Isaiah 19: Transformation

In this chapter, we continue learning about God’s judgment on unholy nations. Egypt is the focus of chapter 19. At once a nation great in wealth, trade, population and culture, God’s judgment on Egypt shows us that He would rather Egypt be a godly nation than an idolatrous one and by the end, He makes it so.

The Lord calls out those things that are precious to Egypt and how they will be brought down/destroyed:

– Idols will falter

– Mediums and sorcerers will be ruled over fiercely

– Fighting among brothers and neighbors

– Industry will be broken

– Water sources dry up and turn foul

– “Wise” counselors will give foolish counsel

– Princes will become fools

– The courage of Egypt will fail

In verse 14, we see specifically how the Lord causes Egypt’s downfall and makes the likely comparison of Egypt to an errant drunkard: “The LORD has mingled a perverse spirit in her midst; And they have caused Egypt to err in all her work, As a drunken man staggers in his vomit.” Isaiah 19:14

Starting in verse 18, the tone turns from the downfall of Egypt to Egypt turning to the Lord. Egypt will end up crying to the Lord because of oppression. Through Christ, Egypt and all nations will be saved and Egypt itself will turn into a blessing: “whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, “Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance.”” Isaiah 19:25

What can we learn from this judgment on Egypt? There are some common themes:

– Idols are worthless

– God controls earthly blessings

– God controls wisdom

Besides this, though and perhaps more meaningful for us today is the fact that God transforms. Throughout these 25 verses, God indicts, then blesses Egypt. When we are in our sin, then accept Christ as our Savior, the same happens to us. We are transformed in the waters of baptism into a new creation, equipped to serve God.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” II Corinthians 5:17

“For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body— whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.” I Corinthians 12:13

God bless you tonight. It is my desire that you earnestly seek and obey God. This is the greatest pursuit that life has to offer.