Isaiah 19:22

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 19:22 presents a profound prophetic paradox concerning Egypt: God's sovereign judgment, described as a "smiting," is not merely punitive but redemptive, serving as a catalyst for the nation's spiritual healing and restoration. This verse anticipates a future turning of Egypt to the Lord, where their repentance will be met with divine responsiveness and complete spiritual and physical healing, demonstrating God's ultimate desire for reconciliation and the universal scope of His redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 19 is part of a larger section of "burdens" or prophetic oracles against foreign nations (Isaiah 13-23). While the preceding verses (19:1-17) detail a series of severe judgments upon Egypt—including internal strife, economic collapse, and the weakening of its leadership—verse 22 marks a pivotal transition. It introduces a surprising shift from judgment to a promise of future blessing and conversion for Egypt, culminating in the vision of Egypt and Assyria joining Israel as God's people (cf. [Isaiah 19:23-25](/isaiah/19-23 "Isaiah 19:23-25 - Egypt, Assyria, and Israel Blessed Together")). This verse specifically highlights the divine process by which this transformation will occur, emphasizing that God's discipline is a means to an end: restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a formidable and influential power, often seen as a source of strength and alliance for Judah, yet frequently proving to be an unreliable partner (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help")). Culturally, Egypt was steeped in polytheism, with a vast pantheon of gods and goddesses, and its religious practices often stood in stark contrast to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh. The prophecy of God "smiting" Egypt would have resonated with historical events where Egypt faced military defeats and internal turmoil, but the subsequent promise of healing and return to the Lord would have been a radical and unexpected declaration, challenging the prevailing understanding of God's exclusive relationship with Israel and hinting at a broader, inclusive future.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty** over all nations, demonstrating that God's authority extends beyond Israel to orchestrate events in the global arena for His purposes. Secondly, it articulates the theme of **Judgment as a Means of Redemption**, revealing that God's discipline is not solely punitive but often serves as a painful yet necessary catalyst for spiritual transformation and a return to Him. Thirdly, it highlights **Repentance and Restoration**, showing that a genuine turning to the Lord is met with His willingness to heal and respond to prayer. Finally, it foreshadows the **Universal Scope of God's Salvation**, hinting at a future where Gentile nations, once adversaries, will be brought into a covenant relationship with the God of Israel, a theme echoed in other prophetic passages like [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - All Nations Flow to the Lord's House").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smite (Hebrew, _nâgaph'_):** From H5062, this primitive root means "to push, gore, defeat, stub (the toe), inflict (a disease); beat, dash, hurt, plague, slay, smite (down), strike, stumble." In this context, it denotes a severe, impactful blow or judgment from God, implying a significant defeat or infliction of hardship upon Egypt. It's an act of divine intervention that brings about a state of brokenness or affliction.
* **Heal (Hebrew, _râphâʼ'_):** From H7495, this primitive root means "properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e. (figuratively) to cure; cure, (cause to) heal, physician, repair, [idiom] thoroughly, make whole." When juxtaposed with "smite," it reveals the paradoxical nature of God's action: the very hand that inflicts the wound is also the one that brings restoration and wholeness, both physically and spiritually.
* **Return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** From H7725, this primitive root means "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbial, again." In a spiritual sense, it signifies repentance, a turning away from former ways (idolatry, rebellion) and a turning back to the Lord. It implies a change of heart and direction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD shall smite Egypt:"** This opening clause establishes God's absolute sovereignty and His intention to bring judgment upon Egypt. The "smiting" implies a severe, impactful divine intervention that will humble the proud nation and break its resistance.
* **"he shall smite and heal [it]:"** This is the central paradox of the verse. God's judgment (smiting) is not an end in itself but a means to an ultimate purpose of restoration (healing). It suggests a disciplinary action designed to bring about spiritual transformation, much like a surgeon's painful cut leads to healing.
* **"and they shall return [even] to the LORD,"** This clause describes Egypt's response to God's disciplinary action. The "return" signifies repentance—a turning away from their idolatrous ways and a genuine turning back to acknowledge and seek the one true God, Yahweh.
* **"and he shall be intreated of them,"** This indicates God's gracious responsiveness to Egypt's repentance. The Hebrew term implies that when they seek Him earnestly, through prayer and supplication, He will allow Himself to be found and will respond favorably to their pleas.
* **"and shall heal them."** The final clause reiterates and confirms the complete restoration. This healing encompasses not just recovery from the initial "smiting" but also spiritual healing from their former idolatry and brokenness, leading to a renewed and wholesome relationship with the Lord.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 19:22 effectively employs several **literary devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Paradox**, evident in the phrase "he shall smite and heal [it]." This seemingly contradictory statement highlights the complex nature of divine action, where judgment serves as a painful but necessary prelude to restoration. It challenges a simplistic view of God's wrath, revealing His redemptive purpose even in discipline. The verse also uses **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human actions like "smiting," "healing," and "being intreated" to God, making His divine interaction with humanity more comprehensible. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a **Prophecy**, a divinely inspired declaration foretelling future events concerning Egypt, demonstrating God's foreknowledge and His active involvement in the destinies of nations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 19:22 is a powerful testament to God's redemptive character and His universal sovereignty. It reveals that divine judgment is not merely punitive but often a surgical act designed to bring about spiritual healing and a turning of hearts. This pattern—judgment leading to repentance, which then leads to restoration—is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, demonstrating God's unwavering desire for reconciliation with His creation, even with nations historically opposed to Him. The prophecy about Egypt's future conversion underscores that God's redemptive plan extends beyond the nation of Israel to encompass all peoples, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community. It paints a picture of a God who is both just in His discipline and merciful in His restoration, always seeking to draw humanity back to Himself.

* [Deuteronomy 32:39](/deuteronomy/32-39 "Deuteronomy 32:39 - God Wounds and Heals")
* [Hosea 6:1](/hosea/6-1 "Hosea 6:1 - Return to the Lord, He Will Heal")
* [Romans 11:25-26](/romans/11-25 "Romans 11:25-26 - The Mystery of Israel's Salvation and Gentile Inclusion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 19:22 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today. It reminds us that God's discipline in our lives, though often painful and disorienting, is always purposed for our ultimate good and spiritual growth. Just as He "smote and healed" Egypt, God may allow difficult circumstances, trials, or even personal "smitings" to enter our lives to expose sin, refine our character, and draw us into deeper dependence and intimacy with Him. These moments are not signs of His abandonment but rather expressions of His loving, fatherly hand, seeking our "return" to a more complete and authentic relationship. When we respond with humility, repentance, and genuine seeking, He promises to be "intreated of" us, to hear our prayers, and to bring about profound spiritual, emotional, and sometimes even physical healing. This verse encourages us to view challenges not as mere misfortunes, but as opportunities for God's transformative work, trusting that His ultimate desire is always our wholeness and restoration in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when God's discipline feels like a "smiting" in my life, and what does Isaiah 19:22 teach me about His ultimate purpose in such moments?**
* **In what areas of my life might God be seeking my "return" to Him, and how can I genuinely seek His "healing" for those areas?**
* **What does this prophecy about Egypt teach me about God's heart for all nations, including those I might consider "enemies" or "outsiders," and how might this impact my prayers and worldview?**

### FAQ
**Question?** What is the significance of God "smiting" Egypt only to "heal" it?

Answer: This paradox illustrates God's redemptive judgment. The "smiting" represents divine discipline or judgment, which is not merely punitive but purposed to humble, expose sin, and ultimately lead to repentance. The subsequent "healing" signifies God's restoration and reconciliation once the nation turns to Him. It's a divine surgery, cutting away disease to restore health, demonstrating that God's ultimate desire is always for the salvation and wholeness of His creation, even through painful means. This concept is beautifully echoed in [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline for Our Good"), where God's discipline is described as a loving act of a Father for the good of His children, that they may share in His holiness.

**Question?** Does this prophecy suggest that Egypt will literally convert to Christianity in the future?

Answer: While the exact historical and eschatological fulfillment is subject to various interpretations, the prophecy certainly points to a profound spiritual transformation where a significant portion of Egyptians would turn to the Lord and worship Him, acknowledging His sovereignty. Historically, Egypt became an early and important center of Christianity (e.g., the Coptic Church), suggesting a partial fulfillment. The broader theological implication is God's universal redemptive plan, extending salvation beyond the nation of Israel to include Gentiles. This is further emphasized in [Isaiah 19:23-25](/isaiah/19-23 "Isaiah 19:23-25 - Egypt, Assyria, and Israel Blessed Together"), where Egypt and Assyria are prophetically called "my people" and "the work of my hands," standing alongside Israel as blessed by the Lord.

**Question?** How does God being "intreated" by Egypt relate to prayer?

Answer: The Hebrew word translated "intreated" (H6279, _ʻâthar'_) implies seeking God's favor through earnest prayer, supplication, or intercession. It signifies that when Egypt genuinely turns to the Lord in repentance and seeks Him with a humble heart, He will respond favorably and allow Himself to be found by them. This underscores God's willingness to hear and answer the prayers of those who humble themselves and seek Him, regardless of their past. It highlights the power of sincere prayer and God's readiness to extend grace and healing to those who call upon His name, a principle consistently taught throughout Scripture, as seen in [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - If My People Who Are Called by My Name").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 19:22 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The paradoxical pattern of God "smiting and healing" is perfectly embodied in the crucifixion and resurrection. On the cross, Christ was "smitten" – bearing the full weight of divine judgment for the sins of humanity, becoming sin for us (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Yet, this ultimate "smiting" was the very means by which ultimate "healing" was secured: the healing of our broken relationship with God, the healing from the power and penalty of sin, and the promise of eternal life (cf. [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - By His Wounds You Have Been Healed")). The prophecy that Egypt "shall return [even] to the LORD" is fulfilled in the New Covenant, where through Christ's sacrifice, people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" are invited to turn from their idols and return to God (cf. [Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from Every Tribe and Nation")). Jesus, the Lamb of God, takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making it possible for all, including those once considered far off, to be "intreated of" God and receive His complete healing and reconciliation (cf. [Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Made Near by the Blood of Christ")). Thus, Christ is the divine surgeon who bore the smiting so that all who believe might receive eternal healing.

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

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.