Chapter 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 and its idols trembling and their hearts melting. Why would Egyptians have this reaction? What does this reaction reflect of the sovereignty of God upon pagan nations?
2. Isaiah 19:2 illustrates Egypt's civil war that took place in the 700's BC and verse 3 shows the Egyptians turning to a darker religion. This is an example of a nation's political standing affecting it religious standing. How does a nation's status affect it 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 of Egypt's past and its treatment of Israel? How does this illustrate God's judgement?
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 illustrates God's judgement? Why would God use multiple instruments to bring judgement upon a country?
5. Isaiah 19:11-15 describes princes and wise men of Egypt being confused and leading Egypt to destruction. What are the similarities between the Egyptian government and 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 tremble against Judah. This is considered to be 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 worshipping 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 City of the Sun or Heliopolis. This city was dedicated to worshiping the sun god of Egyptian religion. What does this signify of this group of Egyptians turn 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 with be a blessing to all of the nations of the world? How does God fulfill promise further?

Key Words/Phrase

Egypt, v. 1.

Characters

God.

Strong Verse(s)

20