Isaiah 19:18

¶ In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the LORD of hosts; one shall be called, The city of destruction.

In that day {H3117} shall five {H2568} cities {H5892} in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} speak {H1696} the language {H8193} of Canaan {H3667}, and swear {H7650} to the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}; one {H259} shall be called {H559}, The city {H5892} of destruction {H2041}.

On that day there will be five cities in the land of Egypt that speak the language of Kena'an and swear loyalty to ADONAI-Tzva'ot; one of them will be called the City of Destruction.

In that day five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the LORD of Hosts. One of them will be called the City of the Sun.

In that day there shall be five cities in the land of Egypt that speak the language of Canaan, and swear to Jehovah of hosts; one shall be called The city of destruction.

Commentary

Isaiah 19:18 is a fascinating prophetic utterance concerning the future of Egypt, a nation historically often in opposition to Israel. It speaks of a day when a significant portion of Egypt will turn to the God of Israel, indicating a profound spiritual transformation.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophetic oracle against Egypt in Isaiah 19. While the chapter begins with severe judgments against Egypt, describing internal strife, economic collapse, and divine wrath, it remarkably transitions to a promise of future restoration and even spiritual allegiance to the LORD. This shift highlights God's ultimate redemptive plan, which extends beyond Israel to include other nations. The prophecy indicates that even a former enemy can become a recipient of divine grace and blessing.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty Over Nations: The passage powerfully illustrates God's ultimate control and plan for all peoples, not just His covenant people, Israel. Even nations like Egypt, which had a complex and often adversarial relationship with Israel, are subject to His redemptive purposes.
  • Conversion of the Gentiles: A primary theme is the future spiritual conversion of non-Israelites. The phrase "speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the LORD of hosts" clearly signifies a turning away from pagan deities and an adoption of the faith and allegiance to Yahweh, the God of Israel. This foreshadows the broader New Testament theme of God's salvation extending to the Gentiles.
  • Future Hope and Restoration: Despite the preceding judgments, this verse, along with others in Isaiah 19 (e.g., Isaiah 19:25), offers a vision of hope and spiritual renewal for Egypt. It paints a picture of a future where former adversaries live in harmony and worship the one true God.
  • Linguistic and Cultural Transformation: "Speak the language of Canaan" is symbolic. It doesn't necessarily mean abandoning Egyptian for Hebrew, but rather adopting the spiritual "language" or worldview of God's people, including their worship and covenant terms.

Linguistic Insights

The most debated phrase in this verse is "one shall be called, The city of destruction." The Hebrew word translated as "destruction" is heres (חרס). While heres can indeed mean "destruction," it is also phonetically very similar to cheres (חֶרֶס), which means "sun." This has led many scholars and ancient translations (like the Septuagint) to interpret this as a reference to Heliopolis, the "City of the Sun," a major religious center in ancient Egypt. Some even connect it to a possible meaning of "righteousness" or "healing" in other contexts.

The KJV, following the Masoretic Text, opts for "destruction." If "destruction" is the intended meaning, it could signify a city that was once dedicated to paganism and thus marked for divine judgment, but which will paradoxically also be among those who turn to the LORD. If it refers to Heliopolis ("City of the Sun"), it would highlight the conversion of a prominent center of idolatry to the worship of the true God, making the contrast even more striking.

Practical Application

Isaiah 19:18 offers profound encouragement for believers today:

  • God's Redemptive Reach: It reminds us that God's plan of salvation is truly global. No nation or people group is beyond His reach or His desire for them to turn to Him. This should fuel our passion for missions and evangelism, knowing that God is working in all corners of the earth.
  • Transformation from Within: The prophecy suggests a deep, internal change—not just political subjugation, but a sincere allegiance and adoption of God's ways. This highlights the transformative power of the Gospel in individual lives and cultures.
  • Hope for the Future: In a world often marked by conflict and division, this verse points to a future where nations, even former adversaries, can find unity and peace under the sovereignty of the LORD. It provides a vision of hope for reconciliation and shared worship.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Zephaniah 3:9 (7 votes)

    For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.

  • Isaiah 19:21 (4 votes)

    And the LORD shall be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know the LORD in that day, and shall do sacrifice and oblation; yea, they shall vow a vow unto the LORD, and perform [it].

  • Zechariah 2:11 (4 votes)

    And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee.

  • Jeremiah 12:16 (3 votes)

    And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, The LORD liveth; as they taught my people to swear by Baal; then shall they be built in the midst of my people.

  • Isaiah 11:11 (3 votes)

    And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

  • Isaiah 27:13 (2 votes)

    And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem.

  • Isaiah 2:11 (2 votes)

    The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.