Isaiah 19:18
In that day there will be five cities in the land of Egypt that speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the LORD of hosts. One of these will be called the City of Destruction.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse reveals a profound shift: Egypt, once a symbol of foreign power, will become a place where God is genuinely known and worshipped. The "language of Canaan" isn't just Hebrew; it signifies speaking the truth of God's Word and living by His ways, a testament to His transforming power reaching even deeply entrenched pagan lands.
In this passage, Isaiah shifts from describing the impending judgment on Egypt to a prophecy of future restoration and conversion. Following a section detailing Egypt's internal strife and downfall, the text pivots to foretell a profound spiritual transformation, marking a significant turning point in the prophecy. This hopeful outlook suggests that the severe judgments are ultimately meant to lead to a radical change, ultimately bringing Egypt into relationship with the Lord.
Prophecies often speak of a 'day' that encompasses more than just 24 hours. What does this 'day' mean for Egypt?
The phrase 'in that day' in prophetic literature, like in Isaiah 19:18, often refers to a broader period of time rather than a literal single day.
A Prophetic Era
What does it mean for Egyptian cities to 'speak the language of Canaan' and 'swear to the LORD of hosts'?
This imagery vividly describes a profound spiritual transformation and allegiance.
From Foreign Tongues to Faithful Confession
While the text speaks of Egyptians swearing allegiance to Yahweh and speaking Hebrew, the historical context points to a spiritual conversion and adoption of Christian faith, where the 'language of Canaan' symbolizes a shared confession of Christ, not necessarily the literal Hebrew tongue.
c. 1400 BC
Temple Construction at Leontopolis
Onias IV, a displaced Jewish High Priest, obtained permission from the Ptolemaic rulers to build a temple at Leontopolis, near Heliopolis. He may have used Isaiah's prophecy to justify this.
c. 160 BC
Jewish Temple in Egypt Built
Onias IV builds a temple at Leontopolis, intended to rival the Jerusalem Temple. This led to controversy among Jews, with some in Palestine viewing it as schismatic.
Early 1st Century AD
Greek Translation of Scriptures
The Septuagint (Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible) becomes necessary for Egyptian Jews, indicating a decline in their use of Hebrew.
c. AD 60— this verse
Gospel Reaches Egypt
The Gospel is believed to have been brought to Egypt, possibly by the Apostle Mark, leading to the conversion of many Egyptians to Christianity.
This passage speaks of a 'pure language' that people will call upon the Lord with, echoing Isaiah's mention of speaking the 'language of Canaan' and swearing allegiance to the Lord, indicating a unified faith and worship.
Jeremiah 43:13This verse mentions the 'house of the sun' (Beth-shemesh, or Heliopolis) in Egypt, a city that was a center of idolatry, directly relating to the 'City of Destruction' (potentially Heliopolis) mentioned in Isaiah 19:18, highlighting the prophecy's focus on a significant Egyptian religious center.
Isaiah 45:23-24These verses describe people swearing allegiance to the Lord and acknowledging His sovereignty, which parallels the imagery in Isaiah 19:18 of cities swearing to the 'Lord of hosts,' emphasizing the theme of national submission and devotion to God.
Psalm 87:4-6This Psalm mentions Egypt and Babylon being counted among God's worshippers, suggesting a future inclusion of these nations in God's people, which aligns with Isaiah's prophecy of Egyptian cities speaking the language of Canaan and swearing to the Lord.
barnesIsaiah 19:18: "In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the LORD of hosts; one shall be called, The city of destruction."
In that day - The word 'day' is used in Scripture in a large signification, "as including the whole period under consideration," or the whole time that is embraced in the scope of a prophecy. In this chapter it is used in this sense; and evidently means that the event here foretold would take place "somewhere" in the perio…
bensonIsaiah 19:18: "In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the LORD of hosts; one shall be called, The city of destruction."
Isaiah 19:18 . In that day — After that time, as this phrase is often used; that is, in the times of the gospel. This latter part of the prophecy contains an account of the salutary benefits which God would bestow on Egypt after the above-mentioned calamities. “Isaiah, to whom God had most clearly revealed the mystery of t…
This verse reveals a profound shift: Egypt, once a symbol of foreign power, will become a place where God is genuinely known and worshipped. The "language of Canaan" isn't just Hebrew; it signifies speaking the truth of God's Word and living by His ways, a testament to His transforming power reaching even deeply entrenched pagan lands.
In this passage, Isaiah shifts from describing the impending judgment on Egypt to a prophecy of future restoration and conversion. Following a section detailing Egypt's internal strife and downfall, the text pivots to foretell a profound spiritual transformation, marking a significant turning point in the prophecy. This hopeful outlook suggests that the severe judgments are ultimately meant to lead to a radical change, ultimately bringing Egypt into relationship with the Lord.
In this passage, Isaiah shifts from describing the impending judgment on Egypt to a prophecy of future restoration and conversion. Following a section detailing Egypt's internal strife and downfall, the text pivots to foretell a profound spiritual transformation, marking a significant turning point in the prophecy. This hopeful outlook suggests that the severe judgments are ultimately meant to lead to a radical change, ultimately bringing Egypt into relationship with the Lord.
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One city is called 'the City of Destruction.' What is the significance of this name, and why the debate?
The name of this city is a fascinating point of textual and interpretive debate, highlighting the complexity and richness of prophecy.
Ambiguity and Divine Purpose
"In that day there will be five cities in the land of Egypt that speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the LORD of hosts. One of these will be called the City of Destruction." — This verse reveals a profound shift: Egypt, once a symbol of foreign power, will become a place where God is genuinely known and worshipped. The "language of Canaan" isn't just Hebrew; it signifies s…
