Isaiah 19
-The oracle (burden) concerning
Egypt. “The LORD will strike Egypt, striking but healing; so they will return
to the LORD, and He will respond to them and heal them (Isaiah 19:22).” This section
spans history with some coming promises of unification around the Savior
(Messiah). First, Egypt will be melted with dread and fear because of the idols
they have erected. Civil war will ensue and the spirit of the Egyptians will be
demoralized within them. God will confound their strategy as they resort to
their idols, ghosts of the dead, mediums, and spiritists. As a result and
further, God will deliver the Egyptians into the hand of a cruel master, and a
mighty king will rule over them. This will create an intense time of suffering
and mourning from the Egyptians with scarcity and terrible grief (Isaiah
19:1-10).
-The wisdom of the Egyptian
princes and advisers becomes foolish and stupid in light of the LORD and His
purposes. Delusion overtakes the rebellious house of Egypt, and the LORD mixes
within her a spirit of distortion that leads them astray in all that it does. Egypt
becomes like a drunken man staggering in his vomit (Isaiah 19:11-14). God’s
Hand will wave over them to bring a ceasing to their labor, and in that time
Judah will become a terror to Egypt causing them dread and panic. This is the
LORD’s purpose, and He will work it for good at the coming of His Kingdom
(Isaiah 19:15-17).
-In that day, which is repeated
over and over and over again for futuristic emphasis, five cities in the land
of Egypt will be found speaking the language of Canaan and swearing allegiance
to the LORD of hosts. One of these cities will be called the City of
Destruction (some ancient manuscripts read City of the Sun). At that time there
will be an altar to the LORD in Egypt and a pillar to the LORD near its border;
for they will cry to the LORD because of their oppressors and create a sign and
a witness to the true God. Then God “will send them a Savior and a Champion,
and He will deliver them (Isaiah 19:20).” In that day as the LORD makes Himself
known to Egypt, the Egyptians will relationally know the LORD and worship Him
with sacrifice, offering, and vow. Not only this, but there will be a holy
alliance now formed between the Children of God from Assyria, Israel, and
Egypt. There will be a two-way highway from Egypt to Assyria, and they will
worship God together. This triumvirate will be a blessing in the midst of the
earth. The LORD calls them saying, “Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the
work of My Hands, and Israel My inheritance (Isaiah 19:18-25).” *Application*
God’s desire is to redeem all situations and bless. Look to Him who is the LORD
of all the earth. Cry out to Him who can save and deliver. He is waiting to
show you that you too are a special blessing, a work of His Hands, and a
receiver of His eternal inheritance.
Verse to Memorize: Isaiah 19:22
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