Isaiah 19:19
In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the LORD at its border.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This prophecy points to more than just a physical altar and pillar; it signifies the establishment of God's worship and witness throughout Egypt. The "altar in the midst" speaks to worship at the heart of the land, while the "pillar at the border" signifies God's presence and acknowledgment recognized even as one enters or leaves the country.
This verse appears in a larger prophecy detailing God's judgment on Egypt, highlighting the nation's internal strife and the devastation of its land and people. However, it pivots to a hopeful future where God's presence and worship will be established within Egypt, signifying a profound spiritual transformation that extends even to its borders.
Isaiah speaks of an 'altar' and a 'pillar' in Egypt, but what does this really mean? Was it a literal place of sacrifice, or something more profound?
The prophecy in Isaiah 19:19 uses powerful imagery that goes beyond the physical.
A Symbol of God's Presence
The altar and pillar weren't necessarily intended as literal structures for sacrifice in the way the Temple in Jerusalem was. Instead, they symbolize the establishment of true worship and the recognition of the Lord's presence.
Patriarchal Echoes
This imagery likely echoes the practices of the patriarchs like Abraham and Jacob, who set up altars and memorial stones to mark encounters with God. These were places of remembrance and worship, signifying God's active engagement with people in specific locations.
Spiritual Worship
Commentators suggest this points to a spiritual reality: the worship of the true God being established in Egypt. This could be through Jewish settlers, proselytes, or, in the ultimate fulfillment, through the spread of the Gospel, where Christ Himself is the true altar and sacrifice, and believers are living pillars of faith.
Egypt was a land steeped in polytheism and pagan practices. How could such a place ever host an altar to the LORD?
Isaiah's prophecy paints a picture of radical transformation for Egypt.
Divine Intervention
Verses 1-15 of this chapter describe God's judgment upon Egypt, highlighting its internal conflicts, the failure of its wisdom, and the downfall of its idols. This judgment is a necessary precursor to renewal.
A Sign to the Nations
The altar and pillar mentioned in verse 19 are not just for Egypt, but serve 'for a sign and for a witness.' They mark a public declaration that the Lord is known and worshipped there, influencing everyone who enters or leaves the land.
Understand the original words
mizbeach · Hebrew Noun
A structure designed for sacrificial worship, serving as the focal point for reconciling humanity to God and commemorating His holiness and covenant.
matsebah · Hebrew Noun
A standing stone or monument used in the ancient Near East to commemorate a significant event or a covenant encounter with the Divine.
The prophecy of an altar and pillar in Egypt, though pointing to a future spiritual worship, was historically interpreted and applied to the controversial establishment of a Jewish temple in Leontopolis during the Hellenistic period, highlighting the complex interplay between prophecy and historical events.
c. 605 BC
First Jewish Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar deports some Jewish exiles, including Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile and a period of significant geopolitical shifts in the ancient Near East.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, intensifying the exile and scattering Jewish communities across the region.
c. 332 BC
Alexander the Great Conquers Egypt
Alexander's conquest ushers in the Hellenistic period. This leads to the founding of Alexandria and the significant settlement of Jewish people in Egypt.
c. 250 BC
Translation of the Septuagint
The Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible (Septuagint) is produced in Alexandria, Egypt, to serve the growing population of Greek-speaking Jews.
This passage describes Abraham setting up an altar in Canaan, mirroring the prophetic imagery of setting up a place of worship for the Lord, which Isaiah extends to Egypt.
Joshua 22:10-34The account of the trans-Jordanic tribes building a large altar as a 'witness' provides a parallel to Isaiah's mention of an altar and pillar, suggesting a memorial or public declaration of faith.
Matthew 2:13-23The flight of Jesus to Egypt and his return, as described in Matthew, has been seen by some as a historical fulfillment or foreshadowing of God's presence and influence in Egypt prophesied by Isaiah.
Romans 10:14-18This passage speaks of how people will call on God after hearing about Him, connecting to the idea in Isaiah 19:21-22 (following this verse) that God will be known and worshipped in Egypt, a concept supported by the establishment of worship symbols like an altar and pillar.
barnesIsaiah 19:19: "In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD."
In that day shall there be an altar - An "altar" is properly a place on which sacrifices are offered. According to the Mosaic law, but one great altar was to be erected for sacrifices. But the word 'altar' is often used in another sense to denote a place of "memorial;" or a place of worship in general ( Joshua 22:22-26 . It is clear that Isaiah did n…
cambridgeIsaiah 19:19: "In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD."
19 . It was to this verse, according to Josephus (and not to Isaiah 19:18 ), that Onias appealed in support of the legitimacy of his project. The statement is perfectly intelligible; it had never occurred to any one to think of Leontopolis in connexion with Isaiah 19:18 ; on the other hand, the promise of Isaiah 19:19 was warrant enough. an altar to…
This prophecy points to more than just a physical altar and pillar; it signifies the establishment of God's worship and witness throughout Egypt. The "altar in the midst" speaks to worship at the heart of the land, while the "pillar at the border" signifies God's presence and acknowledgment recognized even as one enters or leaves the country.
This verse appears in a larger prophecy detailing God's judgment on Egypt, highlighting the nation's internal strife and the devastation of its land and people. However, it pivots to a hopeful future where God's presence and worship will be established within Egypt, signifying a profound spiritual transformation that extends even to its borders.
This verse appears in a larger prophecy detailing God's judgment on Egypt, highlighting the nation's internal strife and the devastation of its land and people. However, it pivots to a hopeful future where God's presence and worship will be established within Egypt, signifying a profound spiritual transformation that extends even to its borders.
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Integration and Blessing
Ultimately, the prophecy points to a future where Egypt is not just a place of worship but becomes part of God's people, even serving alongside Israel and Assyria. This signifies a profound shift from being a land of idolatry to a place where the true God is honored and acknowledged.
c. 170 BC— this verse
Onias IV Founds a Temple at Leontopolis
Onias IV, a Jewish high priest, establishes a rival temple and altar in Leontopolis, Egypt, citing Isaiah 19:19 as justification.
AD 73
Destruction of the Leontopolis Temple
The Roman authorities, after suppressing the Jewish revolt in Judea, order the destruction of the temple at Leontopolis, ending its sacrificial function.
"In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the LORD at its border." — This prophecy points to more than just a physical altar and pillar; it signifies the establishment of God's worship and witness throughout Egypt. The "altar in the midst" speaks to worship at the hea…
