Isaiah 18

Isaiah 18:1

THE BURDEN OF THE LAND BEYOND THE RIVERS OF ETHIOPIAChapter 18 deals with the fifth burden, that of the land “beyond the rivers of Ethiopia.” The exact nation that Isaiah had in mind has not been clearly established, so there have been many interpretations. Some have thought that he is talking about Egypt, but the description does not fit that country. Also, Egypt is the subject of the next chapter, where we see that God is not through with that kingdom. Prophecy literally has been fulfilled concerning her. Those who say that chapter 18 is referring to England and the United States weary me with that interpretation. I feel like yawning, as that is certainly not sound interpretation of the Word of God! I believe that Ethiopia best suits the text and tenor of Scripture. But which Ethiopia is intended? There are two mentioned in Scripture. The word for Ethiopia is Cush. There is one in Asia (see Gen_2:13), and there is one in Africa. I believe we are talking about the Ethiopia that is in Africa. It is the land “beyond the rivers,” and the rivers of Ethiopia are the Nile River. Now God calls the world’s attention to Ethiopia: “Woe” is an unfortunate translation. Actually, it is the same word that is translated as “ah” in Isa_1:4, where it is a sigh, or as “ho” in Isaiah 55, where it is a form of address that demands attention. Here God is saying, “Ho, to the landHear Me, listen to this!” “Shadowing with wings” might better be translated “rustling with wings.” This is quite interesting. A missionary to the land for quite some years told me that Ethiopia is noted for its birds. It is called “the land of wings.” This helps to confirm that the land in question here is Ethiopia.

Isaiah 18:2

Some have held this sea power to be England or the United States, but “vessels of bulrushes” would not characterize the boats of any modern nation! Dr. F. C. Jennings, in his profound work on Isaiah, makes a good case for the steamboat, but since modern ships use oil, this seems to have no place in our day. “A nation scattered and peeled” is Israel. This is patently evident, and most of the sound students of the Word of God concur in this.

Isaiah 18:3

Many students of the Word consider the “ensign” mentioned here to be the ark of the tabernacle, which was later transferred to the temple. It disappeared at the time of the Babylonian captivity, and there is a tradition which says it was carried to Ethiopia. I have been told that there is a church in that land that claims to have the ark. I don’t know if that is true or not, but an ensign will come out of that land.

Isaiah 18:7

This is evidently a reference to the time when the Kingdom of Christ will be established on this earth and the Ethiopians will come again to Jerusalem to worship. There is no judgment spoken against them. In Psa_87:4, evidently in reply to what he is doing in Jerusalem, the Ethiopian answers that he was born there. God has wonderful things to say about Ethiopia!