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.
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.
On that day Egypt will be like women trembling with fear, because ADONAI-Tzva'ot is shaking his fist at them.
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.
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.
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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.
Isaiah 19:16 is part of a significant prophetic chapter dedicated to Egypt, detailing its future desolation and subsequent restoration under God's sovereign hand. This particular verse highlights the immediate impact of God's judgment, depicting a once-proud nation reduced to utter fear and weakness.
Context
Chapter 19 of Isaiah contains a series of prophecies concerning Egypt, outlining a period of severe judgment, internal strife, and economic collapse. These judgments are not arbitrary but are a consequence of Egypt's pride, idolatry, and its unreliable role as an ally to Judah against the rising Assyrian power. The prophecy moves from judgment to a future restoration, where Egypt, alongside Assyria, will eventually worship the Lord. Verse 16 specifically focuses on the immediate, terrifying effect of God's intervention, setting the stage for the subsequent humiliation and ultimate transformation.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The KJV phrase "like unto women" (Hebrew: כַּנָּשִׁים, kannashim) is a vivid metaphor for extreme fear, panic, and loss of courage. It does not imply effeminacy in a derogatory sense but rather the complete absence of the expected strength and resolve typically associated with warriors in that culture. The "shaking of the hand of the LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: מִטֹּף יַד יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת, mittoph yad YHWH Tzeva'ot) highlights God's direct, powerful, and terrifying action. "LORD of hosts" (YHWH Tzeva'ot) is a majestic title emphasizing God's role as the commander of heavenly armies, signifying His omnipotence and control over all cosmic and earthly forces.
Practical Application
Isaiah 19:16 serves as a powerful reminder that all human strength, pride, and strategic alliances are ultimately futile when measured against the omnipotence of God. For individuals, it encourages humility and reliance on God rather than trusting in worldly power or resources. For nations, it speaks to the accountability of all governing authorities before a righteous God. The ultimate purpose of such divine judgment is often to bring about a recognition of God's sovereignty and, ultimately, a turning to Him. Just as Egypt was humbled, so too can any individual or nation experience a transformation when confronted with the reality of God's power and a subsequent submission to His will. This divine oversight extends to all aspects of creation, underscoring God's absolute control over all things, a truth echoed in Daniel 4:35 regarding God's dominion over all kingdoms.