Understanding Isaiah 19:17

Verse: "And the land of Judah shall be a terror unto Egypt, every one that maketh mention thereof shall be afraid in himself, because of the counsel of the LORD of hosts, which he hath determined against it."

Summary of Isaiah 19:17

This verse speaks of a prophetic warning concerning Egypt's fear of Judah, attributed to God's sovereign counsel. It highlights the power and authority of God's word and His ability to instill fear in nations when His judgment is declared.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry's Commentary:

  Henry emphasizes the terror that Old Testament Israel represented to its enemies. Judah symbolizes the sovereignty of God, which affects the nations significantly. The prophecy reveals that the Egyptians will fear the mention of Judah, a testament to God’s covenant with His people.

• Albert Barnes' Notes:

  Barnes notes that this verse illustrates the turn of the tables concerning the relationship between Egypt and Israel. In former times, Egypt was a dominant power, but now the fear of Judah signifies a shift in the balance of power, initiated by God's will.

• Adam Clarke's Commentary:

  Clarke expounds on the psychological aspect of fear—how the knowledge of God's judgment can evoke anxiety and dread among nations. He links this passage to the fulfillment of God's overarching plan for Israel and the consequences for those who oppose Him.

Related Bible Verses

Isaiah 19:17 connects with various passages throughout the scripture, providing deeper insights into its themes:

• Isaiah 10:24: "...O my people that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian: he shall smite thee with a rod, and shall lift up his staff against thee, after the manner of Egypt." - This verse emphasizes God's protection over His people against adversaries.
• Isaiah 37:36: "Then the angel of the Lord went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses." - A reference to God's direct intervention.
• Jeremiah 46:5: "What do I see? They are terrified; they are drawing back. Their mighty men are beaten down and have fled in haste; they look not back." - This illustrates the fear instilled in the hearts of enemies of God.
• Exodus 15:14-16: "The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina. Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them..." - God’s power leading to fear among the nations.
• Joel 2:11: "And the Lord shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?" - A testimony of God’s might leading to fear.
• Revelation 6:15-17: "And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every freeman, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains..." - A foreshadowing of fear and judgment in end times.
• Romans 9:17: "For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth." - Reflecting on God's purpose in instilling fear.

Thematic Connections

The themes found in Isaiah 19:17 parallel several other biblical concepts, such as:

• Divine Authority: The omnipotence of God over nations is evident in verses ranging from Isaiah to Revelations.
• Fear as a Response to God's Judgment: The consistent reaction of nations in the face of God's predetermined plans.
• Protection of God’s People: Many passages emphasize God's protection of Israel amidst threats from surrounding nations.

Cross-Referencing Tools and Methods

When studying Isaiah 19:17, consider utilizing:

• Bible Concordance: A useful tool for finding related verses and topics.
• Bible Cross-Reference Guide: Helps in tracing thematic links between various scriptures.
• Cross-Referencing Bible Study: Engaging with scripture by identifying connections for rich theological understanding.

Conclusion

The examination of Isaiah 19:17 reveals profound insights into God’s sovereignty and the reverberating effects of His counsel upon nations. This passage encourages believers to recognize the power of God’s word and invokes a deeper understanding of His plans for both Israel and its adversaries. By examining cross-references, one can gain a more comprehensive view of the scriptural narrative surrounding divine judgment and the resultant fear among nations.