Isaiah 19:1-25
Q.1. What was prophesied about Egypt? What did God think about Egypt’s pride in its lofty heritage? – (Isa.19:1-17)
God asked – How can you men say to Pharaoh, “I am a son of the wise, a son of ancient kings? (Isa.19:11). Because of its reliance on witchcraft and idols, Egypt would see its ‘wise’ leaders fail (Isa.19:1-3), and the nation would be destabilized by civil strife (Isa.19:4). However, worse was to come through a catastrophic drought that would dry up the Nile River (Isa.19:5-15). Egypt would be so weakened that – the land of Judah will become a terror to Egypt … because of the purpose of the Lord of hosts which He is purposing against them (Isa.19:17).
Q.2. How will Egypt and Assyria relate to Judah at a future time? What will bring about their change of heart? How will this be accomplished? – (Isa.19:16-25)
Unexpectedly, God would heal Egypt, after they were chastened by Him. – The Lord will strike Egypt, striking but healing; so they will return to the Lord, and He will respond to them and will heal them (Isa.19:22). It is clear that Isaiah was speaking about the Millennial Reign of Christ – 18 In that day five cities in the land of Egypt will be speaking the language of Canaan and swearing allegiance to the Lord of Hosts … 19 In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the Lord near its border. 20 It will become a sign and a witness to the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to the Lord because of oppressors, and He will send them a Saviour and a Champion, and He will deliver them. 21 Thus the Lord will make Himself known to Egypt, and the Egyptians will know the Lord in that day. They will even worship with sacrifice and offering and will make a vow to the Lord and perform it (Isa.19:18-21). This reminds us that God has no favourites. He is gracious to whomever He chooses. God will extend this blessing to Assyria as well – whom the Lord of hosts has blessed, saying, “Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance.” (Isa.19:25 c.f. Isa.19:24). Does God care about the heathen? In this prophecy God proves Himself to be a God of mercy and grace.