Fundamental Prophecies of Christ’s Return
THE SMITING AND HEALING OF EGYPT
Previous talks have suggested the following sequence:
• Christ’s return.
• The resurrection and gathering of responsible to Sinai.
• The judging of those brought together.
• The bestowal of rewards or banishment from Christ’s presence.
• The marriage of the Lamb.
• The Call to Israel scattered abroad through Elijah and his associates.
• The disciplining of the Arabs.
Habakkuk 3:7-8 suggests that following the disciplinary action against the Arab nations,
punishment will be administered upon the rivers and sea. These rivers are the Euphrates
and Nile, and in this prophecy represent the Powers of the north and south. The power
of the south points to Egypt, and the context of this chapter suggests that Christ will
move first against Egypt, and then against Russia at Jerusalem (Hab. 3:14).
The future destiny of Egypt is outlined in detail in Psalm 68:30-33 and Isaiah Ch. 19. We
propose an exposition of those passages of Scripture.
PSALM 68:30-33
This is a Messianic Psalm as is shown by Paul's quotation of it (see v.18; Eph. 4:8), and
his application of it to Christ.
VERSE 30
"Rebuke the company of spearmen" - Note margin. The "reeds" refer to the Nile, and
identifies the "beasts of the reads" with Egypt. Moffatt renders: "Check that brute of a
Nile power." The ancient oppressor of Israel will be smitten and healed.
"The multitude of the bulls with the calves of the people" - Moffatt renders: "The bullocks
and steers of pagans." "Bullocks" and "calves" point to animals for sacrifice, and
therefore to the "worship of the people" or of pagans. Thus to false worship. This will be
rebuked by Christ. He will first rebuke the ancient oppressors of his people, and then the
false worship which they introduced.
"Till every one submit with pieces of silver" - A piece of silver was the price of
redemption as under the Law (Exod. 30:11-16), which pointed forward to the work
effected through Christ (1 Pet. 1:18). In the context of the Psalm, the expression refers to
the acceptance of Christ on the part of the people; they are converted to him.
"Scatter thou the people that delight in war" - Pointing to the establishment of universal
peace by Christ (Isa. 2:2-4).
VERSE 31
''Princes shall come out of Egypt" - Egypt's rulers shall ascend to Christ in Jerusalem.
These rulers will constitute the glorified saints (Rev. 5:9-10).
"Ethiopia shall stretch out her hands unto God" - Ethiopia was a remote country in the
days of the Psalmist, pointing to the most remote parts turning to Christ.
VERSE 32
"Ye kingdoms" - All nations ultimately subdued unto Christ (Isa. 60:12).
ISAIAH CHAPTER 19 •
The Smiting and Healing of Egypt
A remarkable prophecy setting forth in detail the future work of Christ in Egypt. (Note the
expression: "In that day” - Vv.16,18,19 etc.).
INVASION – V.1
In this verse the invasion of Egypt is predicted which will take place "in that day" (v.16),
and then from Vv.2-15, the conditions in the land itself are described such as will exist
before the invasion.
VERSE 1
“The burden" - Heb. "Massa," something that weighs heavy upon an object, and therefore
should be lifted up off it.
"Egypt" - Heb. "Mitzraim." Mitzraim was a son of Ham (Gen. 10:6), showing that Egyptians
are not Arabs. The word signifies "oppressors," and is in the plural because there was an
upper and lower Egypt. The ancient name of Egypt by the inhabitants was Chimi,
signifying "black."
"Yahweh rideth" - He rides as if to war, speaking of His belligerent manifestation in the
saints (Zech. 14:3).
"Swift cloud" - A detachment of the multitudinous Christ (Matt. 24:30; Rev. 1:7;
Matt. 26:64). Clouds are formed by the action of the sun upon the waters of the earth,
and which, separating a minute portion that is drawn into the heavens in the form of a
cloud, returns through the action of lightning to the earth in the form of refreshing rain.
The symbology is maintained throughout Scripture* For the waters, see Isa. 57:20;
Rev. 17:15; for the Sun, see Mal. 4:2; for the falling rain, see Deut. 32:3; Ps. 72:6. For the
general covenant see Gen; 9:11-15.
"Shall be moved" - Heb; "Nuwah," "to waver," and also to be removed; The religious
leaders of Egypt will be in dire fear at the invasion, and their fear" will be well founded,
for they shall ultimately be removed from their positions.
"The heart" - The strength, courage, vigor of the nation.
"Shall melt" - The whole nation shall be in a state of mortal fear at the succession of
events that will" overtake it, and the remarkable invasion on the part of Christ and the
saints, the "swift cloud" of this verse, or the "saviour" of v.20.
EGYPT UNDER GOG - Vv.2-4
These verses describe the state of Egypt brought under the influence of the "cruel lord"
and "fierce king" of v.4, who is identified with the king of the north of Daniel 11:40-45.
There is a foreshadowing of the events suggested in this chapter discernable in Egypt
today.
VERSE 2
"I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians" - This suggests a state of internal strife
and civil war culminating in the subjection of the nation to a foreign invader (v.4). This
internal strife could be produced by the development of an anti-Russian party in Egypt,
leading to the Russian attack of Dan. 11:42-43.
"Kingdom against kingdom" - The Septuagint renders this: "nome against nome." Egypt
was originally divided into 42 nomes or districts.
VERSE 3
"The spirit of Egypt shall fail" - The margin renders this "shall be emptied." Egypt’s spirit
shall be poured out or wasted. It shall be exhausted with contention and in anticipation
of the impending defeat and subjugation. Thus it will fall to Russia (Dan. 11:42).
"Destroy the counsel thereof" - The margin renders this as "swallow up." The counsel of
their wise will be in vain. The verse represents Yahweh as doing this, because it will be
He Who will draw Russia down south (Ezek. 38:4).
"They will seek: to the idols" - The Hebrew word suggests that which is vain or good for
nothing. Egypt will probably seek the help of the Moslem world, but it will be in vain.
"The charmers" - The same expressions are used in Isa. 8:19, and there they occur to
describe the apostate Christian world. Egypt will probably appeal to such but in vain.
VERSE 4
"Give over" - See margin: "Shut up" with the implication "to surrender."
"Cruel" - The Hebrew implies "severe, stern," thus making demands that must be obeyed.
"Lord" - The Hebrew is in the plural: "Adonim" – Lords. The lords in question are the
military leaders of the confederated host of Gog.
"Fierce" - Heb. "az" - strong, harsh, rigorous.
"Saith the Lord" - Heb, "Adon" - Lord, ruler. This ruler will be alone capable of delivering
Egypt.
EGYPT’S ECONOMIC DISTRESS - Vv.5-10
VERSE 5
“Fail” - Heb, "Nashath" - to dry up. Egypt’s commerce shall fail (cp. Dan. 11:45).
"The river" - Local trade.
VERSE 6
“And they shall turn the rivers far away” - Rotherham renders: "And rivers shall stink.”
Heb. Cheyne - stagnate. The normal currents of life shall stagnate. The word "rivers"
refers to the branches of the Nile.
"The brooks of defence shall be emptied and dried up" - Rotherham renders: "The canals
of Egypt be shallow and waste." This relates to the artificial canals by which the land is
irrigated. In the national calamity foretold in this prophecy, even the normal requirements
of daily living will be neglected.
VERSE 7
"The paper reeds" - Rotherham renders: "The meadows,"
"Brooks" - Rotherham: "Nile." The Hebrew word signifies "river" and is often used to
identify the Nile and its collat trenches. The meadows depending upon the inundation of
the Nile remain incultivated. As a result there will be famine in Egypt.
"Mouth" - Heb. "Peh." - the mouth as a means of blowing. This relates to the place where
waters of a stream are discharged into another - probably into irrigation canals.
"Wither" - Panic and confusion at the time of this great national crisis shall cause people
to neglect their every-day duties.
VERSE 8
"Brooks" - The word here is in the plural and describes the various streams of the Nile.'
The national calamity will cause men to cease from their labours with the result of
famine conditions.
VERSE 9
"Confounded" - Heb; "Boosh" - to be pale (see Roth.). Fear shall bring to an end all
industry.
"Networks" - See margin: "White works" .i.e. cotton.
VERSE 10
"Purposes" - See marg.: "foundations." The very foundations of the nation shall be
destroyed. The rich or those in authority shall be broken and crushed (Roth.).
"All that make sluices and ponds for fish" – Roth.: "All who make wages be bowed down
in soul." R.V. renders: "All they that work for hire shall be grieved in soul." The laboring
class shall be affected in the general calamity.
Thus:
• V.5 - Commerce shall cease.
• V.6 - Egypt shall be isolated and food shall become scarce.
• V.7 - The fields remain uncultivated.
• V.8 - Fishing ceases, aggravating famine conditions.
• V.9 - Industry closes down.
• V.10 - Rich and poor are involved in the calamity.
EGYPT'S POLITICAL FOLLY -Vv.11-15
(cp. Jer. 32:20; Psa. 68:30).
VERSE 11
"Zoan" - Sig.: "Traveller." This was once a royal residence.
"Brutish" - i.e. irrational. The wisdom of Egypt was once proverbial (1 Kings 4:30;
Acts 7:22), but in opposing Israel, Egypt has been stupid. The brutish (fleshly) person
understands not the Divine purpose (Psa. 92:6; 94:8).
"Ancient kings" - The prophet mocks her ancient power, wisdom and prestige.
VERSE 12
"Purposed upon Egypt" - Cp. Vv.23-25; Ps. 68:30; Hab. Ch.3.
VERSE 13
"Fools" - The word signifies "evil, silly, deluded," from a root "to be perverse," This is
shown in their traditional Anti semitism.
"Noph" - Sign.': "to move." This was the ancient Memphis of the Greeks. It is called
Moph in Hos. 9:6. It was one of the chief cities of ancient Egypt, the royal seat of
Psammetichus.
"They have also seduced Egypt, even they that are the stay of the tribes thereof" - Roth.
renders: "They who are the cornerstone of her tribes, have led Egypt astray" i.e. her
rulers.
VERSE 14
"Hath mingled" - Cp: Amos 3:6. How has Yahweh done this? By controlling the
circumstances that produced it - Israel in the land. Intoxicated by envy and hatred, Egypt
has revealed a perverse spirit which has led to her own undoing.
VERSE 15
"Work" - Heb: "Ma'aseh" - an action. Egypt will be completely caught (Dan. 11:43) so that
there will be nothing that one can do to extricate the nation from the problem.
"The head or tail, branch or rush, may do" - This includes all classes of society (cp.
Ch.9:14).
The next section of the prophecy outlines how Yahweh will bring about the
conversion and healing of Egypt.
THE SMITING AND HEALING OF EGYPT
Previous talks have suggested the following sequence:
• Christ’s return.
• The resurrection and gathering of responsible to Sinai.
• The judging of those brought together.
• The bestowal of rewards or banishment from Christ’s presence.
• The marriage of the Lamb.
• The Call to Israel scattered abroad through Elijah and his associates.
• The disciplining of the Arabs.
Habakkuk 3:7-8 suggests that following the disciplinary action against the Arab nations,
punishment will be administered upon the rivers and sea. These rivers are the Euphrates
and Nile, and in this prophecy represent the Powers of the north and south. The power
of the south points to Egypt, and the context of this chapter suggests that Christ will
move first against Egypt, and then against Russia at Jerusalem (Hab. 3:14).
The future destiny of Egypt is outlined in detail in Psalm 68:30-33 and Isaiah Ch. 19. We
propose an exposition of those passages of Scripture.
PSALM 68:30-33
This is a Messianic Psalm as is shown by Paul's quotation of it (see v.18; Eph. 4:8), and
his application of it to Christ.
VERSE 30
"Rebuke the company of spearmen" - Note margin. The "reeds" refer to the Nile, and
identifies the "beasts of the reads" with Egypt. Moffatt renders: "Check that brute of a
Nile power." The ancient oppressor of Israel will be smitten and healed.
"The multitude of the bulls with the calves of the people" - Moffatt renders: "The bullocks
and steers of pagans." "Bullocks" and "calves" point to animals for sacrifice, and
therefore to the "worship of the people" or of pagans. Thus to false worship. This will be
rebuked by Christ. He will first rebuke the ancient oppressors of his people, and then the
false worship which they introduced.
"Till every one submit with pieces of silver" - A piece of silver was the price of
redemption as under the Law (Exod. 30:11-16), which pointed forward to the work
effected through Christ (1 Pet. 1:18). In the context of the Psalm, the expression refers to
the acceptance of Christ on the part of the people; they are converted to him.
"Scatter thou the people that delight in war" - Pointing to the establishment of universal
peace by Christ (Isa. 2:2-4).
VERSE 31
''Princes shall come out of Egypt" - Egypt's rulers shall ascend to Christ in Jerusalem.
These rulers will constitute the glorified saints (Rev. 5:9-10).
"Ethiopia shall stretch out her hands unto God" - Ethiopia was a remote country in the
days of the Psalmist, pointing to the most remote parts turning to Christ.
VERSE 32
"Ye kingdoms" - All nations ultimately subdued unto Christ (Isa. 60:12).
ISAIAH CHAPTER 19 •
The Smiting and Healing of Egypt
A remarkable prophecy setting forth in detail the future work of Christ in Egypt. (Note the
expression: "In that day” - Vv.16,18,19 etc.).
INVASION – V.1
In this verse the invasion of Egypt is predicted which will take place "in that day" (v.16),
and then from Vv.2-15, the conditions in the land itself are described such as will exist
before the invasion.
VERSE 1
“The burden" - Heb. "Massa," something that weighs heavy upon an object, and therefore
should be lifted up off it.
"Egypt" - Heb. "Mitzraim." Mitzraim was a son of Ham (Gen. 10:6), showing that Egyptians
are not Arabs. The word signifies "oppressors," and is in the plural because there was an
upper and lower Egypt. The ancient name of Egypt by the inhabitants was Chimi,
signifying "black."
"Yahweh rideth" - He rides as if to war, speaking of His belligerent manifestation in the
saints (Zech. 14:3).
"Swift cloud" - A detachment of the multitudinous Christ (Matt. 24:30; Rev. 1:7;
Matt. 26:64). Clouds are formed by the action of the sun upon the waters of the earth,
and which, separating a minute portion that is drawn into the heavens in the form of a
cloud, returns through the action of lightning to the earth in the form of refreshing rain.
The symbology is maintained throughout Scripture* For the waters, see Isa. 57:20;
Rev. 17:15; for the Sun, see Mal. 4:2; for the falling rain, see Deut. 32:3; Ps. 72:6. For the
general covenant see Gen; 9:11-15.
"Shall be moved" - Heb; "Nuwah," "to waver," and also to be removed; The religious
leaders of Egypt will be in dire fear at the invasion, and their fear" will be well founded,
for they shall ultimately be removed from their positions.
"The heart" - The strength, courage, vigor of the nation.
"Shall melt" - The whole nation shall be in a state of mortal fear at the succession of
events that will" overtake it, and the remarkable invasion on the part of Christ and the
saints, the "swift cloud" of this verse, or the "saviour" of v.20.
EGYPT UNDER GOG - Vv.2-4
These verses describe the state of Egypt brought under the influence of the "cruel lord"
and "fierce king" of v.4, who is identified with the king of the north of Daniel 11:40-45.
There is a foreshadowing of the events suggested in this chapter discernable in Egypt
today.
VERSE 2
"I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians" - This suggests a state of internal strife
and civil war culminating in the subjection of the nation to a foreign invader (v.4). This
internal strife could be produced by the development of an anti-Russian party in Egypt,
leading to the Russian attack of Dan. 11:42-43.
"Kingdom against kingdom" - The Septuagint renders this: "nome against nome." Egypt
was originally divided into 42 nomes or districts.
VERSE 3
"The spirit of Egypt shall fail" - The margin renders this "shall be emptied." Egypt’s spirit
shall be poured out or wasted. It shall be exhausted with contention and in anticipation
of the impending defeat and subjugation. Thus it will fall to Russia (Dan. 11:42).
"Destroy the counsel thereof" - The margin renders this as "swallow up." The counsel of
their wise will be in vain. The verse represents Yahweh as doing this, because it will be
He Who will draw Russia down south (Ezek. 38:4).
"They will seek: to the idols" - The Hebrew word suggests that which is vain or good for
nothing. Egypt will probably seek the help of the Moslem world, but it will be in vain.
"The charmers" - The same expressions are used in Isa. 8:19, and there they occur to
describe the apostate Christian world. Egypt will probably appeal to such but in vain.
VERSE 4
"Give over" - See margin: "Shut up" with the implication "to surrender."
"Cruel" - The Hebrew implies "severe, stern," thus making demands that must be obeyed.
"Lord" - The Hebrew is in the plural: "Adonim" – Lords. The lords in question are the
military leaders of the confederated host of Gog.
"Fierce" - Heb. "az" - strong, harsh, rigorous.
"Saith the Lord" - Heb, "Adon" - Lord, ruler. This ruler will be alone capable of delivering
Egypt.
EGYPT’S ECONOMIC DISTRESS - Vv.5-10
VERSE 5
“Fail” - Heb, "Nashath" - to dry up. Egypt’s commerce shall fail (cp. Dan. 11:45).
"The river" - Local trade.
VERSE 6
“And they shall turn the rivers far away” - Rotherham renders: "And rivers shall stink.”
Heb. Cheyne - stagnate. The normal currents of life shall stagnate. The word "rivers"
refers to the branches of the Nile.
"The brooks of defence shall be emptied and dried up" - Rotherham renders: "The canals
of Egypt be shallow and waste." This relates to the artificial canals by which the land is
irrigated. In the national calamity foretold in this prophecy, even the normal requirements
of daily living will be neglected.
VERSE 7
"The paper reeds" - Rotherham renders: "The meadows,"
"Brooks" - Rotherham: "Nile." The Hebrew word signifies "river" and is often used to
identify the Nile and its collat trenches. The meadows depending upon the inundation of
the Nile remain incultivated. As a result there will be famine in Egypt.
"Mouth" - Heb. "Peh." - the mouth as a means of blowing. This relates to the place where
waters of a stream are discharged into another - probably into irrigation canals.
"Wither" - Panic and confusion at the time of this great national crisis shall cause people
to neglect their every-day duties.
VERSE 8
"Brooks" - The word here is in the plural and describes the various streams of the Nile.'
The national calamity will cause men to cease from their labours with the result of
famine conditions.
VERSE 9
"Confounded" - Heb; "Boosh" - to be pale (see Roth.). Fear shall bring to an end all
industry.
"Networks" - See margin: "White works" .i.e. cotton.
VERSE 10
"Purposes" - See marg.: "foundations." The very foundations of the nation shall be
destroyed. The rich or those in authority shall be broken and crushed (Roth.).
"All that make sluices and ponds for fish" – Roth.: "All who make wages be bowed down
in soul." R.V. renders: "All they that work for hire shall be grieved in soul." The laboring
class shall be affected in the general calamity.
Thus:
• V.5 - Commerce shall cease.
• V.6 - Egypt shall be isolated and food shall become scarce.
• V.7 - The fields remain uncultivated.
• V.8 - Fishing ceases, aggravating famine conditions.
• V.9 - Industry closes down.
• V.10 - Rich and poor are involved in the calamity.
EGYPT'S POLITICAL FOLLY -Vv.11-15
(cp. Jer. 32:20; Psa. 68:30).
VERSE 11
"Zoan" - Sig.: "Traveller." This was once a royal residence.
"Brutish" - i.e. irrational. The wisdom of Egypt was once proverbial (1 Kings 4:30;
Acts 7:22), but in opposing Israel, Egypt has been stupid. The brutish (fleshly) person
understands not the Divine purpose (Psa. 92:6; 94:8).
"Ancient kings" - The prophet mocks her ancient power, wisdom and prestige.
VERSE 12
"Purposed upon Egypt" - Cp. Vv.23-25; Ps. 68:30; Hab. Ch.3.
VERSE 13
"Fools" - The word signifies "evil, silly, deluded," from a root "to be perverse," This is
shown in their traditional Anti semitism.
"Noph" - Sign.': "to move." This was the ancient Memphis of the Greeks. It is called
Moph in Hos. 9:6. It was one of the chief cities of ancient Egypt, the royal seat of
Psammetichus.
"They have also seduced Egypt, even they that are the stay of the tribes thereof" - Roth.
renders: "They who are the cornerstone of her tribes, have led Egypt astray" i.e. her
rulers.
VERSE 14
"Hath mingled" - Cp: Amos 3:6. How has Yahweh done this? By controlling the
circumstances that produced it - Israel in the land. Intoxicated by envy and hatred, Egypt
has revealed a perverse spirit which has led to her own undoing.
VERSE 15
"Work" - Heb: "Ma'aseh" - an action. Egypt will be completely caught (Dan. 11:43) so that
there will be nothing that one can do to extricate the nation from the problem.
"The head or tail, branch or rush, may do" - This includes all classes of society (cp.
Ch.9:14).
The next section of the prophecy outlines how Yahweh will bring about the
conversion and healing of Egypt.
