Gentile Nations · Egypt, Assyria, and Israel in worship

Isaiah 19:16-25

Isaiah · ~700 BC · Status: Partially Fulfilled · Confidence: 55%
“In that day shall Egypt be like unto women: and it shall be afraid and fear because of the shaking of the hand of the LORD of hosts, which he shaketh over it. And the land of Judah shall be a terror unto Egypt, every one that maketh mention thereof shall be afraid in himself, because of the counsel of the LORD of hosts, which he hath determined against it.”
King James Version · the opening — all 10 verses are below
More of Isaiah 19 on this siteIsaiah 19:19 · Isaiah 19:19-20

Isaiah's remarkable oracle of Egypt's future turning to the LORD — an altar in Egypt, a highway joining Egypt, Assyria, and Israel in worship.

Read the whole passage — all 10 verses (KJV)

19:16In that day shall Egypt be like unto women: and it shall be afraid and fear because of the shaking of the hand of the LORD of hosts, which he shaketh over it.

19:17And the land of Judah shall be a terror unto Egypt, every one that maketh mention thereof shall be afraid in himself, because of the counsel of the LORD of hosts, which he hath determined against it.

19:18In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the LORD of hosts; one shall be called, The city of destruction.

19:19In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD.

19:20And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt: for they shall cry unto the LORD because of the oppressors, and he shall send them a saviour, and a great one, and he shall deliver them.

19:21And the LORD shall be known to Egypt, and 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.

19:22And the LORD shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal it: and they shall return even to the LORD, and he shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them.

19:23In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians.

19:24In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land:

19:25Whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance.

Fulfillment References

Isaiah 19:23-25 Acts 2:10 Acts 8:26-39 Zephaniah 3:9-10

How Traditions Read This Prophecy

Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalEgypt, Assyria, and Israel united in worshiping the one LORD anticipates the gospel that makes one people of all nations in the name of Jesus.
JewishA future age when even Egypt and Assyria acknowledge the LORD; some connect it to the Jewish temple at Leontopolis or to the Messianic age.
CatholicThe inclusion of the Gentile nations in the worship of God, advanced in the gospel's spread to Egypt and beyond.
ProtestantA striking missionary oracle — Egypt and Assyria joined to Israel in worship — partly fulfilled in the gospel's reach and awaiting fuller realization.
OrthodoxThe ancient Church of Alexandria saw here the calling of Egypt to Christ — a foundational text for Coptic self-understanding.
DispensationalAwaits literal fulfillment in the millennial kingdom, when Egypt, Assyria, and Israel worship together (v.23-25).
AcademicScholars discuss a possible link to the Jewish military colony and temple in Egypt and note the oracle's extraordinary universalism — former enemies called 'my people' and 'the work of my hands.'
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Audio narration (listen to this prophecy read aloud), cross-references, Hebrew/Greek, Dead Sea Scrolls notes, a prophetic timeline, network maps, study tools and multi-tradition analysis in the interactive explorer.
Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, D.Min. · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.