Isaiah 19:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

In that day {H3117} shall Egypt {H4714} be like unto women {H802}: and it shall be afraid {H2729} and fear {H6342} because {H6440} of the shaking {H8573} of the hand {H3027} of the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, which he shaketh {H5130} over it.

Complete Jewish Bible

On that day Egypt will be like women trembling with fear, because ADONAI-Tzva'ot is shaking his fist at them.

Berean Standard Bible

In that day the Egyptians will be like women. They will tremble with fear beneath the uplifted hand of the LORD of Hosts, when He brandishes it against them.

American Standard Version

In that day shall the Egyptians be like unto women; and they shall tremble and fear because of the shaking of the hand of Jehovah of hosts, which he shaketh over them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 19:16 powerfully depicts a future state of profound terror and weakness for Egypt, a once-dominant nation, as it faces the direct and overwhelming judgment of the Almighty. This verse serves as a stark declaration of God's absolute sovereignty, illustrating His unparalleled ability to humble even the most formidable earthly powers, instilling a debilitating fear through the mere "shaking of the hand" of the LORD of hosts, thereby setting the stage for a surprising and redemptive transformation later in the chapter.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 19 is a specific prophetic oracle, often referred to as a "burden" (מַשָּׂא, *maśśāʾ*), directed against Egypt. This chapter is situated within a larger collection of oracles against various nations (found in [Isaiah 13-23](/isaiah/13-23 "Isaiah 13-23 - Oracles Against the Nations")), which collectively underscore God's universal dominion over all peoples and kingdoms, not just Israel. Within Chapter 19 itself, verses 1-15 meticulously detail a period of severe internal strife, economic collapse, and the utter failure of Egypt's renowned wisdom and leadership, leading to national humiliation. Verse 16 marks a pivotal shift, emphasizing the profound psychological impact of God's impending judgment—a deep-seated and paralyzing fear that grips the entire nation. This fear, however, is not the ultimate end of the narrative; the chapter remarkably transitions in verses 18-25 to a future vision of Egypt (alongside Assyria) turning to the Lord, building altars, and becoming a blessing to the earth, thereby highlighting God's ultimate redemptive purposes even for His historical adversaries.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt stood as a global superpower, a foundational civilization celebrated for its military might, advanced infrastructure, and deeply entrenched polytheistic religious systems. Its strategic geographical position, controlling vital trade routes and acting as a crucial buffer between the Near East and Africa, made it a coveted ally or a formidable enemy. Throughout the history of Israel, Egypt frequently symbolized worldly security and idolatry, often tempting Judah to place its trust in Egyptian military prowess rather than in the Lord's covenant faithfulness, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1-7 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help"). The imagery of Egypt becoming "like unto women" would have been particularly shocking and deeply humiliating in a patriarchal society that profoundly valued male strength, martial valor, and national pride. This potent metaphor underscored a complete loss of power, courage, and the ability to defend oneself, representing a profound reversal for a nation that had long prided itself on its formidable armies and pharaohs.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Isaiah. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Humiliation**, demonstrating that no nation, regardless of its might or perceived invincibility, is beyond the reach of God's righteous judgment. Egypt's reduction to a state of profound fear and weakness serves as a vivid illustration of God's ability to humble the proud, a truth echoed consistently throughout Scripture (e.g., [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")). Secondly, it highlights **God's Absolute Sovereignty Over Nations**. The "LORD of hosts" is depicted as the ultimate orchestrator of world events, raising up and bringing down kingdoms according to His divine purpose, a truth powerfully emphasized in passages like [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - The Most High Rules in the Kingdom of Men"). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **The Fear of the Lord**. While initially presented as a terrorizing consequence of judgment, this fear ultimately paves the way for Egypt's later turning to God, suggesting that divine discipline can lead to repentance and a proper reverence for God's power and holiness, as articulated in [Psalm 111:10](/psalms/111-10 "Psalm 111:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **afraid (Hebrew, _chârad'_):** A primitive root meaning "to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety)." This word captures a visceral, trembling fear, not merely apprehension but a deep, physical response to an overwhelming threat. It denotes a state of profound disquiet and terror that paralyzes action and courage, aligning perfectly with the imagery of Egypt becoming "like unto women." The repetition with *pâchad* (fear) in the verse intensifies this sense of debilitating dread.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** While literally meaning "hand," this word is used extensively in a figurative sense to denote "power, means, direction." In this context, "the shaking of the hand of the LORD of hosts" is a powerful anthropomorphism, representing God's direct, active, and irresistible power. It implies a decisive, often destructive, intervention that is both visible and terrifying in its effect, demonstrating God's absolute control and authority over nations and their destinies.
* **LORD of hosts (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh tsâbâʼ'_):** This majestic title combines the covenant name of God (Yahweh, "the self-Existent or Eternal") with "hosts" (meaning "a mass of persons... especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (specifically, hardship, worship)"). This composite title emphasizes God's omnipotence as the supreme commander of heavenly armies and all cosmic forces. It underscores His absolute authority over all creation, including nations and their military might. The shaking of *His* hand is therefore an act of ultimate, unchallenged, and terrifying power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In that day shall Egypt be like unto women:"** This initial clause establishes the temporal context, "in that day," referring to a future period of decisive divine intervention and judgment. It then introduces a striking and deeply humiliating simile. Egypt, a nation historically renowned for its strength, military prowess, and perceived masculinity, is prophesied to be reduced to a state of utter weakness, panic, and an inability to defend itself, akin to the perceived vulnerability and terror of women in ancient warfare. This imagery powerfully signifies a complete and devastating loss of courage, martial spirit, and national pride.
* **"and it shall be afraid and fear"** This phrase employs two closely related Hebrew words (*chârad* and *pâchad*) to intensify the description of Egypt's terror. It emphasizes not just a general state of apprehension, but a profound, trembling, and debilitating dread that will grip the entire nation, leaving it paralyzed and helpless. The deliberate repetition underscores the depth, pervasiveness, and all-consuming nature of this emotional and psychological collapse, indicating a complete breakdown of national morale.
* **"because of the shaking of the hand of the LORD of hosts,"** This clause unequivocally reveals the direct and ultimate cause of Egypt's profound terror: the active, visible, and powerful intervention of God Himself. The "shaking of the hand" is a vivid anthropomorphic expression for God's decisive and authoritative action, signifying His direct and irresistible judgment. The majestic title "LORD of hosts" powerfully asserts His supreme authority as the commander of all heavenly and earthly forces, against whom no nation or military power can possibly stand.
* **"which he shaketh over it."** This concluding clause reiterates and further emphasizes the directness, intentionality, and sovereign nature of God's action. The "shaking" is not accidental or passive; it is a deliberate, targeted act of divine judgment specifically directed "over" Egypt, highlighting God's sovereign control and the absolute inevitability of His will being carried out upon the nation, leaving no doubt as to the source of their terror.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 19:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with striking force. The most prominent is **Simile**, specifically "shall Egypt be like unto women." This comparison is not intended to demean women but to vividly illustrate a complete reversal of expected national roles and a profound state of helplessness, panic, and terror for a nation historically celebrated for its military might. It powerfully highlights the utter loss of courage, martial spirit, and defensive capability. Secondly, **Anthropomorphism** is central to the phrase "the shaking of the hand of the LORD of hosts." Attributing a human action (shaking a hand) to God makes His divine intervention tangible, immediate, and impactful, emphasizing His direct and active involvement in the affairs of nations. This also serves as a formidable image of God's decisive, irresistible, and terrifying power. Furthermore, the use of two closely related verbs for fear, "afraid and fear" (**Pleonasm** or **Intensification**), serves to heighten the sense of profound dread and panic that will grip Egypt, underscoring the debilitating and pervasive nature of their terror. Finally, the majestic title "**LORD of hosts**" is a powerful form of **Epithet**, a descriptive phrase that emphasizes God's omnipotence, His supreme authority, and His role as the commander of all creation, reinforcing the overwhelming and undeniable nature of the power that brings Egypt to its knees.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's sovereign control over all nations, extending His dominion far beyond the confines of Israel. It reveals that no earthly power, however mighty, ancient, or self-sufficient, can ultimately stand against the righteous will of the Almighty. The dramatic humiliation of Egypt serves as a stark and timeless reminder that national pride, military might, and reliance on human wisdom are ultimately futile when confronted with divine judgment. God's purpose in such judgment is not merely destructive but often redemptive, aiming to bring nations to a recognition of His supreme authority, which, as the broader chapter reveals, can lead to repentance and even worship. This passage thus underscores the universal scope of God's dominion and His ultimate plan to draw all peoples to Himself, even those historically opposed to His covenant people.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")
* [Jeremiah 46:27-28](/jeremiah/46-27-28 "God's Promise to Jacob and Judgment on Egypt")
* [Zechariah 14:16-19](/zechariah/14-16-19 "All Nations Worship the King, the LORD of Hosts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 19:16 offers a profound and perennial challenge to our human tendency to place ultimate trust in earthly powers, whether they manifest as national strength, economic stability, technological advancement, or even personal accomplishments and self-reliance. The dramatic humbling of Egypt, a historical paragon of ancient might and perceived invincibility, serves as a timeless reminder that all human endeavors and perceived securities are transient, fragile, and ultimately subject to the sovereign will of God. For believers, this verse calls for a deeper, unwavering reliance on the "LORD of hosts," encouraging us to find our security, peace, and ultimate hope not in the shifting sands of worldly power or human ingenuity, but in the unshakeable might and unfailing faithfulness of the Almighty. It cultivates a profound humility, recognizing that pride invariably precedes a fall, and fosters a healthy, reverential fear of the Lord, which is the very beginning of wisdom and the pathway to true and lasting security. For those who do not yet know Him, it stands as a powerful invitation to genuinely consider the true source of all power and to turn from self-reliance or trust in idols to the one true God, who alone possesses the authority to bring both righteous judgment and ultimate restoration. This passage reminds us that God's hand is not only one of decisive judgment but also one of ultimate redemption, as beautifully seen in the broader context of Isaiah 19, where Egypt eventually turns to worship the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life, or in what societal structures, do I tend to place my ultimate trust, rather than in the "LORD of hosts"?**
* **How does the concept of God's absolute sovereignty over nations challenge or comfort my own anxieties about current global events or political instability?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "fear the Lord" in a way that leads to wisdom, humility, and genuine security, rather than mere dread or superstition?**
* **How might God be "shaking His hand" over aspects of my personal life, my community, or society today, and what might He be calling me to recognize, repent of, or respond to in faith?**

### FAQ
**Why is Egypt depicted as being "like unto women" in this prophecy?**

Answer: The phrase "like unto women" is a powerful and culturally specific simile used to convey a state of extreme fear, panic, and utter helplessness. In ancient Near Eastern societies, martial prowess, courage, and the ability to defend one's nation were highly valued masculine traits, particularly for warriors and national leaders. To describe Egypt, a formidable military power renowned for its armies and pharaohs, as "like unto women" was not a derogatory statement about women themselves, but rather a vivid and impactful metaphor signifying a complete loss of courage, strength, and the capacity to defend oneself. It reduced the nation to a state of profound vulnerability and terror, emphasizing the debilitating psychological impact of God's judgment, stripping away all pretense of strength and pride before the overwhelming and irresistible power of the [LORD of hosts](/isaiah/19-16 "Isaiah 19:16 - The LORD of Hosts").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 19:16 speaks directly to God's impending judgment upon ancient Egypt, its profound Christ-centered fulfillment is found in the ultimate demonstration of divine power and the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, fully realized and inaugurated in Jesus Christ. The "shaking of the hand of the LORD of hosts" foreshadows the ultimate display of God's sovereign authority over all earthly powers, spiritual forces, and the very foundations of human pride, which culminates in Christ's decisive triumph over sin, death, and the devil. Just as Egypt was humbled by God's irresistible power, so too does Christ's eternal kingdom transcend, judge, and ultimately subdue all earthly kingdoms and authorities, bringing them under His dominion (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Furthermore, the broader context of Isaiah 19, which remarkably transitions from a prophecy of judgment to a future where Egypt (and Assyria) will turn to worship the Lord, powerfully points to the New Covenant reality. Through Christ's atoning work, people from every nation, tribe, and tongue are brought into God's family, becoming fellow heirs and members of His body. The terror that grips Egypt in this verse ultimately gives way to a fear of the Lord that leads to genuine worship, mirroring the universal call for all humanity to bow before the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Christ's kingdom is not built on earthly might or military prowess but on humble submission, spiritual transformation, and the reconciling power of His cross, inviting even former enemies to become fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household (cf. [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints and Members of God's Household")). The ultimate fulfillment is found in the universal reign of Christ, where all nations will one day acknowledge His supreme authority and worship Him in spirit and truth (cf. [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation Worships God")).

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

Jeremiah 51:30

The mighty men of Babylon have forborn to fight, they have remained in [their] holds: their might hath failed; they became as women: they have burned her dwellingplaces; her bars are broken.

Nahum 3:13

Behold, thy people in the midst of thee [are] women: the gates of thy land shall be set wide open unto thine enemies: the fire shall devour thy bars.

Isaiah 11:15

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.

Jeremiah 30:5

For thus saith the LORD; We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace.

Jeremiah 30:7

Alas! for that day [is] great, so that none [is] like it: it [is] even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.

Jeremiah 50:37

A sword [is] upon their horses, and upon their chariots, and upon all the mingled people that [are] in the midst of her; and they shall become as women: a sword [is] upon her treasures; and they shall be robbed.

Zechariah 2:9

For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me.