Isaiah 19:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 19:1 introduces a profound prophetic oracle, a "burden" against Egypt, signifying a weighty divine pronouncement of judgment and transformation. It vividly portrays the Lord's majestic and swift arrival into Egypt, not as an ally, but as a sovereign judge. This divine advent will cause the revered idols of Egypt to tremble and be rendered powerless, while the very heart of the nation will melt in fear and despair, demonstrating God's absolute supremacy over all earthly powers and false gods.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 19:1 inaugurates a significant section within the book of Isaiah, specifically part of the "Oracles Against the Nations" (chapters 13-23). This literary unit showcases Yahweh's universal sovereignty, demonstrating His authority not only over Israel and Judah but over all surrounding nations, including powerful empires like Babylon, Assyria, and in this case, Egypt. The term "burden" (Hebrew: *massa'*) frequently introduces a prophetic pronouncement of doom or a heavy message, setting a somber tone for the ensuing judgment. This oracle against Egypt follows a series of pronouncements against other nations, emphasizing that no nation, regardless of its strength or perceived invincibility, is beyond the reach of God's divine judgment and redemptive purposes. The passage transitions from general judgment to specific details about Egypt's internal strife and eventual transformation, culminating in a surprising vision of Egypt, Assyria, and Israel forming a blessing in the earth, which is a key aspect of understanding the full scope of this oracle in [Isaiah 19](/isaiah/19 "Isaiah 19 - Oracle Against Egypt").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the 8th century BCE, the period of Isaiah's ministry, Egypt was a formidable regional power, renowned for its ancient civilization, rich agricultural resources (especially the Nile), and deeply entrenched polytheistic religion. Pharaohs were considered divine, and a vast pantheon of gods and goddesses (e.g., Ra, Osiris, Isis, Amun) permeated every aspect of Egyptian life, with elaborate temples and cultic practices. Judah, caught between the rising power of Assyria to the north and the established might of Egypt to the south, often faced the temptation to seek political and military alliances with Egypt for protection against Assyrian aggression. However, Isaiah consistently warned against such alliances, urging Judah to trust solely in Yahweh, as seen in [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Rebellious Children"). This oracle serves as a stark reminder that Egypt, despite its grandeur and perceived strength, was ultimately subject to the sovereign will of the God of Israel. The melting of hearts and the shaking of idols would have been particularly potent imagery for a culture that placed immense faith in its divine rulers and protective deities.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes introduced in this verse are **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, **The Impotence of Idolatry**, and **Fear and Dismay in the Face of God's Presence**. God's declaration, "Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt," powerfully asserts His absolute authority over all nations, underscoring that no earthly power can withstand His will. This imagery of divine approach on a cloud is a classic biblical motif for theophany and judgment, as seen in [Psalm 18:10](/psalms/18-10 "Psalm 18:10 - God's Majestic Arrival"). The immediate consequence, "the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence," highlights the utter futility and powerlessness of false gods before the one true God. This theme resonates throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing the vanity of worshipping created things rather than the Creator, as explored in [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalms/115-4 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Vanity of Idols"). Finally, "the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it" conveys the profound terror and utter despair that grips those who oppose God's overwhelming presence, a common biblical response to divine power and judgment, exemplified in [Joshua 2:11](/joshua/2-11 "Joshua 2:11 - Hearts Melting in Fear"). These themes collectively establish God as the ultimate ruler of history and nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Burden (Hebrew, _massâʼ'_):** From H4853, this term denotes a heavy, weighty pronouncement, often a prophetic utterance of doom, judgment, or a significant message. In the context of Isaiah's oracles against nations, *massâʼ'* signifies a divinely imposed, severe pronouncement, carrying the weight of God's decree. It is not merely a message but a "load" or "burden" that the nation will bear.
* **Idols (Hebrew, _ʼĕlîyl'_):** From H457, this word refers to something "good for nothing," "vain," or "worthless." It is specifically used to denote an idol, highlighting its emptiness and lack of power or value. The use of *ʼĕlîyl* for Egyptian deities underscores the prophetic contempt for false gods, contrasting their impotence with the living God's omnipotence.
* **Melt (Hebrew, _mâçaç'_):** From H4549, this primitive root means "to liquefy," but figuratively, it conveys a sense of wasting away, fainting from fear, fatigue, or grief, or being utterly discouraged. When applied to the "heart of Egypt," it vividly describes a complete loss of courage, resolve, and vitality, signifying utter terror and collapse in the face of God's presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ The burden of Egypt."**: This opening phrase serves as the superscription for the entire oracle against Egypt. "Burden" (*massâ'*) indicates a weighty, divinely inspired prophetic utterance, typically one of judgment or severe consequence. It immediately signals that the following message concerns Egypt and carries the full authority and gravity of God's pronouncement.
* **"Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt:"**: This clause describes the majestic and terrifying arrival of Yahweh. "Behold" (hinneh) calls for immediate attention to a dramatic event. The imagery of the "LORD rideth upon a swift cloud" depicts God's swift, unstoppable, and sovereign movement, often associated with theophany and divine judgment. His "coming into Egypt" signifies a direct, personal, and inescapable intervention in the nation's affairs, not as a distant observer but as an active participant.
* **"and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence,"**: This segment highlights the immediate and profound impact of God's arrival on Egypt's religious landscape. The "idols" (*ʼĕlîyl*, worthless ones), which were central to Egyptian life and power, will "be moved" (*nûwa'*, waver, shake, stagger). This implies their instability, fear, and ultimate powerlessness in the face of the true God's overwhelming presence (*pânîym*, face, presence). It's a direct challenge to the very foundation of Egyptian polytheism.
* **"and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it."**: This final clause describes the psychological and spiritual effect of God's presence on the nation itself. The "heart" (*lêbâb*, the seat of courage, will, and understanding) of Egypt will "melt" (*mâçaç*, liquefy, faint, waste away). This vivid metaphor conveys utter despair, loss of courage, and complete societal collapse from within, signifying the overwhelming terror and helplessness experienced by the Egyptians as their gods fail and their strength evaporates before Yahweh.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 19:1 is rich in **Imagery** and **Metaphor**, painting a vivid picture of divine intervention. The phrase "the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud" is a powerful **Theophanic Imagery**, depicting God's majestic and rapid approach, often associated with judgment and overwhelming power, reminiscent of a divine warrior. The "swift cloud" serves as a **Metaphor** for the speed and ease with which God executes His will. **Personification** is evident in "the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence," as inanimate objects (idols) are described as trembling or staggering in fear, emphasizing their impotence. Similarly, "the heart of Egypt shall melt" employs a powerful **Metaphor** and **Hyperbole** to convey the absolute terror and despair that will grip the nation, suggesting a complete loss of courage and internal collapse. The opening "The burden of Egypt" is a **Metonymy**, where "burden" stands for the heavy prophetic message itself, setting a tone of impending doom. The entire verse functions as a **Prophetic Oracle**, a divinely inspired pronouncement of future events, characterized by its authoritative and declarative tone.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 19:1 powerfully articulates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His decisive judgment against idolatry. It serves as a foundational declaration that no earthly power, no matter how mighty or self-sufficient, can stand against the will of the Almighty. The trembling of idols and the melting of hearts underscore the futility of placing trust in anything other than the one true God. This passage reminds us that God's presence brings either salvation or judgment, and for those who oppose Him and worship false gods, it brings overwhelming terror and the exposure of their idols' worthlessness. The divine intervention depicted here is a testament to God's active involvement in human history, orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes, even through the downfall of powerful empires, ultimately for His glory and the establishment of His universal kingdom.

* [Exodus 12:12](/exodus/12-12 "Exodus 12:12 - Judgment on Egyptian Gods")
* [Psalm 96:5](/psalms/96-5 "Psalm 96:5 - The Lord is Greater Than All Gods")
* [Jeremiah 10:10](/jeremiah/10-10 "Jeremiah 10:10 - The True God vs. Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This powerful opening to Isaiah's oracle against Egypt compels us to confront the reality of God's absolute sovereignty in a world often characterized by human pride, nationalistic fervor, and the worship of created things. Just as ancient Egypt placed its trust in its gods, its military might, and its economic prosperity, so too do modern societies and individuals often rely on wealth, power, technology, or ideologies, effectively making them "idols." This verse challenges us to examine our own lives: What are the "idols" that we allow to shake our hearts or to which we give our allegiance, consciously or unconsciously? Do we truly believe that God "rideth upon a swift cloud" over our personal circumstances, our nations, and global events? The melting heart of Egypt serves as a stark warning against defying God's authority and a call to humble submission. For believers, it is a profound source of comfort and assurance that our God is utterly in control, even when the world seems chaotic. His presence, which brings judgment to the defiant, brings peace and security to those who trust in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" (anything we rely on more than God) might be present in my own life or in my society, and how might they be "moved" by God's presence?**
* **How does the imagery of God riding "upon a swift cloud" impact my understanding of His power and His active involvement in the world today?**
* **In what ways does my "heart" sometimes "melt" in fear or despair, and how can remembering God's sovereignty, as depicted in this verse, strengthen my courage?**

### FAQ
**What does "The burden of Egypt" mean?**

Answer: "The burden of Egypt" (Hebrew: *massâ' Mitsrayim*) is a prophetic superscription indicating a weighty and severe oracle, typically a divine pronouncement of judgment or a significant message concerning the nation of Egypt. It signifies that the following words are not merely human observations but a divinely authoritative declaration of what God intends to do to Egypt, carrying the full gravity of His decree. This phrase is common in the "Oracles Against the Nations" in Isaiah, such as [Isaiah 13:1](/isaiah/13-1 "Isaiah 13:1 - The Burden of Babylon").

**Why would God "come into Egypt" in such a dramatic way?**

Answer: God's dramatic "coming into Egypt" on a "swift cloud" signifies a direct, sovereign, and inescapable intervention. It's a theophanic display, demonstrating His absolute power and authority over all nations, even a mighty empire like Egypt. This divine advent is for the purpose of judgment, to expose the futility of their idolatry, and to demonstrate that no earthly power can withstand His will. It underscores that God is not confined to Israel but is the Lord of all creation, as seen in [Psalm 24:1](/psalms/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the Lord's").

**What is the significance of the idols being "moved" and the heart of Egypt "melting"?**

Answer: The idols being "moved" (shaken, trembling, staggering) signifies their utter powerlessness and instability in the face of the true God's presence. It's a direct challenge to the efficacy of false gods, revealing them as "worthless ones" (*ʼĕlîyl*). The "melting" of Egypt's heart conveys profound terror, complete loss of courage, and utter despair. This imagery highlights the psychological and spiritual collapse of the nation when confronted by the overwhelming reality of God's power, demonstrating that human strength and false worship are no match for divine judgment, a theme echoed in [Deuteronomy 28:65-67](/deuteronomy/28-65 "Deuteronomy 28:65-67 - A Trembling Heart").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 19:1 speaks of God's judgment on ancient Egypt, its themes find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The "burden" of judgment that falls upon nations ultimately points to the ultimate judgment that Christ bore on the cross. He became the "burden" for our sins, taking upon Himself the weight of divine wrath so that we might be set free, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - Christ Bearing Our Sins"). The Lord "riding upon a swift cloud" foreshadows Christ's glorious return, when He will come in power and great glory to judge the living and the dead, and to establish His eternal kingdom, as described in [Matthew 24:30](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Son of Man Coming on the Clouds") and [Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Will See Him"). Furthermore, the idols of Egypt being "moved" and their hearts melting before God's presence finds its ultimate spiritual parallel in the triumph of Christ over all spiritual principalities and powers. Through His death and resurrection, Christ disarmed and triumphed over the "gods" of this world—sin, death, and Satan—rendering them powerless for those who believe, as celebrated in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"). The fear and melting hearts of those who oppose God will be fully realized at Christ's final advent, while for believers, His presence brings not terror, but eternal joy and peace, fulfilling the ultimate purpose of God's sovereign plan for all nations, a plan that extends even to Egypt, as seen in the later verses of [Isaiah 19](/isaiah/19 "Isaiah 19 - Egypt's Future Blessing").

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

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,