Isaiah 19:20

And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt: for they shall cry unto the LORD because of the oppressors, and he shall send them a saviour, and a great one, and he shall deliver them.

And it shall be for a sign {H226} and for a witness {H5707} unto the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}: for they shall cry {H6817} unto the LORD {H3068} because {H6440} of the oppressors {H3905}, and he shall send {H7971} them a saviour {H3467}, and a great one {H7227}, and he shall deliver {H5337} them.

It will be a sign and witness to ADONAI-Tzva'ot in the land of Egypt; so that when they cry out to ADONAI for help because of the oppressors, he will send them a savior to defend and rescue them.

It will be a sign and a witness to the LORD of Hosts in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, He will send them a savior and defender to rescue them.

And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto Jehovah of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they shall cry unto Jehovah because of oppressors, and he will send them a saviour, and a defender, and he will deliver them.

Isaiah 19:20 is a powerful prophetic declaration concerning the future of Egypt, a nation historically significant in Israel's narrative. This verse speaks of a time when Egypt, having faced internal strife and judgment as described earlier in the chapter, will turn to the LORD in distress and experience divine intervention.

Context of Isaiah 19:20

This verse is part of the "Burden of Egypt" (Isaiah 19), a prophecy detailing God's judgment upon Egypt, leading to its desolation, but ultimately promising a future spiritual transformation. The chapter describes Egypt's internal chaos, economic decline, and eventual humbling by God. Amidst this judgment, there's a profound promise of a future where Egypt will acknowledge the LORD. The "sign and for a witness" mentioned here signifies that God's actions in Egypt will serve as an undeniable testimony to His power and sovereignty, not just for Egypt but for surrounding nations as well. It foreshadows a day when the Egyptians, like the Israelites before them, will cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors.

Key Themes in Isaiah 19:20

  • Divine Deliverance: The central theme is God's compassionate response to the cries of the oppressed. Even a nation like Egypt, often portrayed as an adversary to Israel, receives the promise of God's saving hand when they seek Him. This highlights God's universal concern for humanity.
  • God's Universal Plan: This verse underscores God's sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel. It hints at a broader redemptive plan where even nations traditionally hostile to Israel will eventually come to know the LORD. This concept is further developed in Isaiah 19:24-25, where Egypt, Assyria, and Israel are depicted as equally blessed by God.
  • The Promised Saviour: The promise, "he shall send them a saviour, and a great one, and he shall deliver them," is significant. While it may have had immediate historical fulfillments (e.g., a specific deliverer from oppression), its language resonates with messianic hope. The "saviour" (Hebrew: yasha - to save, deliver) and "great one" (Hebrew: gadol - great, mighty) points to a deliverer of significant stature and power, ultimately finding its fullest expression in the person of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "saviour" is moshia' (מוֹשִׁיעַ), derived from the root yasha, meaning to save, deliver, or rescue. It emphasizes one who brings salvation. The phrase "a great one" is w'gadol (וְגָדוֹל), highlighting the significant power, authority, or majesty of this deliverer. Together, they convey a powerful and effective rescuer sent by God. The terms "sign" ('oth) and "witness" ('ed) denote a visible token and a testimony that proves God's active involvement and faithfulness.

Significance and Application

Isaiah 19:20 offers profound hope, demonstrating that God hears the cries of all people, regardless of their past or national identity. It reminds us that God's redemptive plan is expansive, extending beyond traditional boundaries to encompass all who turn to Him. For believers today, this verse reinforces the truth that God is the ultimate deliverer from all forms of oppression, whether physical, spiritual, or emotional. It encourages prayer for nations in turmoil and highlights God's readiness to send salvation when people humble themselves and cry out to Him. It also serves as a reminder of God's promise to send His Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 50:15

    And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

  • Titus 2:13

    Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

  • Luke 2:11

    For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

  • Isaiah 45:21

    Tell ye, and bring [them] near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? [who] hath told it from that time? [have] not I the LORD? and [there is] no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; [there is] none beside me.

  • Isaiah 45:22

    Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else.

  • Joshua 22:27

    But [that] it [may be] a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD.

  • Joshua 22:28

    Therefore said we, that it shall be, when they should [so] say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say [again], Behold the pattern of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices; but it [is] a witness between us and you.

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