Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"I will set Egyptians against Egyptians"
Text: Isaiah 19:2
THE BURDEN AGAINST EGYPT
The next message (burden) concerned the mighty kingdom of Egypt. Both Upper and Lower Egypt are in mind in this context.
“The burden against Egypt.
Behold, the LORD rides on a swift cloud,
And will come into Egypt;
The idols of Egypt will totter at His presence,
And the heart of Egypt will melt in its midst.
‘I will set Egyptians against Egyptians;
Everyone will fight against his brother,
And everyone against his neighbour,
City against city, kingdom against kingdom.'”
Isaiah 19:1-2
1. Divine Judgment is in view in this message.
a) It is called “a burden” because it is a heavy message to deliver.
b) The Judgment of the LORD is always hard and painful to comprehend.
c) Yet, divine justice would be upheld.
2. The idols of Egypt.
a) Egypt worshipped a pantheon of deities.
i) There was strong belief in deities who control the weather.
ii) Many animals and insects were worshipped as gods too.
iii) Even reptiles were worshipped with fervour.
b) Many temples were erected in honour of these gods Egypt worshipped.
i) But the idols would totter and fall in the presence of the LORD.
ii) God was coming swiftly to judge Egypt.
3. The Inner turmoil of Egypt.
a) Egypt was divided into two regions.
b) They were simply called “Lower Egypt” and “Upper Egypt”.
c) They were quite a distance from each other.
d) These two regions sometimes fought against each other.
Hence, the statement, “Egyptians against Egyptians”.
4. The LORD Himself would allow people to fight each other.
a) Personal aspect.
i) Everyone would fight against his brother.
ii) Everyone would fight against his neighbour.
b) City aspect.
i) One city would envy another and would attack each other.
ii) The Kingdom of Upper Egypt would fight the Kingdom of Lower Egypt.