Tyndale Open Study NotesIsaiah 19

This section includes predictions of judgment against Damascus, Israel, Ethiopia, and Egypt. The scene shifts from the crisis in 734 BC (the alliance of Syria and Israel; see study note on Isaiah 7:1–25) to the Assyrian crisis in 701 BC (see Isaiah 36–37).

Egypt relied heavily on the Nile for food, fish, and industry. When the Lord struck the Nile, Egypt would face severe difficulties, and its gods would not be able to help.

See also Jeremiah 46; Ezekiel 29–32.

• Riding on a swift cloud shows God's control and power over creation (Psalm 104:3). He is coming to judge Judah's enemies (see Deuteronomy 33:26; Psalms 18:9–10; 68:4; 97:2–3).

• The idols of Egypt tremble because they are weak and powerless, unable to help (see Isaiah 40:18; 45:16; 46:1).

Egypt experienced many civil wars that damaged the country. The nation's fragile unity was falling apart.

People called upon idols, spirits, mediums, and those who consult the spirits of the dead to try to prevent destruction (see Isaiah 8:19–22; 47:12–13).

harsh master: In 671 BC, the Assyrian king Esarhaddon invaded Egypt and destroyed Memphis, the royal city. In 663 BC, Ashurbanipal attacked and destroyed Thebes (see Nahum 3:8–10).

The Nile River was essential for Egypt's survival. Any change in its flooding pattern impacted the entire country. In ancient Egypt, people saw the Nile as a god. However, the true God could easily dry it up.

The workers in flax … and the weavers of fine linen will turn pale: The drought destroyed the flax crops. As a result, the linen industry could not continue.

The prophet mocked the leaders and wise men of Egypt, who could not prevent the disaster.

• Zoan was the capital of Egypt, located in the Nile delta (see Numbers 13:22).

• princes … wise counselors: The king relied on the strategies and advice of wise men (Isaiah 19:12; see Genesis 41:39–40).

• The officials of Zoan were famous for their wise ancestors, and Egypt often boasted about them.

Where are your wise men now?: Compare 1 Corinthians 1:20.

Memphis was an ancient capital in Egypt located south of the Nile Delta. It was destroyed by Esarhaddon in 671 BC.

• There is nothing Egypt can do: No leader, idol, or human wisdom can stop God’s judgment.

• The head and the tail represented all of Egypt's leaders, from the most important to the least important (see Isaiah 9:14–15).

The uplifted hand (literally waving the hand) was a threatening gesture.

• five cities in the land of Egypt: This likely means "a number of cities" (see also Isaiah 17:6; 30:17).

• Jews living in Egypt after Jerusalem's destruction spoke Hebrew, referred to here as the language of Canaan.

• Heliopolis was dedicated to Re, the sun god. When Judah resisted the Lord, Isaiah imagined the Egyptians following the Lord.

The new Egypt would receive a place in God’s purposes together with Assyria and Israel.

This altar or monument might refer to the temple built by Jews at Elephantine in Egypt around 500 BC. It could also refer to another Jewish place of worship or a memorial the Egyptians made to honor the Lord.

• The altar (Isaiah 19:19) would be a sign and a witness of the Egyptians’ religious connection with Israel (see 19:24–25).

• God answers the prayers of those who ask the Lord for help.

• The Lord is a savior; he would protect the Egyptians just as he protected Jerusalem from the Assyrians.

• strike Egypt: The Hebrew verb here is the same as the one used for the tenth plague (Exodus 12:13, 23, 27), reminding us of God's actions during the exodus.

• The Lord, who sends a plague, can also heal.

• He will hear their prayers and heal them: This expresses a covenantal relationship between the Lord and Egypt (see Isaiah 65:24).

• Traditionally, Egypt and Assyria were enemies of each other and of Israel. They were deeply involved in idol worship, but they would abandon their hostility and idols to worship the true God.

• In the rugged terrain of the ancient Near East, a highway allowed for safe and easy travel and trade (see Isaiah 11:16; 35:8; 40:3; 62:10).

Israel will be a blessing, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:3).

Two titles usually meant for Israel, My people and My handiwork (see Isaiah 29:22; 32:18), are used here for foreign nations. The Lord promised to consider those from other nations who turn to him as his special possession (Isaiah 63:17).