Isaiah 19:17

KJV

And the land of Judah shall be a terror unto Egypt, every one that maketh mention thereof shall be afraid in himself, because of the counsel of the LORD of hosts, which he hath determined against it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the land {H127} of Judah {H3063} shall be a terror {H2283} unto Egypt {H4714}, every one that maketh mention {H2142} thereof shall be afraid {H6342} in himself, because {H6440} of the counsel {H6098} of the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, which he hath determined {H3289} against it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Just mentioning the land of Y'hudah to the Egyptians will throw them into panic; they will be afraid because of what ADONAI-Tzva'ot has planned for them.

Berean Standard Bible

The land of Judah will bring terror to Egypt; whenever Judah is mentioned, Egypt will tremble over what the LORD of Hosts has planned against it.

American Standard Version

And the land of Judah shall become a terror unto Egypt; every one to whom mention is made thereof shall be afraid, because of the purpose of Jehovah of hosts, which he purposeth against it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 19:17 presents a striking prophetic declaration concerning the future state of Egypt, where the very mention of Judah will instill profound terror. This dramatic reversal of fortunes is explicitly attributed to the sovereign and unchangeable "counsel of the LORD of hosts," highlighting God's absolute control over nations and His determined purpose to bring judgment upon Egypt. The verse underscores divine sovereignty, demonstrating that even the most formidable earthly powers are subject to the will and plans of the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 19 is a significant component of Isaiah's "burdens" or oracles against foreign nations, specifically focusing on Egypt. This chapter follows prophecies concerning Babylon, Philistia, Moab, and Damascus, establishing a pattern of divine judgment against nations that oppose God's people or rely on their own strength. Within chapter 19 itself, verses 1-15 detail the internal strife, economic collapse, and spiritual desolation that will afflict Egypt, including the failure of its idols and wise men. Verse 16 describes the Egyptians becoming like women, trembling with fear before the shaking of the hand of the LORD of hosts. Verse 17 then directly follows, amplifying this fear by specifying Judah as the source of terror, not because of Judah's own might, but because of the God who stands with Judah. The chapter concludes with a surprising vision of Egypt's future conversion and blessing alongside Assyria and Israel, demonstrating the breadth of God's redemptive plan even amidst judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Isaiah's prophecy (8th century BCE), Egypt was a formidable ancient empire, a traditional superpower in the Near East, and a frequent, though often unreliable, ally or adversary for Judah. The kings of Judah often looked to Egypt for military support against encroaching powers like Assyria (e.g., [2 Kings 18:21](/2_kings/18-21 "2 Kings 18:21 - Hezekiah's Reliance on Egypt")). Isaiah consistently warned against such alliances, urging Judah to trust solely in the LORD (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30 "Isaiah 30 - Woe to Rebellious Children")). Historically, Egypt had enslaved Israel (as detailed in [Exodus 1](/exodus/1 "Exodus 1 - The Oppression of Israel in Egypt")), making this prophecy of Judah instilling terror in Egypt a profound reversal of their long-standing relationship. The cultural context also includes the widespread worship of numerous gods in Egypt, which Isaiah explicitly challenges by prophesying the failure of their idols (e.g., [Isaiah 19:1](/isaiah/19-1 "Isaiah 19:1 - Oracle Concerning Egypt")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. First, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing that God is the ultimate ruler of all nations, orchestrating historical events according to His predetermined "counsel" (as seen in [Psalm 33:11](/psalms/33-11 "Psalm 33:11 - The Counsel of the LORD Stands Forever")). Second, it highlights the theme of **Reversal of Fortunes**, where the once-oppressive and mighty Egypt is humbled, and the often-vulnerable Judah becomes an object of dread, not by its own power, but by the power of its God. This theme is common in biblical narratives where God exalts the humble and humbles the proud (e.g., [1 Samuel 2:7](/1_samuel/2-7 "1 Samuel 2:7 - Hannah's Prayer on God's Reversal of Fortunes")). Third, the prophecy speaks to **God's Justice and Judgment**, demonstrating that nations, like individuals, are held accountable for their actions, particularly their idolatry and opposition to God's purposes. Finally, it implicitly points to the **Fear of the LORD**, as the terror experienced by Egypt is not merely of Judah, but of the formidable God of Judah, whose plans cannot be thwarted.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **terror (Hebrew, _châgâʼ'_):** From an unused root meaning "to revolve," this word properly denotes "vertigo," and figuratively, "fear" or "dread." In this context, it signifies a profound, unsettling, and disorienting fear that grips Egypt at the mere mention of Judah. It's not just a momentary fright but a deep-seated apprehension that paralyzes.
* **counsel (Hebrew, _ʻêtsâh'_):** Derived from the root "to advise," this term refers to advice, a plan, or purpose. Here, it emphasizes the deliberate, well-thought-out, and unchangeable plan of God. It is not a suggestion but a divine decree, indicating God's intentional and strategic will.
* **determined (Hebrew, _yâʻats'_):** A primitive root meaning "to advise," "to deliberate," or "to resolve." When applied to God, it signifies His sovereign decision and fixed purpose. It implies that God has not merely considered a course of action but has definitively settled upon it, ensuring its certain execution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the land of Judah shall be a terror unto Egypt,"**: This clause dramatically reverses the historical power dynamic between Judah and Egypt. Instead of Egypt being a source of oppression or a powerful, intimidating neighbor, the very land of Judah, often seen as smaller and weaker, will become an object of profound dread and fear for the Egyptians. This terror is not due to Judah's military might but to the divine power that stands behind it.
* **"every one that maketh mention thereof shall be afraid in himself,"**: This intensifies the previous statement, indicating that the fear will be pervasive and deeply personal. The mere verbal reference to Judah will evoke an internal, visceral fear within each Egyptian. It suggests a psychological impact, where the reputation of Judah, linked to its God, becomes so potent that its name alone triggers dread.
* **"because of the counsel of the LORD of hosts, which he hath determined against it."**: This final clause provides the ultimate explanation and theological grounding for the preceding statements. The terror experienced by Egypt is not arbitrary but is a direct consequence of God's sovereign, deliberate, and unchangeable plan. The title "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes God's supreme power as the commander of heavenly armies and all creation, reinforcing the certainty and irresistibility of His determined purpose against Egypt.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 19:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the declaration that "every one that maketh mention thereof shall be afraid in himself," exaggerating the pervasive and intense nature of the fear to underscore the dramatic shift in power dynamics. The phrase "the land of Judah shall be a terror unto Egypt" also uses **Personification**, attributing the capacity to instill terror to an inanimate geographical entity, thereby emphasizing the profound impact of God's actions through His people. Furthermore, the verse is structured as a **Cause and Effect** statement: the effect (Egypt's terror) is directly and explicitly linked to its divine cause ("because of the counsel of the LORD of hosts, which he hath determined against it"). This highlights God's active role in history and His absolute sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 19:17 is a profound testament to the absolute sovereignty of God over all nations and the unfolding of His predetermined counsel in human history. It reveals that no earthly power, however mighty, can thwart the divine will. The fear instilled in Egypt is not a result of Judah's military prowess, but a direct consequence of the "counsel of the LORD of hosts," demonstrating that God uses nations and circumstances as instruments for His purposes, whether in judgment or redemption. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that true security and power reside not in human alliances or military strength, but in humble submission to the God who "determines" the course of empires. It challenges the notion that human wisdom or might can circumvent divine decrees, ultimately exalting the Lord as the supreme arbiter of destiny.

* [Psalm 33:11](/psalms/33-11 "Psalm 33:11 - The Counsel of the LORD Stands Forever")
* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules the Kingdoms of Men")
* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Knowledge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 19:17 offers a profound lens through which to view God's unshakeable sovereignty and the ultimate futility of trusting in anything other than Him. In a world often dominated by political maneuvering, economic instability, and military might, this verse reminds us that the true power lies not in human strength or strategic alliances, but in the "counsel of the LORD of hosts." For believers, this truth brings immense comfort: if God can humble a mighty empire like Egypt through His determined purpose, He is certainly capable of working out His perfect will in our individual lives and in the broader sweep of history, even amidst chaos and uncertainty. It calls us to examine where our trust truly lies—in worldly systems and human solutions, or in the unfailing wisdom and power of the Almighty. This passage also serves as a sober warning against pride and self-reliance, urging us to cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom and the only true foundation for security and peace. Our response to God's sovereign plan should be one of humble submission and unwavering faith, knowing that His counsel stands forever.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on human wisdom or strength rather than God's sovereign counsel?**
* **How does the unchangeable "counsel of the LORD of hosts" bring you comfort or challenge you in your current circumstances?**
* **What does it mean to "fear God" in a way that aligns with His ultimate authority and love, as demonstrated in this passage?**

### FAQ
**What does "the counsel of the LORD of hosts" mean in this context?**

Answer: "The counsel of the LORD of hosts" refers to God's sovereign, deliberate, and unchangeable plan or purpose. The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: *Yahweh Sabaoth*) emphasizes God's supreme power as the commander of heavenly armies and all creation, signifying His absolute authority and ability to execute His will without hindrance. In Isaiah 19:17, it means that the terror Egypt experiences is not random or due to Judah's own power, but is a direct and certain outcome of God's predetermined judgment against Egypt, which He has sovereignly resolved to bring to pass. This phrase highlights God's active involvement in human history and His ultimate control over the destinies of nations, as also seen in [Psalm 33:11](/psalms/33-11 "Psalm 33:11 - The Counsel of the LORD Stands Forever").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 19:17 speaks of a specific judgment against ancient Egypt, its underlying theological principles find their ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "counsel of the LORD of hosts" that determined Egypt's fate points to God's overarching eternal plan, which culminates in Christ. Jesus is revealed as the very wisdom and power of God, the embodiment of God's ultimate "counsel" (as articulated in [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ executed God's most profound determination: the redemption of humanity and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. The "terror" that Judah would instill in Egypt, not by its own might but by God's decree, foreshadows the spiritual dread that the light of Christ brings to the powers of darkness and to those who oppose God's truth. The coming of Christ, though seemingly humble, brought a radical reversal of fortunes, overthrowing the dominion of sin and death ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). Ultimately, the fear that should grip all people is not of an earthly nation, but the reverent fear of God, which, through Christ, leads not to destruction but to repentance and salvation ([Acts 2:37-38](/acts/2-37 "Acts 2:37 - Peter's Sermon and Call to Repentance")). In Christ, God's sovereign counsel is perfectly revealed and eternally secured, inviting all nations to find peace and blessing in Him, as even Egypt is prophesied to do in the latter part of Isaiah 19.

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

Isaiah 14:24

¶ The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, [so] shall it stand:

Daniel 4:35

And all the inhabitants of the earth [are] reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and [among] the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

Jeremiah 25:19

Pharaoh king of Egypt, and his servants, and his princes, and all his people;

Jeremiah 25:27

Therefore thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Drink ye, and be drunken, and spue, and fall, and rise no more, because of the sword which I will send among you.

Jeremiah 25:31

A noise shall come [even] to the ends of the earth; for the LORD hath a controversy with the nations, he will plead with all flesh; he will give them [that are] wicked to the sword, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 43:8

¶ Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah in Tahpanhes, saying,

Jeremiah 43:13

He shall break also the images of Bethshemesh, that [is] in the land of Egypt; and the houses of the gods of the Egyptians shall he burn with fire.