Bible Discussion Questions for Isaiah: Chapter 19

Isaiah Chapter 19 Summary

Burden of Egypt, looking forward, through desolations, to Kingdom blessing with Israel.

Discussion Questions for Isaiah, Chapter 19

1. Isaiah 19:1 describes the Lord coming into Egypt on a cloud, with its idols trembling and their hearts melting. Why would the Egyptians have this reaction? What does this reaction reflect about the sovereignty of God over pagan nations?
2. Isaiah 19:2 illustrates Egypt's civil war that took place in the 700s BC, and verse 3 shows the Egyptians turning to a darker religion. This is an example of a nation's political standing affecting its religious standing. How does a nation's status affect its religious condition? How does this reflect a group of people's relationship with God?
3. Isaiah 19:4 says that Egypt will be handed over to a hard master. What does this image bring to remembrance about Egypt's past and its treatment of Israel? How does this illustrate God's judgment?
4. Egypt's economy and riches were tied to the Nile River. However, Isaiah 19:5-7 describes the river drying up. How does this event illustrate God's judgment? Why would God use multiple instruments to bring judgment upon a country?
5. Isaiah 19:11-15 describes the princes and wise men of Egypt as being confused and leading Egypt to destruction. What are the similarities between the Egyptian government and the government of a modern-day country?
6. Isaiah 19:16-17 illustrates a contrast between the Egyptian and Judah armies. The Egyptian armies will be considered weak and will tremble against Judah. This is considered to be a reversal of the usual roles. How does this reflect God's blessings upon a country? What should be the response of a country that has been made strong?
7. Isaiah 19:19-22 describes several Egyptian cities turning to God and worshiping Him. How does this demonstrate God's mercy in allowing His people's greatest enemies to begin to worship Him?
8. One of the cities that begins to worship God in Isaiah 19 is the City of the Sun, or Heliopolis. This city was dedicated to worshiping the sun god of Egyptian religion. What does this signify about this group of Egyptians turning to God? How does this take place in a pagan city?
9. Israel, Assyria, and Egypt come equally to worship God in Isaiah 19:24 to be a blessing to the nations. This takes place after the prophecies describing their destruction as nations. How does the redemption of not only Israel but also other nations uniting to worship God reflect God's mercy and grace?
10. God is quoted as saying in Isaiah 19:25, "Blessed be Egypt, my people, and Assyria, the work of my hands, and Israel, my inheritance." How does this fulfill the promise God makes to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3 that Abraham's descendants will be a blessing to all of the nations of the world? How does God fulfill this promise further?

Key Words/Phrase

Egypt, v. 1.

Characters

God.

Strong Verse(s)

20