Isaiah 19:19-20
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. It will be a sign and a witness to the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt. When they cry to the LORD because of oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and deliver them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse points to a future where worship of the LORD isn't confined to one nation but is openly declared in Egypt. The "altar" and "pillar" aren't just literal structures, but powerful symbols of God's presence and worship being established and acknowledged throughout the land, even at its borders.
This prophecy depicts a future where Egypt, a nation often seen as an oppressor or rival to God's people, undergoes a profound transformation. Following a period of internal strife and divine judgment, Egypt will turn to worship the Lord, establishing places dedicated to His name. This shift signifies a radical change, moving from idolatry and human reliance to recognizing and honoring the God of Israel.
Egypt, a land steeped in ancient idolatry and complex religious practices, is prophesied to host a new kind of worship. How does God plan to transform such a deeply religious but pagan culture?
Isaiah 19 paints a vivid picture of judgment and upheaval for Egypt, with its idols being shaken and its people facing internal conflict and a 'cruel lord.' This sets the stage for a profound spiritual transformation.
A Shift in Worship
The verse speaks of an 'altar to the LORD' in the 'midst of the land of Egypt.' This isn't just about a physical structure; it signifies the establishment of true worship of the one true God in a place that had long known only false gods. It represents a radical shift from the worship of countless deities to a singular focus on Yahweh.
The Altar's Meaning
Scholars note that 'altar' here likely signifies more than a place for animal sacrifice. It symbolizes the presence and worship of God. It's a place of memorial and devotion, echoing the practices of the patriarchs who set up altars to mark where God had met them. This prophetic vision points to a future where God's people, whether Jewish or Gentile, would establish places of worship and remembrance dedicated to Him.
Beyond the center of the land, a 'pillar' is set up on Egypt's edge. What does this distinct marker symbolize, and why is its location significant?
The prophecy mentions a 'pillar to the LORD at its border.' This imagery is rich with meaning, especially given Egypt's own cultural context of monumental pillars and obelisks.
A Memorial Stone
Unlike the Levitical altar, which was specifically for sacrifice within a designated sanctuary, the 'pillar' here functions more as a monument or a signpost. It serves as a public declaration and witness to the presence and knowledge of the Lord.
Strategic Placement
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.
oth · Hebrew Noun
An object, event, or action appointed by God to serve as a reminder or visible proof of His covenant promises, power, or presence among His people.
edah · Hebrew Noun
Evidence or testimony given in a legal or covenantal context, affirming the truth of God’s character, actions, or promises.
This prophecy points to a future where genuine worship of the Lord would be established in Egypt, moving beyond the specific rituals of the Mosaic Law. While historically linked to events like the building of a temple by Onias IV, its ultimate fulfillment is seen in the broader embrace of God's truth by Egyptians, transcending national and religious boundaries.
Late 8th - 7th century BC
Assyrian and Babylonian Influence
Egypt experienced periods of foreign domination and instability, including Assyrian invasions and later, Babylonian influence, disrupting its political and religious landscape.
c. 332 BC
Alexander the Great Conquers Egypt
Alexander's conquest ushered in the Hellenistic period, leading to increased interaction between Jewish and Egyptian cultures, and the founding of Alexandria.
c. 2nd century BC— this verse
Onias IV builds a Temple in Leontopolis
Onias IV, a Jewish High Priest fleeing persecution in Jerusalem, received permission from Ptolemaic rulers to build a temple and altar in Leontopolis, Egypt, citing Isaiah 19:19.
c. 1st - 3rd century AD
Growth of Hellenistic Judaism
Following the Septuagint translation, a vibrant Hellenistic Jewish community flourished in Egypt, with numerous synagogues and a distinct cultural identity.
This passage describes Abraham setting up an altar in Canaan, mirroring the prophetic image of sacred places dedicated to the Lord being established in foreign lands.
Joshua 22:27The altar built by the trans-Jordanic tribes served as a 'witness' to their faithfulness, much like the altar and pillar in Isaiah serve as testimony to the Lord's presence and worship in Egypt.
Matthew 2:13-15This New Testament event, where Jesus and his family fled to Egypt, shows a divine presence and protection in Egypt, which resonates with the prophecy of the Lord being known and worshipped there.
Acts 2:10-11The list of peoples present in Jerusalem during Pentecost, including Egyptians, signifies the spread of God's message and worship to diverse nations, fulfilling the prophetic vision of God's presence in Egypt.
Romans 10:14-15Paul's argument about the necessity of preaching to spread faith highlights how people come to know and worship God, directly connecting to the prophecy of God being known and worshipped in Egypt.
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 verse points to a future where worship of the LORD isn't confined to one nation but is openly declared in Egypt. The "altar" and "pillar" aren't just literal structures, but powerful symbols of God's presence and worship being established and acknowledged throughout the land, even at its borders.
This prophecy depicts a future where Egypt, a nation often seen as an oppressor or rival to God's people, undergoes a profound transformation. Following a period of internal strife and divine judgment, Egypt will turn to worship the Lord, establishing places dedicated to His name. This shift signifies a radical change, moving from idolatry and human reliance to recognizing and honoring the God of Israel.
This prophecy depicts a future where Egypt, a nation often seen as an oppressor or rival to God's people, undergoes a profound transformation. Following a period of internal strife and divine judgment, Egypt will turn to worship the Lord, establishing places dedicated to His name. This shift signifies a radical change, moving from idolatry and human reliance to recognizing and honoring the God of Israel.
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Placing this pillar 'at the border' is significant. It means that as one enters or leaves Egypt, they would encounter this testimony to the true God. It acts as a public declaration of faith and a witness to all who pass by, signifying that the worship of the LORD is not confined to a hidden corner but is openly proclaimed at the nation's threshold.
moshia · Hebrew Noun
A person raised up by God to provide military or spiritual rescue for His people; ultimately pointing to Jesus Christ as the supreme Deliverer from sin and death.
natsal · Hebrew Verb
The act of being set free or rescued from bondage, danger, or oppression, reflecting God's character as the protector and redeemer of His people.
c. 1st - 4th century AD
Spread of Christianity in Egypt
The message of Christianity took root in Egypt, establishing a significant presence and eventually becoming a major center of early Christian thought and practice.
"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. It will be a sign and a witness to the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt. When they cry to the LORD because of oppre…" — This verse points to a future where worship of the LORD isn't confined to one nation but is openly declared in Egypt. The "altar" and "pillar" aren't just literal structures, but powerful symbols of…
