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)
This prophecy isn't just about future worship sites; it points to a radical shift where Egypt, once a symbol of idolatry and oppression, will host a place for the LORD's worship in its very center, and a memorial on its edge, signifying God's presence and claim throughout the entire land. This signifies that the worship of the true God will not only be established but will become a central and recognized reality, even on the frontiers, for all who encounter Egypt.
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)
This prophecy is part of a larger judgment against Egypt, which includes internal conflict and divine punishment. Following this devastation, Isaiah shifts to a message of hope, promising restoration and a new spiritual reality for Egypt, culminating in reconciliation with Israel and Assyria. This verse describes the future establishment of true worship in Egypt, signaling a radical transformation from its former state.
Isaiah predicts a physical altar and pillar in Egypt. But what does this really signify?
The prophet Isaiah uses the imagery of an "altar" and a "pillar" to describe the future establishment of God's worship in Egypt. While the text mentions these physical objects, the commentators suggest this isn't about literal structures that would rival or replace the Temple in Jerusalem.
A Shift in Worship
This language draws from earlier Israelite history, where patriarchs set up altars and pillars to mark encounters with God. It signifies that God's presence and worship would be acknowledged and established within Egypt, not confined to a single building or nation.
Isaiah foresees Egypt, often an adversary, becoming a place where God is known. How does this profound shift happen?
This prophecy points to a significant spiritual transformation within Egypt. Instead of being a land of idolatry and opposition to God's people, Egypt will embrace the worship of the LORD.
From Adversary to Worshipper
Ask a follow-up
This prophetic vision suggests a future where the spiritual boundaries of God's kingdom expand, impacting nations that were once outside or even opposed to His covenant people. It highlights God's power to bring about radical change and inclusion.
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.
This prophecy points to a future where true worship of the Lord would be established in Egypt, moving beyond the limitations of the Jerusalem temple and eventually encompassing gentile believers. The 'altar' and 'pillar' symbolize this enduring witness to God's presence and power.
c. 600 BC— this verse
Onias builds a temple in Egypt
Following the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple, Onias IV, a Jewish High Priest, flees to Egypt. He receives permission from Ptolemy VI Philometor to build a temple and an altar at Leontopolis, inspired by this prophecy.
c. 3rd-2nd Century BC
Large Jewish settlements in Egypt
Following Alexander the Great's conquests and the Ptolemaic dynasty's rule, significant Jewish populations settle in Egypt, particularly in Alexandria. This leads to the translation of the Hebrew Bible into Greek (the Septuagint).
c. AD 73
Temple at Leontopolis destroyed
In response to the Jewish revolt in Judea, the Roman governor of Egypt, Vespasian, orders the destruction of the temple at Leontopolis, ending its centuries-long existence.
1st-2nd Century AD
Spread of Christianity in Egypt
The teachings of Christianity gradually spread throughout Egypt, with significant communities emerging in Alexandria and other major centers. The 'altar' and 'pillar' find fulfillment in the establishment of Christian worship and witness.
This passage describes God appearing to Abram and promising him the land, and Abram's immediate response of building an altar. It highlights the ancient practice of marking God's presence with altars, setting a precedent for what Isaiah envisions in Egypt.
Genesis 28:18Jacob set up the stone he used as a pillow as a pillar, pouring oil on it to commemorate God's encounter with him. This illustrates the 'pillar' concept in Isaiah, showing it as a memorial to God's divine interaction.
Joshua 22:27The Israelites built an altar as a 'witness' between them and the trans-Jordanic tribes, signifying a memorial and a point of unity. This resonates with Isaiah's prophecy of an altar and pillar serving as signs of devotion in Egypt.
Exodus 17:15After God granted victory, Moses built an altar and called it 'The LORD Is My Banner.' This shows how altars were not just for sacrifice but also declarations of God's power and provision, mirroring Isaiah's vision of an altar as a testimony.
Matthew 2:14-15While not a direct fulfillment of Isaiah's altar/pillar, the Holy Family's flight to Egypt and God calling His Son out of Egypt (quoting Hosea 11:1) shows God's significant involvement with Egypt in redemptive history, paving the way for spiritual worship.
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 isn't just about future worship sites; it points to a radical shift where Egypt, once a symbol of idolatry and oppression, will host a place for the LORD's worship in its very center, and a memorial on its edge, signifying God's presence and claim throughout the entire land. This signifies that the worship of the true God will not only be established but will become a central and recognized reality, even on the frontiers, for all who encounter Egypt.
This prophecy is part of a larger judgment against Egypt, which includes internal conflict and divine punishment. Following this devastation, Isaiah shifts to a message of hope, promising restoration and a new spiritual reality for Egypt, culminating in reconciliation with Israel and Assyria. This verse describes the future establishment of true worship in Egypt, signaling a radical transformation from its former state.
This prophecy is part of a larger judgment against Egypt, which includes internal conflict and divine punishment. Following this devastation, Isaiah shifts to a message of hope, promising restoration and a new spiritual reality for Egypt, culminating in reconciliation with Israel and Assyria. This verse describes the future establishment of true worship in Egypt, signaling a radical transformation from its former state.
"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 isn't just about future worship sites; it points to a radical shift where Egypt, once a symbol of idolatry and oppression, will host a place for the LORD's worship in its very center,…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026