Isaiah 19:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 19:20
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.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 19 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, covenant, grace. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 19:20
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.
Analysis
'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.' The altar and pillar serve as 'sign and witness'—testimony to God's presence and character. Future oppressed Egyptians will cry to Yahweh, and He will send 'a saviour'—deliverer and defender. This parallels Israel's Egyptian experience—they cried out in slavery, God sent Moses as deliverer (Exodus 3:7-10). Now Egyptians will experience similar salvation. The 'great one' (rav) likely refers to a significant leader God raises to deliver Egypt. Reformed theology sees this as typologically fulfilled in Christ, the ultimate Savior who delivers all who call upon Him (Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13), including Egyptians. The prophecy demonstrates God's consistent character—He hears cries and sends deliverance to all who turn to Him.
Historical Context
Historically, this pattern occurred multiple times: oppressed Egyptian Jews cried to God and found deliverance, Egyptian Christians under persecution experienced divine sustaining, Coptic Church survived various oppressions through centuries. No single historical 'great savior' clearly fulfills this, suggesting either cumulative fulfillment through multiple deliverers or awaiting eschatological fulfillment. Theologically, Christ is the ultimate Savior for all nations including Egypt—His death and resurrection provide deliverance not from political oppression primarily but from sin, death, and God's wrath. All who cry to Him, including Egyptians, receive salvation (Romans 10:12-13). This transforms the prophecy from political deliverance to spiritual salvation—the greater reality.
Reflection
- What does God hearing Egyptian cries and sending a savior teach about His universal compassion?
- How does this parallel Israel's exodus experience, now extended to Egypt?
- In what ways is Christ the ultimate fulfillment as Savior of all who call upon Him?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Salvation: Luke 2:11, Titus 2:13
- Parallel theme: Psalms 50:15