Isaiah 19:22

Analysis & Commentary

'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.' Divine discipline leads to restoration: God smites (strikes/judges), but then heals. This smiting produces repentance—'they shall return' (shuv—turn back, repent). God is 'intreated' (atar—responds favorably to prayer), and healing follows. This demonstrates redemptive judgment—God wounds to heal, judges to restore. The pattern mirrors Hosea 6:1: 'Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.' God's judgments serve merciful purposes, driving people back to Him for restoration. Reformed theology emphasizes God's chastisements are evidence of love (Hebrews 12:5-11), designed to produce the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

Historical Context

Egypt's historical experience validated this pattern: judgment through invasions and internal chaos, yet preservation as a nation and eventual spiritual healing through Christian conversion. Unlike many ancient nations that disappeared entirely (Assyria, Babylon), Egypt continued existing, ultimately experiencing spiritual restoration through Christianity. This demonstrated God's purposes weren't merely punitive but redemptive—using temporal judgments to drive nations toward spiritual healing. The pattern continues: God disciplines His Church through persecution and trials, but purposes are restorative, not merely punitive. Judgment without restoration would be wrath; judgment with restoration is discipline—the latter characterizes God's dealings with those He purposes to save.

Questions for Reflection

• What does God smiting to heal teach about redemptive purposes behind divine judgments?
• How does this pattern (strike, repent, heal) demonstrate discipline versus pure wrath?
• In what ways do God's temporal judgments serve to drive people back to Him for restoration?