God’s power to humble even the mightiest of kingdoms calls everyone to recognize His lordship and seek Him in faith.
“In that day the Egyptians will become like women, and they will tremble and be in dread because of the waving of the hand of the LORD of hosts, which He is going to wave over them” (Isaiah 19:16).
Here, Isaiah declares that the nation of Egypt, historically situated along the Nile River in northeast Africa, will reel in fear at the LORD’s mighty power. Earlier in this chapter, the prophet condemns Egypt for its idolatry and pride, presenting a stark portrait of how the once-powerful kingdom will be brought low. The phrase will become like women is not meant to devalue women but uses ancient cultural expressions of alarm to illustrate the Egyptians’ terrified state before God’s judging hand. This echoes the theme of the LORD’s unmatched authority to humble nations that place their confidence in false gods or human strength.
When Isaiah ministered (primarily in the 8th century BC), Egypt was a dominant regional force, known for its monumental architecture and advanced civilization. Yet Isaiah 19 highlights how futile Egypt’s achievements and alliances would be against God’s sovereign decree. Verses nearby describe how their sources of livelihood—including fishing—would wither (Isaiah 19:8), emphasizing that their economic and military foundations would not stand against divine judgment. The trembling in they will tremble and be in dread illustrates how thorough and genuine their fear would be as God stretches out His hand to discipline them.
This prophecy also foreshadows how the LORD holds every nation accountable, whether in Isaiah’s time or beyond. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul writes that God has “fixed a day” in which He will judge the world (Acts 17:31). All people—whether powerful or small—are called to respond humbly to the Creator, who alone is worthy of reverence and obedience.
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Isaiah 19:16 meaning
“In that day the Egyptians will become like women, and they will tremble and be in dread because of the waving of the hand of the LORD of hosts, which He is going to wave over them” (Isaiah 19:16).
Here, Isaiah declares that the nation of Egypt, historically situated along the Nile River in northeast Africa, will reel in fear at the LORD’s mighty power. Earlier in this chapter, the prophet condemns Egypt for its idolatry and pride, presenting a stark portrait of how the once-powerful kingdom will be brought low. The phrase will become like women is not meant to devalue women but uses ancient cultural expressions of alarm to illustrate the Egyptians’ terrified state before God’s judging hand. This echoes the theme of the LORD’s unmatched authority to humble nations that place their confidence in false gods or human strength.
When Isaiah ministered (primarily in the 8th century BC), Egypt was a dominant regional force, known for its monumental architecture and advanced civilization. Yet Isaiah 19 highlights how futile Egypt’s achievements and alliances would be against God’s sovereign decree. Verses nearby describe how their sources of livelihood—including fishing—would wither (Isaiah 19:8), emphasizing that their economic and military foundations would not stand against divine judgment. The trembling in they will tremble and be in dread illustrates how thorough and genuine their fear would be as God stretches out His hand to discipline them.
This prophecy also foreshadows how the LORD holds every nation accountable, whether in Isaiah’s time or beyond. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul writes that God has “fixed a day” in which He will judge the world (Acts 17:31). All people—whether powerful or small—are called to respond humbly to the Creator, who alone is worthy of reverence and obedience.