The Burden of Egypt: Isaiah 19
Isaiah 19. relates to the land of Egypt in two phases of its history—one past, the other future. The observance of this distinction will simplify the understanding of the chapter. The existence of the distinction will be self-evident to any intelligent reader on a careful perusal. There is first “the burden of Egypt” (verse 1)—-setting forth the downfall of the kingdom. This was written at a time when Egypt was great and prosperous. It sets forth “what the Lord of Hosts had purposed upon (or against) Egypt” (verse 12), which was to be brought about by sowing division among them (verse 2), and giving them over to the dominion of a cruel invader (verse 4), under whom Egypt should degenerate into a condition of political nonentity (verse 15): all of which came to pass in due course as common history attests. The process of downfall began with the successful invasion of Nebuchadnezzar (Jer. 46:13-26), and was made finally effectual in the conflicts of the Antiochean and Seleucidian sections of the Greek monarchy, detailed in Dan. 11; and in the usurpations of Rome and the ravages of the Saracenic hordes centuries later. Egypt became “the basest among the kingdoms,” as predicted in Ezek. 29:14—15, and has continued in that position to the present day. But there is a future of blessedness in store for Egypt. This is spoken of in the second part of the chapter: “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… .. they shall return even to the Lord and He shall be entreated of them and shall heal them.” This subjection of Egypt to the God of Israel does not, however, take place till Israel itself is established as “a blessing in the midst of the land.”—(verse 24.) Consequently, we need not look for it till the appearance of Christ, who is to “build again the tabernacle of David that is fallen.” Egypt will be one of the “many nations which will be joined unto the Lord in that day.”—(Zech. 2:11.) Assyria, also, the historic oppressor of Israel, will be in fraternal confederacy with Egypt, interchanging visits—through the Holy Land, not as in ancient times for purposes of mutual hostility and mutual invasion, but for purposes of concord and worship. Instead of being sworn antagonists to each other and the two great representative enemies of Israel, they will be enrolled with Israel in the enlightened brotherhood and service of Messiah’s reign: “In that day there shall be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt and the Egyptians into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians. In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land, whom the Lord of Hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt, my people, and Assyria the work of my hands and Israel mine inheritance.”
— The Christadelphian, Volume 15, 1878, Page 269
Also see Ministry of the Prophets Isaiah, Chapter 19.
Hear Now These Words 