
2 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.
3 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.
4 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.
5 And the waters shall fail from the sea, and the river shall be wasted and dried up.
6 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.
7 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].
8 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.
9 Moreover they that work in fine flax, and they that weave networks, shall be confounded.
10 And they shall be broken in the purposes thereof, all that make sluices [and] ponds for fish.
11 Surely the princes of Zoan [are] fools, the counsel of the wise counsellers of Pharaoh is become brutish: how say ye unto Pharaoh, I [am] the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?
12 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.
13 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.
14 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.
15 Neither shall there be [any] work for Egypt, which the head or tail, branch or rush, may do.
16 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.
17 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.
18 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.
19 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.
20 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.
21 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].
22 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.
23 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.
24 In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, [even] a blessing in the midst of the land:
25 Whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed [be] Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance.
Overview of Isaiah Chapter 19
Isaiah Chapter 19 presents a prophetic vision concerning Egypt, highlighting its impending judgment and the eventual restoration. This chapter is notable for its vivid imagery and the portrayal of Egypt’s social, political, and spiritual state. The chapter can be divided into several key sections that reflect the themes of judgment, despair, and hope.
Structure of the Chapter
- Verses 1-4: The Judgment Against Egypt
These verses describe the Lord’s approach to Egypt, emphasizing the chaos and confusion that will ensue. The imagery of the Lord riding on a swift cloud signifies divine intervention.
- Verses 5-10: The Consequences of Judgment
This section outlines the specific consequences of Egypt’s judgment, including the drying up of the Nile and the collapse of its economy and social structures.
- Verses 11-15: The Futility of Egypt’s Wisdom
Here, the chapter critiques the wisdom of Egypt’s leaders and advisors, highlighting their inability to avert disaster or provide solutions to the chaos they face.
- Verses 16-17: The Fear of the Egyptians
These verses depict the Egyptians’ fear of the Lord’s judgment, illustrating a shift in their perception of power and authority.
- Verses 18-22: The Future Restoration
This section provides a glimmer of hope, indicating that after judgment, Egypt will turn to the Lord and experience healing and restoration.
- Verses 23-25: The Unity of Israel and Egypt
The final verses conclude with a prophetic vision of a future where Egypt, Israel, and Assyria will coexist peacefully, signifying a broader divine plan for reconciliation among nations.
Thematic Analysis
- Divine Judgment
The theme of divine judgment is central to this chapter. The vivid descriptions of chaos and despair serve as a warning to Egypt about the consequences of turning away from God.
- Human Wisdom vs. Divine Wisdom
The chapter contrasts human wisdom with divine wisdom, showcasing the limitations of Egypt’s leaders in the face of divine intervention.
- Hope and Restoration
Despite the harsh judgments, the chapter ends on a hopeful note, emphasizing God’s willingness to restore and heal those who turn back to Him.
- Interconnectedness of Nations
The vision of unity among Egypt, Israel, and Assyria reflects the theme of interconnectedness among nations and God’s overarching plan for humanity.
Historical Context
Isaiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Israel’s history, marked by political instability and threats from neighboring nations. Egypt, as a powerful nation, played a significant role in the geopolitical landscape of the time. Understanding the historical context of Egypt’s influence and its relationship with Israel is crucial for interpreting this chapter.
Conclusion
Isaiah Chapter 19 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty over nations and the consequences of turning away from Him. It highlights the futility of human wisdom in the face of divine judgment, while also offering hope for restoration and unity among nations. This chapter not only addresses the immediate concerns of the people of Israel but also sets the stage for a broader understanding of God’s redemptive plan for all nations.
