Isaiah 11:15

KJV

And the LORD shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with his mighty wind shall he shake his hand over the river, and shall smite it in the seven streams, and make [men] go over dryshod.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} shall utterly destroy {H2763} the tongue {H3956} of the Egyptian {H4714} sea {H3220}; and with his mighty {H5868} wind {H7307} shall he shake {H5130} his hand {H3027} over the river {H5104}, and shall smite {H5221} it in the seven {H7651} streams {H5158}, and make men go over {H1869} dryshod {H5275}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI will dry up the gulf of the Egyptian Sea. He will shake his hand over the [Euphrates] River to bring a scorching wind, dividing it into seven streams and enabling people to cross dryshod.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD will devote to destruction the gulf of the Sea of Egypt; with a scorching wind He will sweep His hand over the Euphrates. He will split it into seven streams for men to cross with dry sandals.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah will utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with his scorching wind will he wave his hand over the River, and will smite it into seven streams, and cause men to march over dryshod.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 11:15 is a powerful prophetic declaration of the LORD's sovereign power to remove all obstacles, both natural and geopolitical, for the ultimate restoration and return of His exiled people. It vividly portrays a divine intervention that mirrors and surpasses the miraculous deliverance of the Exodus, ensuring a clear and unimpeded path for the scattered remnant to return to their homeland, symbolizing God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His people's future.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader prophetic section (Isaiah 11:1-16) that describes the coming Messianic age and the glorious restoration of Israel. The chapter begins by introducing the "shoot from the stem of Jesse" [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Root of Jesse"), who will reign with righteousness, wisdom, and the Spirit of the LORD. This righteous reign will usher in a period of unprecedented peace, even among natural adversaries [Isaiah 11:6-9](/isaiah/11-6 "Isaiah 11:6-9 - The Peaceable Kingdom"). Following this, the prophecy shifts to the gathering of God's scattered people from all corners of the earth, a second, greater exodus. Verse 15 specifically addresses the miraculous removal of geographical barriers—the "Egyptian sea" and "the River" (Euphrates)—that would impede this grand regathering, making the path home miraculously accessible for those returning from both the west and the east.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Isaiah's prophecy, Israel and Judah faced constant threats from powerful empires like Assyria and Babylon. Exile was a looming reality, and indeed, both kingdoms would eventually experience it. The imagery of the "Egyptian sea" and "the river" (Euphrates) directly references the two primary geographical barriers and centers of imperial power that had historically oppressed or held God's people captive. Egypt, representing the historical place of bondage from which God delivered Israel in the Exodus, and Mesopotamia (Babylon/Assyria), representing the future place of exile for many. The prophecy anticipates a time when God would reverse the conditions of exile, demonstrating His power over the very forces and territories that had seemed insurmountable. The "dryshod" passage echoes the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea"), a foundational event in Israel's history, thereby promising a deliverance of even greater magnitude.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 11:15 powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Isaiah and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, showcasing the LORD's absolute control over creation and history to accomplish His redemptive purposes. His ability to "utterly destroy" and "smite" natural barriers underscores His unmatched power. Another central theme is the **New Exodus**, where the imagery deliberately evokes the original [Exodus event](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21 - Moses Parts the Red Sea"), promising a future deliverance and restoration that would be even more glorious and comprehensive, gathering people from all directions [Isaiah 43:5-6](/isaiah/43-5 "Isaiah 43:5-6 - God Gathers Israel"). This highlights God's **Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**, assuring Israel that despite their unfaithfulness and subsequent exile, God would remain true to His word concerning their ultimate restoration and the establishment of the Messianic kingdom. Finally, the verse speaks to the **Removal of Obstacles**, symbolizing God's commitment to clear any physical, spiritual, or geopolitical hindrances that stand in the way of His people's return and their spiritual journey towards Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **destroy (Hebrew, _châram'_):** This primitive root means "to seclude," specifically (by a ban) "to devote to religious uses (especially destruction)." It carries the sense of making something accursed or utterly devoting it to destruction. Here, it signifies a complete and decisive act of divine judgment and removal, not merely a temporary parting, but a permanent nullification of the barrier. The LORD is not just making a path; He is utterly eliminating the obstruction.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** While literally meaning "hand," this word is rich in figurative applications, often indicating "power," "means," "direction," or "dominion." When the LORD shakes "his hand over the river," it is an anthropomorphic expression of His direct, authoritative, and powerful intervention. It signifies His absolute control and the exertion of His will to manipulate and overcome the natural world.
* **go over (Hebrew, _dârak'_):** This primitive root means "to tread" or "to walk," and by implication, "to go over." In this context, it emphasizes the ease and directness of passage. The divine action of destroying the sea and smiting the river is precisely to enable the people to "go over" without impediment, implying a clear, safe, and unhindered journey, much like walking on dry ground.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea":** This clause declares God's decisive act against a significant geographical barrier. The "tongue of the Egyptian sea" likely refers to a specific inlet or gulf of the Red Sea (such as the Gulf of Suez), which geographically resembles a tongue. The verb "utterly destroy" (from _châram_) signifies a complete and decisive removal, not just a temporary parting. This evokes the first Exodus but promises an even more thorough and permanent clearing of the way, symbolizing God's power to eliminate all hindrances from the western direction.
* **"and with his mighty wind shall he shake his hand over the river, and shall smite it in the seven streams, and make [men] go over dryshod.":** This second part extends the divine intervention to another major barrier, "the river," which is commonly understood as the Euphrates, the primary river associated with the Mesopotamian empires where many exiles would reside. God's "mighty wind" and the shaking of "his hand" (an anthropomorphism for divine power and authority) signify His active and powerful control over creation. The phrase "smite it in the seven streams" suggests a complete and thorough division or drying up of the river, as the Euphrates was known for its numerous channels and tributaries. The number "seven" often denotes completeness or perfection in biblical numerology, emphasizing the absolute nature of God's action. The result is that "men go over dryshod," mirroring the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea and the Jordan, ensuring a safe and unimpeded passage for the returning exiles from the east.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 11:15 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine power and restoration. **Metaphor** is evident in "the tongue of the Egyptian sea," which vividly describes a geographical feature (a gulf or inlet) by comparing it to a human tongue, giving a concrete image to the barrier. **Anthropomorphism** is used when God is depicted as shaking "his hand over the river," attributing a human action to the divine to emphasize His direct and forceful intervention. The phrase "smite it in the seven streams" employs **Hyperbole** and **Symbolism**: while the Euphrates had multiple channels, "seven streams" likely symbolizes not just a literal number but a complete and total division or drying up, with "seven" representing divine completeness and perfection. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a powerful **Allusion** or **Echo** to the original Exodus account, particularly the parting of the Red Sea [Exodus 14:21](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21 - The Red Sea Divided"), thereby connecting this future act of deliverance to God's past faithfulness and demonstrating that His power remains undiminished.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 11:15 stands as a profound testament to God's ultimate sovereignty over creation and history, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It underscores the theological truth that no obstacle, however formidable—be it a vast sea or a mighty river—can thwart the divine will when God purposes to act for the redemption and restoration of His chosen ones. This prophecy of a "second Exodus" not only reassures Israel of a future return but also magnifies the LORD's power as the one who makes a way where there is no way, ensuring that His redemptive plan will prevail. It highlights God's faithfulness to gather His scattered flock, establishing a pathway for them to return to Him and His promised land, both physically and spiritually.

* [Exodus 14:21-22](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21-22 - The Parting of the Red Sea")
* [Isaiah 43:16-19](/isaiah/43-16 "Isaiah 43:16-19 - God Makes a Way in the Wilderness")
* [Jeremiah 23:7-8](/jeremiah/23-7 "Jeremiah 23:7-8 - A New Exodus Prophecy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 11:15 offers a powerful message of hope and assurance for believers today. Just as God miraculously cleared physical obstacles for ancient Israel's return from exile, He remains capable of removing spiritual, emotional, and circumstantial barriers in our lives. This verse reminds us that when God purposes something, no impediment is too great for Him to overcome. It encourages us to place our trust in His mighty hand, knowing that He can make a way through seemingly impassable situations, guiding us through our own "exodus" experiences towards His promised future. Whether facing personal struggles, societal challenges, or spiritual dryness, we are reminded that the same God who dried up seas and rivers can clear our path, enabling us to "go over dryshod" into His purposes. This should inspire a deep sense of peace and courageous faith, knowing that our sovereign God is actively working to remove hindrances and lead us into His abundant life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "seas" or "rivers" (insurmountable obstacles) do you currently perceive in your life that seem to block your path forward?**
* **How does the imagery of God "utterly destroying" and "smitting" these barriers strengthen your faith in His power to intervene in your circumstances?**
* **In what ways might God be calling you to trust Him to make a "dryshod" path through a difficult situation, rather than trying to navigate it in your own strength?**

### FAQ
**What is meant by "the tongue of the Egyptian sea" and "the river" in this verse?**

Answer: "The tongue of the Egyptian sea" is a vivid geographical metaphor, most likely referring to a specific gulf or inlet of the Red Sea, such as the Gulf of Suez, which extends like a tongue from the main body of water. This would have been a significant barrier for those returning from the west (e.g., Egypt). "The river" (Hebrew: _nahar_) almost universally refers to the great River Euphrates when used without qualification in prophetic contexts concerning exile. The Euphrates was the major geographical barrier for exiles returning from Mesopotamia (Babylon/Assyria) to the east. Thus, the verse signifies God's miraculous removal of the two primary natural barriers that would impede the return of His people from both the western and eastern directions of their dispersion, echoing the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea") and anticipating a new, comprehensive return.

**Why does the text mention "seven streams" when referring to the river?**

Answer: The phrase "smite it in the seven streams" is likely symbolic rather than a literal count of the Euphrates' tributaries. The number "seven" in biblical numerology often denotes completeness, perfection, or divine fullness. Therefore, "seven streams" emphasizes the absolute and comprehensive nature of God's action. It means that the river, in its entirety and across all its channels, would be thoroughly dried up or divided, ensuring a completely unimpeded passage for the returning exiles. It underscores the totality of God's power to remove all hindrances, leaving no part of the barrier intact.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 11:15 finds its ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the true "shoot from the stem of Jesse" [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Root of Jesse") and the one who inaugurates the greater, spiritual Exodus. While the prophecy speaks of a physical return from exile, its deeper theological resonance points to Christ's work in clearing the way for humanity's return to God. He is the one who "utterly destroys" the spiritual "seas" and "rivers" that separate us from God—the barriers of sin, death, and the power of darkness. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Christ has "shaken His hand" over the dominion of sin, smiting its power and making a "dryshod" path for all who believe to cross from spiritual bondage into the freedom of God's kingdom [Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Christ's Victory Over Sin and Powers"). He gathers His people not just from geographical dispersion but from spiritual alienation, drawing them from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation into His one body [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - The Great Multitude"). Thus, Isaiah 11:15 foreshadows the ultimate divine intervention through Christ, who removes all spiritual obstacles, enabling us to walk freely and directly into fellowship with God and the promised eternal inheritance [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Zechariah 10:11

And he shall pass through the sea with affliction, and shall smite the waves in the sea, and all the deeps of the river shall dry up: and the pride of Assyria shall be brought down, and the sceptre of Egypt shall depart away.

Revelation 16:12

¶ And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.

Isaiah 50:2

Wherefore, when I came, [was there] no man? when I called, [was there] none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because [there is] no water, and dieth for thirst.

Isaiah 19:16

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.

Isaiah 19:5

And the waters shall fail from the sea, and the river shall be wasted and dried up.

Isaiah 19:10

And they shall be broken in the purposes thereof, all that make sluices [and] ponds for fish.

Isaiah 51:9

¶ Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. [Art] thou not it that hath cut Rahab, [and] wounded the dragon?