◄ Isaiah 19:21 ►
The LORD will make Himself known to Egypt, and on that day Egypt will acknowledge the LORD. They will worship with sacrifices and offerings; they will make vows to the LORD and fulfill them.
Study Bible
The LORD will make Himself known to the Egyptians
This phrase indicates a divine revelation where God actively reveals His presence and power to the Egyptians. The Hebrew root for "make known" is "yada," which implies an intimate, experiential knowledge. Historically, Egypt was a land of many gods, and this revelation signifies a turning point where the true God distinguishes Himself from the pantheon of Egyptian deities. This is reminiscent of God's self-revelation to Israel and other nations, emphasizing His sovereignty over all creation.

and on that day they will acknowledge the LORD
The phrase "on that day" is often used in prophetic literature to denote a significant moment of divine intervention or fulfillment of prophecy. The Hebrew word for "acknowledge" is "yada," the same as "make known," suggesting a deep, personal recognition and acceptance of God's authority. This acknowledgment by the Egyptians signifies a profound transformation, moving from polytheism to the worship of the one true God, aligning with the biblical theme of God's desire for all nations to know Him.

They will worship with sacrifices and offerings
"Worship" in this context involves acts of devotion and reverence, specifically through "sacrifices and offerings." The Hebrew words for sacrifices ("zebach") and offerings ("minchah") refer to the traditional means of worship in the Old Testament, involving both animal sacrifices and grain offerings. This indicates a sincere commitment to the LORD, adopting practices that were central to Israelite worship, thus showing a significant shift in religious practice and belief.

they will make vows to the LORD and fulfill them
Making "vows" and fulfilling them reflects a serious commitment to God, often involving promises made in times of distress or gratitude. The Hebrew word for "vow" is "neder," which implies a solemn promise. The fulfillment of these vows indicates integrity and faithfulness, qualities that God desires in His followers. This transformation in the Egyptians' spiritual life highlights the power of God's revelation to change hearts and align them with His will.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who reveals Himself to the Egyptians in this prophecy.

2. Egyptians
The people of Egypt, traditionally seen as adversaries of Israel, who will come to acknowledge and worship the LORD.

3. Sacrifices and Offerings
Acts of worship and devotion that the Egyptians will perform in acknowledgment of the LORD.

4. Vows
Promises made to God, which the Egyptians will fulfill as part of their worship.

5. Isaiah
The prophet who delivers this message, speaking God's words to the people.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God is not limited to Israel; His plan includes all nations, demonstrating His sovereignty and desire for all to know Him.

Transformation Through Revelation
The Egyptians' acknowledgment of the LORD shows the transformative power of God's revelation, leading to genuine worship and commitment.

Fulfillment of Vows
The importance of making and fulfilling vows to God is highlighted, emphasizing integrity and faithfulness in our relationship with Him.

Universal Worship
This prophecy points to a future where all nations will worship God, encouraging believers to participate in global missions and evangelism.

Hope for Reconciliation
The inclusion of Egypt, a former enemy, in God's plan offers hope for reconciliation and peace among all peoples.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the prophecy in Isaiah 19:21 challenge our understanding of God's relationship with nations outside of Israel?

2. In what ways can we see the fulfillment of this prophecy in the New Testament and the spread of the Gospel?

3. What are some modern-day "vows" or commitments we make to God, and how can we ensure we fulfill them?

4. How does the transformation of Egypt from an enemy to a worshiper of God inspire us in our interactions with those who may oppose our faith?

5. How can we actively participate in God's plan for all nations to come to know and worship Him?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 12
The account of the Exodus, where Egypt is initially an oppressor of Israel, contrasts with the future vision of Egypt worshiping the LORD.

Zechariah 14
This passage also speaks of nations coming to worship the LORD, indicating a future time of universal acknowledgment of God.

Romans 11
Paul discusses the inclusion of Gentiles into the people of God, which aligns with the prophecy of Egyptians coming to faith.

Psalm 87
This psalm speaks of foreign nations being counted among those who know the LORD, similar to the prophecy in Isaiah 19:21.
Sermons
Mingled Judgment and MercyE. Johnson Isaiah 19:16-25
Smiting and HealingW. Clarkson Isaiah 19:18-22
People
Assyrians, Egyptians, Isaiah, Pharaoh
Places
Assyria, Canaan, City of Destruction, Egypt, Memphis, Nile River, Zoan
Topics
Acknowledge, Burnt, Completed, Effect, Egypt, Egyptians, Grain, Honour, Meal, Oath, Oblation, Offering, Offerings, Perform, Present, Sacrifice, Sacrifices, Serve, Thus, Vow, Vowed, Vows, Worship, Yea, Yes
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Isaiah 19:21

     7436   sacrifice, NT fulfilment
     8315   orthodoxy, in OT
     8624   worship, reasons

Isaiah 19:19-24

     9155   millennium

Library
The Fruits of Grace
"In 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. In 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. And it all 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 …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916

'He Uttered his Voice, the Earth Melted'
'Then Isaiah the son of Amos sent to Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, That which thou hast prayed to Me against Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard. 21. This is the word that the Lord hath spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee. 22. Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Exposition of the Moral Law.
1. The Law was committed to writing, in order that it might teach more fully and perfectly that knowledge, both of God and of ourselves, which the law of nature teaches meagrely and obscurely. Proof of this, from an enumeration of the principal parts of the Moral Law; and also from the dictate of natural law, written on the hearts of all, and, in a manner, effaced by sin. 2. Certain general maxims. 1. From the knowledge of God, furnished by the Law, we learn that God is our Father and Ruler. Righteousness …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

a survey of the third and closing discourse of the prophet
We shall now, in conclusion, give a survey of the third and closing discourse of the prophet. After an introduction in vi. 1, 2, where the mountains serve only to give greater solemnity to the scene (in the fundamental passages Deut. xxxii. 1, and in Is. 1, 2, "heaven and earth" are mentioned for the same purposes, inasmuch as they are the most venerable parts of creation; "contend with the mountains" by taking them in and applying to [Pg 522] them as hearers), the prophet reminds the people of …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Manner of Covenanting.
Previous to an examination of the manner of engaging in the exercise of Covenanting, the consideration of God's procedure towards his people while performing the service seems to claim regard. Of the manner in which the great Supreme as God acts, as well as of Himself, our knowledge is limited. Yet though even of the effects on creatures of His doings we know little, we have reason to rejoice that, in His word He has informed us, and in His providence illustrated by that word, he has given us to …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Covenanting Predicted in Prophecy.
The fact of Covenanting, under the Old Testament dispensations, being approved of God, gives a proof that it was proper then, which is accompanied by the voice of prophecy, affording evidence that even in periods then future it should no less be proper. The argument for the service that is afforded by prophecy is peculiar, and, though corresponding with evidence from other sources, is independent. Because that God willed to make known truth through his servants the prophets, we should receive it …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Isaiah
CHAPTERS I-XXXIX Isaiah is the most regal of the prophets. His words and thoughts are those of a man whose eyes had seen the King, vi. 5. The times in which he lived were big with political problems, which he met as a statesman who saw the large meaning of events, and as a prophet who read a divine purpose in history. Unlike his younger contemporary Micah, he was, in all probability, an aristocrat; and during his long ministry (740-701 B.C., possibly, but not probably later) he bore testimony, as …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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