Isaiah 19:1

¶ The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.

The burden {H4853} of Egypt {H4714}. Behold, the LORD {H3068} rideth {H7392} upon a swift {H7031} cloud {H5645}, and shall come {H935} into Egypt {H4714}: and the idols {H457} of Egypt {H4714} shall be moved {H5128} at his presence {H6440}, and the heart {H3824} of Egypt {H4714} shall melt {H4549} in the midst {H7130} of it.

This is a prophecy about Egypt: Look! ADONAI is riding a swift cloud, on his way to Egypt. Before him Egypt's idols tremble, Egypt's courage melts within them.

This is the burden against Egypt: Behold, the LORD rides on a swift cloud; He is coming to Egypt. The idols of Egypt will tremble before Him, and the hearts of the Egyptians will melt within them.

The burden of Egypt. Behold, Jehovah rideth upon a swift cloud, and cometh unto Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall tremble at his presence; and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.

Isaiah 19:1 opens a significant prophetic oracle concerning Egypt, a powerful and influential nation in the ancient world. This verse immediately establishes the theme: God's direct and undeniable intervention in the affairs of even the mightiest empires.

Historical and Cultural Context

The phrase "The burden of Egypt" (Hebrew: massa Mitzrayim) signifies a heavy prophetic utterance, often a pronouncement of judgment or a weighty message regarding the nation. In Isaiah's time, Egypt was a dominant regional power, a tempting ally for Judah, and a historical oppressor of Israel. The Egyptians were renowned for their polytheistic religion, worshipping a vast pantheon of gods and goddesses, each with specific domains and representations (e.g., Ra, Osiris, Isis). The prophet Isaiah delivers this message at a time when Judah might have been looking to Egypt for political or military support against Assyria, but God reminds them of His ultimate control.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: The verse powerfully declares God's absolute authority over all nations, including formidable Egypt. "The LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt" depicts God's swift, majestic, and unstoppable arrival for judgment, a common biblical motif for divine manifestation (see Psalm 18:10).
  • The Impotence of Idolatry: A central message is the utter futility of false gods. "The idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence" means they will tremble, be shaken, and ultimately prove powerless before the one true God. This highlights the vanity of worshipping created things rather than the Creator (compare Psalm 115:4-8).
  • Fear and Dismay: The consequence of God's arrival is profound terror: "the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it." This imagery conveys complete loss of courage and utter despair in the face of divine power, a common reaction to God's overwhelming presence among those who oppose Him (as seen in Joshua 2:11).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "burden," massa (מַשָּׂא), often carries the connotation of a heavy, weighty pronouncement, typically one of judgment. The description of the LORD riding "upon a swift cloud" (עַל־עָב קַל, al-av qal) emphasizes the speed and ease with which God executes His purposes, underscoring His omnipotence. The "idols" (אֱלִילִים, elilim) are often derisively referred to as "worthless ones" or "non-gods" in the Hebrew Scriptures, highlighting their emptiness and lack of power compared to the living God.

Practical Application

Isaiah 19:1 serves as a timeless reminder that God is sovereign over all earthly powers, past and present. No nation, no political system, and no human ideology can stand against His ultimate will. This verse challenges us to consider where our true allegiance lies and what "idols" (anything we place above God) might be in our own lives. It assures believers that God is in control, even amidst global turmoil, and serves as a warning to those who defy Him that His presence brings either salvation or judgment.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Exodus 12:12

    For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I [am] the LORD.

  • Joshua 2:11

    And as soon as we had heard [these things], our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he [is] God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.

  • Joel 3:19

    Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom shall be a desolate wilderness, for the violence [against] the children of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land.

  • Revelation 1:7

    Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

  • Ezekiel 30:13

    Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also destroy the idols, and I will cause [their] images to cease out of Noph; and there shall be no more a prince of the land of Egypt: and I will put a fear in the land of Egypt.

  • Isaiah 13:1

    ¶ The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see.

  • Ezekiel 29:1

    ¶ In the tenth year, in the tenth [month], in the twelfth [day] of the month, the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

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