Isaiah 19:20
Isaiah 19:20 in Multiple Translations
It will be a sign and a witness to the LORD of Hosts in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, He will send them a savior and defender to rescue them.
And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt: for they shall cry unto the LORD because of the oppressors, and he shall send them a saviour, and a great one, and he shall deliver them.
And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto Jehovah of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they shall cry unto Jehovah because of oppressors, and he will send them a saviour, and a defender, and he will deliver them.
And it will be a sign and a witness to the Lord of armies in the land of Egypt: when they are crying out to the Lord because of their cruel masters, then he will send them a saviour and a strong one to make them free.
This will be a sign and a witness to the presence of the Lord Almighty in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the Lord for help because they are being oppressed, he will send them a savior to fight for them and to rescue them.
And it shall be for a signe and for a witnes vnto the Lord of hostes in the land of Egypt: for they shall crie vnto the Lord, because of the oppressers, and he shall send them a Sauiour and a great man, and shall deliuer them.
And it hath been for a sign and for a testimony, To Jehovah of Hosts in the land of Egypt, For they cry unto Jehovah from the face of oppressors, And He sendeth to them a saviour, Even a great one, and hath delivered them.
It will be for a sign and for a witness to the LORD of Armies in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to the LORD because of oppressors, and he will send them a savior and a defender, and he will deliver them.
And it shall be for a sign and for a witness to the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt: for they shall cry to the LORD because of the oppressors, and he shall send them a savior, and a great one, and he shall deliver them.
It shall be for a sign, and for a testimony to the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt. For they shall cry to the Lord because of the oppressor, and he shall send them a Saviour and a defender to deliver them.
That will be a sign to indicate that the Commander of the armies of angels is worshiped in the land of Egypt. And when the people cry out to Yahweh to help them because others are ◄oppressing them/causing them to suffer►, he will send to them someone who will defend and rescue them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 19:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 19:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָיָ֨ה
לְ/א֥וֹת
וּ/לְ/עֵ֛ד
לַֽ/יהוָ֥ה
צְבָא֖וֹת
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ
מִצְרָ֑יִם
כִּֽי
יִצְעֲק֤וּ
אֶל
יְהוָה֙
מִ/פְּנֵ֣י
לֹֽחֲצִ֔ים
וְ/יִשְׁלַ֥ח
לָ/הֶ֛ם
מוֹשִׁ֥יעַ
וָ/רָ֖ב
וְ/הִצִּילָֽ/ם
וְ/הָיָ֨ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
לְ/א֥וֹת
ʼôwth
H226
sign
Prep | N-cs
וּ/לְ/עֵ֛ד
ʻêd
H5707
witness
Conj | Prep | N-ms
לַֽ/יהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
צְבָא֖וֹת
tsâbâʼ
H6635
army
N-cp
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
מִצְרָ֑יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יִצְעֲק֤וּ
tsâʻaq
H6817
to cry
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מִ/פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
לֹֽחֲצִ֔ים
lâchats
H3905
to oppress
V-Qal
וְ/יִשְׁלַ֥ח
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לָ/הֶ֛ם
Prep | Suff
מוֹשִׁ֥יעַ
yâshaʻ
H3467
to save
V-Hiphil
וָ/רָ֖ב
rab
H7227
many
Conj | V-Qal
וְ/הִצִּילָֽ/ם
nâtsal
H5337
to rescue
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 19:20
וְ/הָיָ֨ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לְ/א֥וֹת
ʼôwth
H226
"sign"
Prep | N-cs
A miraculous sign or wonder, like a beacon or monument. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It means a signal or token of God's power.
Definition: : miraculous 1) sign, signal 1a) a distinguishing mark 1b) banner 1c) remembrance 1d) miraculous sign 1e) omen 1f) warning 2) token, ensign, standard, miracle, proof
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: mark, miracle, (en-) sign, token. See also: Genesis 1:14; Joshua 2:12; Psalms 65:9.
וּ/לְ/עֵ֛ד
ʻêd
H5707
"witness"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means witness or testimony, describing someone who sees or experiences something. It's used in the Bible to talk about people who testify to what they've seen, like in Deuteronomy when describing legal witnesses.
Definition: 1) witness 1a) witness, testimony, evidence (of things) 1b) witness (of people)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: witness. See also: Genesis 31:44; Psalms 27:12; Psalms 35:11.
לַֽ/יהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
צְבָא֖וֹת
tsâbâʼ
H6635
"army"
N-cp
This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.
Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service
Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
מִצְרָ֑יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יִצְעֲק֤וּ
tsâʻaq
H6817
"to cry"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To cry or cry out is the meaning of this verb, often used to express distress or need, as seen in the Psalms where people cry out to God for help.
Definition: 1) to cry, cry out, call, cry for help 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cry, cry out (for help) 1a2) to cry, cry out (in distress or need) 1a3) to make outcry, clamour 1b) (Niphal) to be summoned 1c) (Piel) to cry aloud (in grief) 1d) (Hiphil) to call together
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, call together, cry (out), gather (selves) (together). See also: Genesis 4:10; 1 Samuel 13:4; Psalms 34:18.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
מִ/פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
לֹֽחֲצִ֔ים
lâchats
H3905
"to oppress"
V-Qal
To oppress means to treat someone unfairly or cruelly, often by using power or force. This can include squeezing or pressing someone to get what you want.
Definition: 1) to squeeze, press, oppress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to squeeze, press 1a2) to oppress 1b) (Niphal) to squeeze oneself
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: afflict, crush, force, hold fast, oppress(-or), thrust self. See also: Exodus 3:9; 1 Samuel 10:18; Psalms 56:2.
וְ/יִשְׁלַ֥ח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
לָ/הֶ֛ם
""
Prep | Suff
מוֹשִׁ֥יעַ
yâshaʻ
H3467
"to save"
V-Hiphil
Means to save or be delivered, used in the Bible to describe being freed from danger or trouble, like in battle or from moral struggles, as seen in the Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to save, be saved, be delivered 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered 1a2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to save, deliver 1b2) to save from moral troubles 1b3) to give victory to
Usage: Occurs in 198 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. See also: Exodus 2:17; Psalms 55:17; Psalms 3:8.
וָ/רָ֖ב
rab
H7227
"many"
Conj | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
וְ/הִצִּילָֽ/ם
nâtsal
H5337
"to rescue"
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms | Suff
To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself 1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to strip off, spoil 1b2) to deliver 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to take away, snatch away 1c2) to rescue, recover 1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death) 1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt 1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out 1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, [idiom] without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, [idiom] surely, take (out). See also: Genesis 31:9; Psalms 40:14; Psalms 7:2.
Study Notes — Isaiah 19:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 19:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 19:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 19:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 19:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 19:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 19:20
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 19:20
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 19:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 19:20
- Sermons on Isaiah 19:20
Context — A Blessing upon the Earth
18In that day five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the LORD of Hosts. One of them will be called the City of the Sun.
19In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the center of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the LORD near her border.
20It will be a sign and a witness to the LORD of Hosts in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, He will send them a savior and defender to rescue them.
21The LORD will make Himself known to Egypt, and on that day Egypt will acknowledge the LORD. They will worship with sacrifices and offerings; they will make vows to the LORD and fulfill them. 22And the LORD will strike Egypt with a plague; He will strike them but heal them. They will turn to the LORD, and He will hear their prayers and heal them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 50:15 | Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.” |
| 2 | Titus 2:13 | as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. |
| 3 | Isaiah 45:21–22 | Speak up and present your case— yes, let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago? Who announced it from ancient times? Was it not I, the LORD? There is no other God but Me, a righteous God and Savior; there is none but Me. Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. |
| 4 | Luke 2:11 | Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord! |
| 5 | James 5:4 | Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts. |
| 6 | Isaiah 52:5 | And now what have I here? declares the LORD. For My people have been taken without cause; those who rule them taunt, declares the LORD, and My name is blasphemed continually all day long. |
| 7 | Joshua 4:20–21 | And there at Gilgal Joshua set up the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan. Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future, when your children ask their fathers, ‘What is the meaning of these stones?’ |
| 8 | 2 Kings 13:4–5 | Then Jehoahaz sought the favor of the LORD, and the LORD listened to him because He saw the oppression that the king of Aram had inflicted on Israel. So the LORD gave Israel a deliverer, and they escaped the power of the Arameans. Then the people of Israel lived in their own homes as they had before. |
| 9 | Joshua 22:34 | So the Reubenites and Gadites named the altar Witness, for they said, “It is a witness between us that the LORD is God.” |
| 10 | Exodus 3:7 | The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I am aware of their sufferings. |
Isaiah 19:20 Summary
This verse is saying that the Lord will be a sign and witness to the people of Egypt, and when they cry out to Him for help, He will send a savior to rescue them. This is a promise of deliverance and hope, just like the Lord's promise to the Israelites in Exodus 3:12 and Deuteronomy 26:7-8. The Lord wants us to know that He is always with us and will always rescue us from our struggles, if we just cry out to Him. We can trust in His power to save us, just like the Egyptians will, and we can give thanks and praise to Him for His faithfulness, as seen in Psalm 107:1-2 and Isaiah 40:28-31.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the sign and witness mentioned in Isaiah 19:20?
The sign and witness refer to the altar and pillar mentioned in Isaiah 19:19, which will be a visible reminder of the Lord's presence in Egypt, pointing to His power to rescue and deliver His people, as seen in Exodus 3:12 and Isaiah 55:13.
Who is the savior and defender mentioned in this verse?
The savior and defender is the Lord Himself, who will rescue the Egyptians from their oppressors, just as He rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as described in Deuteronomy 26:7-8 and Acts 7:10.
Why will the Egyptians cry out to the Lord because of their oppressors?
The Egyptians will cry out to the Lord because they will be suffering under the burden of oppression, and they will recognize their need for the Lord's deliverance, just as the Israelites did in Exodus 2:23-25 and Psalm 107:6.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of Isaiah 19?
This verse is part of a larger prophecy about the future of Egypt, in which the Lord will make Himself known to the Egyptians and they will turn to Him in worship, as described in Isaiah 19:21-22 and Zechariah 14:16-19.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can be a sign and witness to the Lord's power in my own life, and how can I point others to His deliverance?
- In what ways am I currently crying out to the Lord because of my own struggles and oppressions, and how can I trust in His promise to send a savior and defender?
- How can I apply the principle of seeking the Lord's rescue and deliverance in my own life, and what are some areas where I need to trust in His power to save me?
- What are some ways in which the Lord has already delivered me from oppression and hardship, and how can I give thanks and praise to Him for His faithfulness?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 19:20
And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt,.... This refers either to what goes before, that the altar and pillar were signs and witnesses that the Lord
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 19:20
In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the LORD of hosts; one shall be called, The city of destruction. -Suffering shall lead to repentance.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 19:20
And it, the altar or pillar last mentioned, shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the Lord, to testify that they own the Lord for their God. They shall cry unto the Lord because of the oppressors; being sorely distressed, and finding the weakness of their idols, they shall turn unto the true God. A Saviour, and a great one; a great or mighty Saviour, by a common figure called hendiaduo, as a cloud and smoke is put for a smoking cloud, ; or, a Saviour and a Prince, even Christ, who is so called, , as is evident from the whole context, which apparently speaks of gospel times. And the emphatical phrase here used directed them to look for an extraordinary Saviour.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 19:20
Isaiah 19:20 And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt: for they shall cry unto the LORD because of the oppressors, and he shall send them a saviour, and a great one, and he shall deliver them.Ver. 20. And it shall be for a sign and for a witness.] The doctrine of Christ’ s death is a clear testimony of God’ s great love and kindness to mankind. For they shall cry unto the Lord for their oppressors.] As the Israelites sometimes had done under the Egyptian servitude. And he shall send them a Saviour.] Not Moses but Messias, that great Saviour; for God had laid his people’ s "help on one that is mighty." See Titus 2:13. Servatorem et magnatem, vel magistrum.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 19:20
(20) For they shall cry unto the Lord because of the oppressors . . .—The words are almost as an anticipation of the great truth proclaimed in John 4:21. The prayers of the worshippers in spirit and in truth, whether Jews or proselytes, in Egypt should find as immediate an access to the ear of Jehovah as if they had been offered in the Temple at Jerusalem. If the people suffered under the oppression of a Pharaoh, or a Cambyses, or a Ptolemy, and prayed for deliverance, He would as certainly send them a saviour who should free them from the yoke as He had sent saviours to Israel of old in the persons of the judges (Judges 3:9; Judges 3:15; Judges 4:4). It is open to us to see a yet higher fulfilment in the fact that the message of the Gospel brought peace and joy to those who were weary and heavy laden in Egypt, as well as in Galilee; to those who were looking for redemption in Alexandria not less than to those who were looking for it in Jerusalem.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 19:20
20. for a sign and for a witness unto the Lord of hosts] i.e. a reminder that He has a people in Egypt, and that by their presence the land is consecrated to Him. The process of conversion in this and the following verses is finely conceived. First, the name of Jehovah is made known by the religious observances of the Jewish colonists and proselytes; then, in a time of trouble, the Egyptians turn to Him instead of to their false gods, and learn to know Him through His answer to their prayers (20, 21); finally this experience of Jehovah is deepened and purified by a discipline similar to that to which Israel was subjected in the time of the Judges (22). the oppressors] Omit the art.; the reference is quite general. a saviour] See Judges 3:9; Judges 3:15; 2 Kings 13:5. a great one] Better: a champion. A special allusion to Ptolemy Soter, or to the Jewish generals who served under Ptolemy Philometor is not called for.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 19:20
And it shall be for a sign - The altar, and the pillar. This shows that the altar was not to be for sacrifice, but was a “memorial,” or designed to designate a place of worship.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 19:20
20. And it — The “altar,” or the “pillar.” The idea of salvation and deliverance in this verse is, without doubt, the moral rescue which the land received on being delivered from its old time besetting idolatries.
Sermons on Isaiah 19:20
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Calling on the Name of the Lord by Jim Cymbala | This sermon emphasizes the power and importance of calling on the name of the Lord in times of trouble and need. It recounts personal experiences and biblical principles that highl |
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Gold Tried in the Fire by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher expresses his deep concern and disappointment with the modern gospel being preached on television. He believes that it is a disgrace to the name of Jes |
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(Basics) 29. Praise Brings Deliverance by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praising God in difficult situations. He shares the story of King Jehoshaphat and how he led the people of Israel to victor |
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The Position of Power by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, Pastor Jim Simba emphasizes the importance of prayer in our lives. He acknowledges that Satan tries to distract and cut us off from our supply line, which is prayer |
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Visitation by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker recounts the story of Peter's miraculous escape from prison. Peter was imprisoned and guarded by four groups of soldiers, but the church fervently praye |
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Becoming True Worshipers by Brian Long | In this sermon, the preacher describes the vision of the prophet Isaiah, where he saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up. The preacher emphasizes the sovereignty of G |
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Testimony and Message by Venus Brooks | In this sermon, the speaker shares two personal stories of individuals who faced the crisis of death with absolute victory and no fear. The first story is about an 11-year-old girl |