Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"For a sign and for a witness"
Text: Isaiah 19:20
PROPHECY CONCERNING EGYPT I
Ethiopia had failed as a political kingdom, but God was merciful and promised spiritual blessings. Egypt would also fail as a political kingdom but would also be granted spiritual blessings!
“In that day five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear by the LORD of hosts;
one will be called the City of Destruction.
In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt,
and a pillar to the LORD at its border.
And it will be for a sign and for a witness to the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt;
for they will cry to the LORD because of the oppressors,
and He will send them a Savior and a Mighty One, and He will deliver them.
Then the LORD will be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians will know the LORD
in that day, and will make sacrifice and offering;
yes, they will make a vow to the LORD and perform it.”
Isaiah 19:18-21
1. The spiritual future of Egypt.
a) Five cities of Egypt.
i) This is to symbolically represent the future of Egypt.
ii) If there are five cities that would be blessed, the blessings can spread further.
b) Speaking the language of Canaan.
i) The language of Israel is in mind here.
ii) The focus of this prophecy centers around Israel.
c) Swearing by the LORD of hosts.
i) This is a reference to taking oaths in the LORD’s name.
ii) Obviously, there must have been growth in the knowledge of God.
d) The city of Destruction.
i) This can be translated as “the City of the Sun”.
ii) It was popularly called “Heliopolis”.
iii) This was a reminder that not all the cities of Egypt would turn to God.
2. The Spread of Faith in Egypt.
a) One day, an altar to the LORD would be erected.
b) And also, a pillar to the LORD near the borders of Egypt.
c) The setting up of both Altar and Pillar would be:
i) For a sign.
ii) For a wonder to the LORD and His work in Egypt.
3. Why would the Egyptians cry out to the LORD?
a) Because of oppressors.
b) Because the deities they worshipped had failed to help them.
c) The LORD would send them a mighty Saviour and a Mighty Deliverer.
4. Turning to the LORD in true faith.
a) The LORD would make Himself known to Egypt.
b) They would see Him and know Him.
c) They would come and worship God with sacrifices.
d) They would make vows and keep them too.
This was a prophetic word to all who lived in Egypt.