Isaiah 19:22

And the LORD shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal [it]: and they shall return [even] to the LORD, and he shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them.

And the LORD {H3068} shall smite {H5062} Egypt {H4714}: he shall smite {H5062} and heal {H7495} it: and they shall return {H7725} even to the LORD {H3068}, and he shall be intreated {H6279} of them, and shall heal {H7495} them.

Yet ADONAI will strike Egypt, both striking and healing, so they will return to ADONAI. He will listen to their prayers, and he will heal them.

And the LORD will strike Egypt with a plague; He will strike them but heal them. They will turn to the LORD, and He will hear their prayers and heal them.

And Jehovah will smite Egypt, smiting and healing; and they shall return unto Jehovah, and he will be entreated of them, and will heal them.

Commentary on Isaiah 19:22 (KJV)

Isaiah 19:22 is a remarkable prophetic declaration from the Lord concerning Egypt, a nation historically known for its opposition to Israel and its pagan worship. This verse encapsulates a profound truth about God's nature: His judgment is often a prelude to His mercy and restoration.

Context

The entire chapter of Isaiah 19 details a series of "burdens" or prophecies against Egypt, describing various calamities, internal strife, and economic collapse that would befall the nation. These judgments were a consequence of Egypt's pride, idolatry, and its unreliable alliances, often sought by Israel instead of trusting in the Lord. However, amidst these pronouncements of doom, verses like 19:18-25 offer a surprising glimpse into Egypt's future conversion and blessing, positioning it alongside Assyria and Israel as a people of God. Verse 22 specifically highlights the paradoxical nature of God's dealings with Egypt.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Healing: The phrase "the LORD shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal [it]" reveals God's sovereign control over nations. His 'smiting' is not merely destructive but redemptive, a disciplinary action designed to bring about spiritual healing and transformation. This demonstrates that even in judgment, God's ultimate purpose is often to draw people back to Himself.
  • Repentance and Restoration: The verse states, "they shall return [even] to the LORD, and he shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them." This signifies a genuine turning from their ways to seek the one true God. The healing God provides is both physical (from the smiting) and spiritual (from their idolatry). This points to a future time when Egypt, like other Gentile nations, will acknowledge and worship the God of Israel. You can find similar patterns of divine discipline leading to restoration in passages like Hebrews 12:6.
  • God's Universal Sovereignty: This prophecy underscores that God's authority extends over all nations, not just Israel. He orchestrates events in the world to accomplish His purposes, which ultimately include the salvation of people from every tribe and tongue, hinting at the broader scope of God's redemptive plan beyond the Jewish nation, as seen in the prophecies of all nations flowing to the Lord's house.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version uses the word "intreated" for the Hebrew term niph'al of יֵאָתֵר (ye'ather), meaning "to be sought" or "to be prevailed upon." It implies that when Egypt turns to the Lord in earnest seeking or prayer, He will respond favorably and be found by them, confirming His willingness to restore those who genuinely seek Him.

Practical Application

Isaiah 19:22 offers great hope and a powerful lesson for believers today. It reminds us that God's discipline in our lives, though sometimes painful, is ultimately for our good and intended to draw us closer to Him. Just as He "smote and healed" Egypt, He may allow difficult circumstances to enter our lives to bring about repentance, deeper faith, and true spiritual healing. We can take comfort in knowing that if we "return to the LORD" and seek Him, He promises to be "intreated of" us and to heal us, both spiritually and often physically or emotionally. This verse encourages us to view challenges not just as punishment, but as opportunities for God's transformative work.

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.

  • Hebrews 12:11

    Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

  • Deuteronomy 32:39

    ¶ See now that I, [even] I, [am] he, and [there is] no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither [is there any] that can deliver out of my hand.

  • Hosea 14:1

    ¶ O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity.

  • Isaiah 55:7

    Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

  • Isaiah 45:14

    Thus saith the LORD, The labour of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall come after thee; in chains they shall come over, and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee, [saying], Surely God [is] in thee; and [there is] none else, [there is] no God.

  • Isaiah 19:1

    ¶ The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.

  • Isaiah 19:15

    Neither shall there be [any] work for Egypt, which the head or tail, branch or rush, may do.

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