What does Isaiah 19:19 mean?
"In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD." - Isaiah 19:19

Isaiah 19:19 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD." This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Isaiah that describes God's judgment on Egypt and the eventual restoration and conversion of the people of Egypt to worship the one true God.
The context of this verse lies in the larger narrative of the book of Isaiah, which is a prophetic book that addresses the disobedience of Israel, the judgment of God upon nations, and the promise of a future restoration. In this particular passage, Isaiah is foretelling a day when Egypt, who was known for its idolatry and worship of false gods, would come to worship the Lord God. The setting of an altar and a pillar in the land of Egypt signifies a complete transformation and a shift in worship from the gods of Egypt to the worship of the one true God.
One of the themes of this passage is the universal sovereignty of God. Throughout the book of Isaiah, God is portrayed as the sovereign ruler over all nations, and this verse emphasizes that even a powerful and idolatrous nation like Egypt will one day be brought under the sovereignty of God. This theme is a reminder that no nation, no matter how strong or mighty, is beyond the reach of God's judgment and mercy, and that ultimately all nations will bow before Him.
Another theme present in this verse is the concept of worship. The setting up of an altar and a pillar to the Lord in the land of Egypt signifies a turning away from false gods and a commitment to worship the true God. This speaks to the universal nature of worship and the fact that God desires all people, from all nations, to come to Him in worship and repentance. It also underscores the transformative power of God's grace, as He is able to change the hearts of even the most hardened idolaters.
The symbolism in this verse is also significant. The establishment of an altar and a pillar in the land of Egypt represents a physical manifestation of the presence of God in a place that was known for its pagan worship. The altar signifies a place of sacrifice and worship, while the pillar represents a memorial or a sign of the presence of God. This imagery not only points to the future conversion of Egypt to the worship of the one true God, but also serves as a reminder that God's presence can transform even the most unlikely and unpromising of places.
Overall, Isaiah 19:19 is a powerful and prophetic verse that speaks to the universal sovereignty of God, the transformative power of His grace, and the universal nature of worship. It serves as a reminder that no nation is beyond the reach of God's mercy and that His desire is for all people to come to Him in repentance and worship. The establishment of an altar and a pillar in the land of Egypt is a symbol of the future conversion of the nation to the worship of the one true God, and a testament to the power of God to transform even the most unlikely of places.
Have questions about Isaiah 19:19?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Isaiah 19:19 Artwork
Isaiah 19:19 - "In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD."
"In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD." - Isaiah 19:19
Isaiah 41, 19
Isaiah 19:8
Isaiah 43:19
Isaiah 19:1
Isaiah 43:19
Isaiah 43:18-19
Isaiah 3:19 - "The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers,"
Isaiah 43:18-19
Isaiah 3:19 - "The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers,"
"The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers," - Isaiah 3:19
2 Kings 19:5 - "So the servants of king Hezekiah came to Isaiah."
Isaiah 1:19 - "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:"
Isaiah 11:1-9
Numbers 7:1-9
Isaiah 11:1-9
Isiah 42 1-9
Joshua 1:9
Daniel 1:9
James 1:9
Jude 1:9
Isaiah 3:19 - "The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers,"
Isaiah 19:9 - "Moreover they that work in fine flax, and they that weave networks, shall be confounded."
Job 1:9 no words
Ezequiel 47, 1-9. 12
Isaiah 11:1-9
mat 17:1-9
1 John 1:9
Isaiah 19:10 - "And they shall be broken in the purposes thereof, all that make sluices and ponds for fish."