Isaiah 19:21
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.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Historical fulfillment came through Egyptian Jewish communities and especially Egyptian Christianity. Christian worship replaced animal sacrifices with Christ's sufficient sacrifice remembered in Communion, and grain offerings with spiritual offerings of praise and service. Egyptian Christians did 'know the LORD'—experientially through faith in Christ, not merely intellectually. They made vows (baptismal vows, monastic vows) and performed them. The prophecy's fulfillment demonstrates Old Testament ceremonial particulars giving way to New Covenant spiritual realities, while the underlying principle (Gentile nations coming to genuine knowledge and worship of the true God) finds complete fulfillment. Egyptian Christianity's historical depth validated this prophecy's accuracy.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Egyptians 'knowing the LORD' teach about covenant relationship extending beyond ethnic Israel?
- How does worship through sacrifice and vows illustrate full covenant participation?
- In what ways did Egyptian Christianity fulfill this through New Covenant worship?
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Analysis & Commentary
'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.' Knowledge of Yahweh becomes Egypt's possession—'the LORD shall be known' indicates revelation, and 'Egyptians shall know' indicates response. This isn't mere intellectual awareness but covenant relationship knowledge (Hebrew yada—intimate experiential knowledge). They'll offer legitimate worship: sacrifice (zebach—animal offerings) and oblation (minchah—grain offerings), make vows and fulfill them. This depicts full covenant participation—Gentiles worshipping as covenant members. Reformed covenant theology sees this fulfilled in New Covenant where Gentiles are grafted into Israel (Romans 11:17-24), sharing full covenant privileges without ethnic distinction (Galatians 3:28-29). The prophecy anticipates the multi-ethnic Church.