Old Testament
Isaiah 19:17
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The land of Judah will be a terror to Egypt. Everyone who mentions it will be afraid, because of the counsel of the LORD of hosts, which He has determined against them.
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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.
What Isaiah 19:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 19:17, the prophet conveys a powerful message about the relationship between Judah and Egypt. The verse indicates that the land of Judah will instill fear in the hearts of the Egyptians. This fear arises from the understanding that the Lord has made a decisive judgment against Egypt. The mention of Judah will evoke dread, highlighting the significance of God's counsel and the consequences of disobedience. This passage serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the impact of His decisions on nations. The fear experienced by Egypt reflects their awareness of the power and authority of the God of Israel, who is capable of determining the fate of nations. This verse emphasizes that God's plans are not to be taken lightly, and His will can bring about significant changes in the geopolitical landscape.
How to apply Isaiah 19:17 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the power of God in our lives and the world around us. It reminds us that God's plans can bring about significant changes, and we should approach His counsel with reverence and respect. Trusting in God's sovereignty can help us navigate our fears and uncertainties.
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
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Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 19:17 mean?
Isaiah 19:17 means that the land of Judah will cause fear in Egypt due to God's judgment against them. The verse highlights the power of God's counsel and the consequences nations face when they oppose Him.
What is the significance of Judah in Isaiah 19:17?
In Isaiah 19:17, Judah represents a source of fear for Egypt, indicating that God's favor towards Judah can lead to Egypt's downfall. This reflects the broader theme of God's sovereignty over nations.
What does 'the counsel of the LORD of hosts' refer to in Isaiah 19:17?
In Isaiah 19:17, 'the counsel of the LORD of hosts' refers to God's determined plan or judgment against Egypt. It signifies that God's decisions are powerful and have significant implications for nations.
How does Isaiah 19:17 relate to God's sovereignty?
Isaiah 19:17 illustrates God's sovereignty by showing that He has authority over nations and can instill fear through His judgments. This verse emphasizes that God's will can shape the fate of entire countries.
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