As we are about to study two more chapters in the larger grouping in Isaiah called the Oracles Against the Nations (OAN; for a reminder on what that is read the beginning of ch. 15 and 16 Notes), it is my prayer that each of you are receiving from the Spirit wisdom and encouragement from our time together in the Word. Though these passages often deal with destruction, we know that through the work of Christ all things are being drawn back to himself. The brokenness of the world will display his glory once all things are redeemed as they are covered by the blood. May you feel that reality, that those who are in Christ have been freed from condemnation and are able to walk into the Kingdom. May you be filled with praise and thanksgiving to serve a God who shows such grace. 

Tonight we will be discussing three sections in two chapters. The first (Isa. 19:1-15) will discuss the oracle against Egypt. The second (19:16-25) looks into Egypt if they humble themselves before God. And lastly (20:1-6) will speak of the sign against Egypt and Cush. We have already discussed Cush (see ch. 18 notes), so let us take a look into Egypt. Egypt as a nation is one that is well known to many believers and nonbelievers alike. Egypt is still a country today, though not the power it was in biblical times. Christians often think of Egypt in terms of the Israelite enslavement seen in the story of Moses and the exodus. The power of Egypt in that time should not be understated; they certainly were a major power of the time. The pharaoh was considered a god and they successfully controlled millions of slaves. They held one of the most premiere armies of the day and were able to hold their own in battle against most. This power slowly decreased over time, but they were a constant power through the Old Testament nonetheless. They were known to send troops to battle with enemies from the north of Israel regularly. The access to water by way of the Nile, and the fertile land it gave them, allowed them to remain a force and important in the region for so long. So we see, Egypt was a great nation because their political leader, their cultural influence and their economic ability from their natural resources, and their military prowess. Egypt is not that same power today, as most know. They represent themselves only as an ancient power and now are viewed as a third-world country with little influence or power. These chapters look at that fall from it’s lofty status. 

As usual, let us break this down into chunks so that we can more easily see what the author is trying to say:

• 19:1-15 Oracle Concerning Egypt

  • V. 1, 3 God and his coming judgement come first to destroy the idols of Egypt. Isn’t it true that we start to stray from God when we look away from him? By removing the distractions from the Egyptians, maybe they will turn to the one true God. The destruction of their gods, which were many, leave them in fear. 

  • Vv. 2, 4 God removes their god-king and the people turn against one another in fear, their great ruler is replaced by a heavy handed stranger. 

  • Vv. 5-10 The Nile is the longest river in the world. It is the source of life for many people, especially those in Egypt. It provided water, fish, and farmland. It also allowed them to be an economic power. The Nile drying up and becoming useless would wreck the entire Egyptian society. 

  • Vv. 11-15 No amount of wise counsel can save the nation of Egypt from it’s coming judgement. It has been purposed by God that they should be destroyed, that will not be stopped.

• 19:16-25 Egypt, Assyria, Israel Blessed

  • V. 16 Continuing the last section, the pieces of Egypt are destroyed one by one. The things they held dear are brought to their knees. This once great military power is now seen as a group of fearful individuals. This powerful and prideful nation has been humbled. 

  • V. 19 Egypt, because of judgement, is seen turning to the God of Israel. Judgement is not for the sake of punishment, but so that all may come to know the Lord through his mighty hand. 

  • V. 20 The true Savior would come in the form of a baby in a manger. Remember, Jesus actually spends time in Egypt as a baby! Though that fact does not really connect to this prophecy. Jesus’ ministry, however, does! He will come to bring all people who call out to him to himself. 

  • V. 22 Sometimes, striking brings healing. 

  • Vv. 24-25 “My people” is not how Jews would describe Egypt. Egypt is a long historic enemy of Israel and God. This reminds us that God does not base those allowed in his Kingdom based off of race or what tribe you come from. It is a heart that is turned to the Lord that allows them in. 

• 20:1-6 Sign Against Egypt and Cush

  • V. 1 Scene can be found in 2 Kings 18:13-37

  • Vv. 2-3 This is next level obedience. I pray God is not calling anyone to this kind of ministry. 

  • V. 4 Explains the meaning behind the nude prophet. It is because when judgement falls on Cush and Egypt, they will be led away imprisoned and naked. We see from the first section that they are left with nothing. They are stripped of all the things they had pride in. Those things they trusted in, the things they adorned themselves with, were all taken away. 

  • Vv. 5-6 Many people, out of fear of Assyria, will turn to Egypt and Cush. They are attempting to make alliances with these nations in order that they may be saved. Israel will be no different as we will see in chapter 30. God is displaying through this judgement, that the only way to be saved is to turn to the Lord. 

Here are some key takeaways from our text:

Who is your protector? For Israel, and many smaller nations, When faced with issues the first place they look is to the nations around them for help. Alliances and treaties between nations seems like a smart thing to do. But an alliance is only as good as the larger nations ability to actually fulfill their end of the bargain. As we can see, an alliance with the powerful Egypt ends up being a bad political move as Egypt is utterly destroyed by Assyria. This only makes Assyria more mad! And God desired that Israel turn to him, not to a human led nation. But, we must consider our own lives. When we face issues, where is our comfort. Sometimes I think we feel as though God should only get called in on the big problems. But God wants to be your comfort and peace in EVERY situation. He did not come to be partial king, but King over your self. He came that he may be your God, and you his people. 

Judgement is part of the healing process. Judgement is something that no one wants to be a part of. We would do anything to live pain free, to age better, to escape the struggles of the world. And America has given many of us an opportunity to live in this state of ignorant bliss. We get a good picture through these OANs that judgement actually was a tool used by God to bring people into a relationship with himself. I am not saying that God gives us our specific problems. I am saying, though, that God is definitely trying to use the persecution in your life to bring you to him in a loving and intimate way. Think how every crutch the Egyptians leaned on to replace God was taken away. Sometimes that is necessary for us to look to God. Jesus also plays a part in judgement. There is to be a final judgement for all men. Because of our faults, none would be saved and we would experience the full wrath of God. But Jesus was sent on our behalf to take the faults of the world upon himself that those who believe may escape that judgement but instead be heirs with him in the Kingdom of heaven. 

God’s enemy is sin, not a person. God opposes the proud. He opposes those who go against his will. He opposes those who place other gods before him and commit any number of sins. This is why he opposes nations such as Egypt and why they are ripe for his judgement. And yet, he allows them to be called “my people” because of their willingness to be humble before the God of Israel after their judgement. This age old enemy of the ways of the Lord is now being called equals with Israel. Not only that but for the Egyptians who call on them, God promises to send a Savior! The ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy has to be Jesus Christ. Jesus has come to call all people unto himself: every tribe, nation, and tongue. What a powerful example of the real mission of God that was supposed to be portrayed by Israel but must be fulfilled through Jesus. Israel was supposed to be the nation that brought all other nations to God, but because their failure Jesus’ mission had to succeed for our sake. Jesus came and took the sins of all men that they may come into his Kingdom boldly without fault, regardless of background. Thank God for his abounding love.