Isaiah 19: 23-20:6 – Peace and Judgement
What comes about because of this change in Egypt that we spoke of yesterday? Well, we could sum it up by saying peace in verses 23 through 25. This reflects what Paul later wrote in Romans 5:1 where he said that since we are justified by grace, we have peace with God. These societies that had been wicked, who had been destructive to the people of God, are brought into the people of God. Israel and Egypt and Assyria together are a picture of all nations coming together in Christ. It has come to pass in some ways and will come to pass more and more fully.
Historically, what happened? Well, what happened was the Egyptians did not turn at this point. And the people that professed to be the people of God continued to trust in Egypt at this point. So God brought great destruction upon Egypt. We see that in chapter 20. This was in the same year that the Assyrians came and destroyed Israel, the northern kingdom. They came and nearly did so with Judah, and they went on through and attacked the Egyptians as well. This judgment that was to come upon them would be great. These people, as they persisted in their sin, would earn shame from it. That’s what sin brings eventually.
There was only one hope for Judah. There was only one hope for Egypt and Cush. Only one hope for Assyria. And there is only one hope for any who look for deliverance. It is not in worldly wisdom. It is not in depending upon natural strength or military power. The only hope for deliverance, for individuals, for families, for nations, is to look to the Lord Jesus Christ, and to yield to Him Whom God has set upon His holy hill. When a nation, when a people does this, then there is deliverance and then there is hope.
Question
- What does sin always bring?
- What is the only hope for sinners?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.