“Behold, the Lord is riding on a swift cloud and is about to come to Egypt” (Isaiah 19:1).The recent Middle East unrest has focused much attention on Egypt, which throughout the ages symbolized false religion and the depths of paganism, such as the cult of the dead, sun worship, and pyramid power. But a change is coming, according to Bible prophecy. Egypt will eventually become a symbol of pure worship of the true God of the Bible.By studying Isaiah 19 and other prophetic passages, we understand that God has a unique “end-time” plan for Egypt, and the current political drama in Cairo is likely part of this unfolding plan. “In that day the Egyptians will... be afraid because of the shaking of the hand of the Lord of hosts, which He waves over it. And the land of Judah will be a terror to Egypt” (Isaiah 19:16- 17). Here, the Hebrew word for “shaking” means moving the hand or fist back and forth. Now where this shaking takes us next is uncertain, and there is ample speculation by Christian and Jewish teachers alike. For instance, Psalm 83 describes how neighboring enemies of Israel will conspire to destroy the Jewish state. Some Bible scholars say Psalm 83 has already been fulfilled and the neighbors of Israel have been neutralized, defeated or brought into peace treaties with Israel. Instead, they foresee an even bigger conflict on the horizon which is foretold in Ezekiel chapters 38-39, commonly referred to as the “War of Gog and Magog.” The Ezekiel war is an invasion of Israel in the last days by enemies specifically listed in the passage, who are further afield than immediate neighbors. Egypt is noticeably absent from the warring participants mentioned. Ultimately, Egypt’s national destiny is decreed in Isaiah 19:24-25. In these verses, God reveals his plan to align Egypt with Israel and Assyria (presentday Iraq). And what’s truly astounding about these verses is that titles once reserved exclusively for God’s chosen people of Israel are also granted to Egypt and Assyria: God will address Egypt as “My people” and Assyria as “the work of My hands.” Isaiah 19 describes God’s desire to one day bring Egypt into close alliance with Israel and the territory of ancient Assyria, a league that will likely emerge in the Messianic Age. This coming glory for Egypt is further described in verses 19 to 23: “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... In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria...” Concerning Egypt’s future, Zechariah 14:16-17 also predicts, “Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, and to celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles... If the Egyptian people do not go up and take part, they will have no rain.” The prophet Isaiah mentioned Egypt in particular because this was the nation which showed the greatest hostility to God and His people. For the purpose of demonstrating God’s grace, Egypt is destined to attain the full blessings of salvation first bestowed upon Israel. Those who had tried to exterminate God’s people will now be drawn to the majesty of the God of Israel and will make their way up to Jerusalem each year! In the meantime, Egyptian Christians live amidst great uncertainty. They make up 10 per cent of Egypt’s population and despite increased persecution, the churches of Egypt are growing. This brings to mind the prayer of the Apostles in Acts 4:29-31. “Lord, ...grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy servant Jesus. When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Spirit...” May we be faithful to pray this for the Christians of Egypt! Christine Darg ministers in Israel and across the Middle East through Exploits Ministry; www.olivetree.org/ or mail to: christine@jerusalem.com
