Isaiah 19:19

KJV

In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

In that day {H3117} shall there be an altar {H4196} to the LORD {H3068} in the midst {H8432} of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, and a pillar {H4676} at {H681} the border {H1366} thereof to the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On that day there will be an altar to ADONAI in the middle of the land of Egypt, as well as a standing-stone for ADONAI at its border.

Berean Standard Bible

In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the center of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the LORD near her border.

American Standard Version

In that day shall there be an altar to Jehovah in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 19:19 presents a profound prophetic vision of Egypt's future spiritual transformation, foretelling a remarkable era when this ancient land, historically renowned for its polytheism and opposition to God's people, will embrace the worship of the LORD. This verse depicts the establishment of an "altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt" and a "pillar at the border thereof to the LORD," signifying a radical shift from idolatry to genuine devotion and a public declaration of God's sovereignty within its territory. It is a powerful testament to God's universal redemptive plan, extending His grace and covenant presence even to nations considered adversaries.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 19 is a specific prophetic oracle, one of several "burdens" or pronouncements against foreign nations found in chapters 13-23 of the book of Isaiah. The chapter begins with a severe depiction of divine judgment upon Egypt, detailing internal strife, economic collapse, and the failure of its wise men, leading to a state of utter helplessness. However, the prophecy undergoes a dramatic shift from judgment to a future of restoration and blessing, culminating in a vision of Egypt (along with Assyria) joining Israel as God's people, forming a blessed trinity of nations in [Isaiah 19:23-25](/isaiah/19-23-25 "Isaiah 19:23-25 - A Highway Between Egypt and Assyria, and Israel as a Blessing"). The phrase "In that day" (Hebrew: `bay-yom ha-hu`) serves as a common prophetic idiom throughout the Old Testament, pointing to a significant, often eschatological, future epoch when God's ultimate plan for history, involving both judgment and redemption, will unfold. This verse, therefore, is not merely a historical prediction but a theological statement about God's sovereign hand in transforming nations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a dominant world power, a cradle of advanced civilization, and a land deeply steeped in polytheistic religion, with a vast pantheon of gods and elaborate cultic practices. It was the land where Israel endured centuries of brutal slavery, and its idolatry posed a constant spiritual threat and temptation to God's covenant people, as seen in the narratives of the Exodus and subsequent interactions (e.g., [Exodus 1:8-14](/exodus/1-8-14 "Exodus 1:8-14 - The Oppression of Israel in Egypt")). The establishment of an "altar" and a "pillar" to the LORD in Egypt would have been an utterly astonishing and counter-cultural concept. Altars were central to worship, places of sacrifice and communion with deity, while pillars (or `matzevah`) often served as memorial stones, boundary markers, or even cultic objects. For such structures dedicated to Yahweh to appear in Egypt would signify a complete spiritual reversal, a dismantling of its traditional religious landscape, and a profound shift in allegiance from its numerous deities to the one true God, the LORD of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 19:19 contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the book of Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Universal Worship and God's Global Redemptive Plan**. The presence of an "altar to the LORD" in Egypt signifies that God's salvific purposes extend beyond the nation of Israel to encompass all peoples and nations, aligning with the prophetic vision of God's name being great among the Gentiles, as seen in [Malachi 1:11](/malachi/1-11 "Malachi 1:11 - God's Name Great Among the Gentiles"). Secondly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty and Transformation**, demonstrating God's absolute power to transform even the most resistant and idolatrous nations. Egypt, once a formidable symbol of worldly power and opposition to God, is envisioned as a place where the LORD is honored and worshipped. Thirdly, the prophecy speaks to **Reconciliation and Peace**, as the establishment of an altar and pillar indicates a covenant relationship and the recognition of God's presence, pointing to a future era of peace and spiritual unity that transcends national and historical animosities. Finally, the "pillar at the border" highlights the theme of **A Witness to the Nations**, suggesting that Egypt's spiritual transformation will serve as a visible testimony and public declaration of God's sovereignty to surrounding regions, inviting others to acknowledge His reign.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be hot," this term refers to a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (sunrise to sunset) or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term). In prophetic contexts, as here with "In that day," it often signifies a significant, often eschatological, period of divine intervention, judgment, or the establishment of God's kingdom. It points to a decisive moment in God's redemptive history.
* **altar (Hebrew, _mizbêach'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to sacrifice," this word denotes a place of sacrifice and worship. Its presence in Egypt, a land known for its pagan practices, signifies legitimate, accepted worship of Yahweh, indicating a radical spiritual conversion and the establishment of a true covenant relationship with the living God.
* **pillar (Hebrew, _matstsêbâh'_):** This feminine noun refers to something stationed, specifically a column or memorial stone. It can be a monument, a boundary marker, or a sign of covenant and dedication, as seen in [Jacob's pillar at Bethel](/genesis/28-18 "Genesis 28:18 - Jacob's Pillar at Bethel"). Its placement "at the border" suggests a public declaration, a visible sign, or a demarcation of God's territory and presence, serving as a witness to surrounding peoples.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt":** This clause sets the prophetic timeline to a future, decisive period of God's activity. The core of the prophecy is the establishment of a legitimate place of worship, an "altar," dedicated to Yahweh ("the LORD," H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), within the very heart of Egypt. This signifies a profound spiritual transformation, where the true God will be honored in a land historically known for its idolatry. The "midst" implies a pervasive and central presence of Yahweh worship, not merely an isolated occurrence.
* **"and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD":** Complementing the altar, a "pillar" (a standing stone or monument) will be erected. Its placement "at the border" suggests it serves as a public witness or a territorial marker, signifying that Egypt, even at its extremities, recognizes and belongs to the LORD. This dual imagery of an altar in the "midst" and a pillar "at the border" conveys a comprehensive spiritual claim over the entire nation of Egypt, from its core to its boundaries, all dedicated to the LORD.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 19:19 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its transformative message. The phrase "**In that day**" functions as a crucial **Prophetic Idiom**, signaling a future, divinely ordained epoch that transcends immediate historical events and points to God's ultimate redemptive plan. The "altar" and "pillar" serve as potent **Symbolism**. The **altar** symbolizes legitimate worship, sacrifice, and covenant relationship, while the **pillar** symbolizes a public witness, a memorial, or a territorial claim. Their presence in Egypt creates a stark **Contrast** with Egypt's historical idolatry and opposition to Yahweh, highlighting the radical nature of the prophesied spiritual change. This contrast underscores God's ability to transform even the most unlikely nations. Furthermore, the entire verse is an example of **Foreshadowing**, pointing to a future era of universal worship and the inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive plan, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 19:19 is a powerful theological statement about the expansive nature of God's redemptive plan. It shatters the notion of a God exclusively confined to Israel, revealing His universal sovereignty and desire for all nations to worship Him. The prophecy of an altar and pillar in Egypt signifies that no nation, regardless of its past hostility or idolatry, is beyond the reach of divine grace and transformation. It points to a future where spiritual barriers are broken down, and diverse peoples are united in true worship of the LORD, demonstrating God's ultimate triumph over sin and division. This vision anticipates a global community of faith, where reconciliation and peace prevail under God's righteous rule.

* [Malachi 1:11](/malachi/1-11 "Malachi 1:11 - God's Name Great Among the Gentiles")
* [Zechariah 14:16](/zechariah/14-16 "Zechariah 14:16 - All Nations Worship the King, the LORD of Hosts")
* [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation Worshipping God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 19:19 offers profound hope and a compelling call to action for believers today. It reminds us that God's redemptive plan is not limited by geographical boundaries, historical animosities, or cultural differences. Just as ancient Egypt, a symbol of opposition to God, is prophesied to become a place of true worship, so too can any individual, community, or nation be transformed by the power of the Gospel. This verse fuels our passion for global missions, encouraging us to see every corner of the earth as potential ground for God's kingdom, where altars of worship can be raised and pillars of witness established. It inspires us to pray for the spiritual awakening of nations and to actively participate in bringing the light of Christ to those who are still in darkness, trusting in God's sovereign ability to bring about radical spiritual change.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the prophecy of Egypt worshipping the LORD challenge our preconceived notions about who God can redeem?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and as the church, participate in raising "altars" and "pillars" to the LORD in our own communities and across the globe?**
* **What specific nations or people groups do you feel led to pray for, believing that God can bring about a similar spiritual transformation as prophesied for Egypt?**

### FAQ

**Does this prophecy mean a literal altar will be built in Egypt in the future?**

Answer: While some interpretations suggest a literal fulfillment, most biblical scholars understand the "altar" and "pillar" in Isaiah 19:19 primarily as **symbolic** representations of true worship and public acknowledgement of the LORD's sovereignty. The emphasis is on a profound spiritual transformation of Egypt, where the nation turns from its historical idolatry to embrace Yahweh. This spiritual reality could manifest in various ways, including the establishment of churches, the widespread conversion of people, and the public expression of Christian faith, rather than necessarily a physical, sacrificial altar in the Old Covenant sense. The New Testament teaches that believers are now the "living stones" and "spiritual house" where God dwells, and our lives are "spiritual sacrifices" as described in [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones and Spiritual Sacrifices").

**How does this prophecy relate to God's covenant with Israel and the uniqueness of Jerusalem as a place of worship?**

Answer: Isaiah 19:19 does not negate God's unique covenant with Israel or the historical significance of Jerusalem as the center of Yahweh worship in the Old Covenant. Instead, it expands upon God's ultimate plan, showing that His redemptive purposes extend beyond a single nation or geographical location. This prophecy, along with others (e.g., [Zechariah 14:16](/zechariah/14-16 "Zechariah 14:16 - Nations Coming to Worship in Jerusalem")), points to a future where all nations will come to acknowledge and worship the one true God, often in connection with Israel's role. In the New Covenant, the focus shifts from a physical temple or specific geographical location to worship "in spirit and truth" as taught in [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth"), making true worship accessible to all peoples, everywhere, through Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 19:19, with its radical vision of Egypt's spiritual transformation and worship of the LORD, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "altar" and "pillar" in Egypt, symbolizing genuine worship and a public witness, are realized in the person and work of Christ, who broke down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, as detailed in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Breaking Down Barriers"). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus established the new covenant, making it possible for people from every tribe, tongue, and nation to become part of God's spiritual kingdom, a glorious vision depicted in [Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9-10 "Revelation 5:9-10 - People from Every Tribe, Tongue, and Nation"). The Great Commission, given by Christ Himself, commands His followers to "make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")), effectively raising spiritual altars and pillars of witness in every land. Thus, the prophecy of Egypt's conversion is not merely a historical curiosity but a powerful foreshadowing of the global reach of the Gospel, where, by the power of the Holy Spirit, countless individuals from every background, including those from nations once considered adversaries, are brought into the worship of the one true God through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.

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

Genesis 28:18

And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put [for] his pillows, and set it up [for] a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.

Joshua 22:10

¶ And when they came unto the borders of Jordan, that [are] in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by Jordan, a great altar to see to.

Exodus 24:4

And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

Joshua 22:26

Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice:

Zechariah 6:15

And they [that are] far off shall come and build in the temple of the LORD, and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. And [this] shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.

Isaiah 66:23

And it shall come to pass, [that] from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.

Genesis 12:7

And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.