Summary

Egypt - the land of kings and gods. Israel and Judah felt the threat of Assyria coming from the north, so they turned south to Egypt for help. They were relying on them for protection (20:6).

The Nile River was the source of life for Egyptians. The Pharaoh was the source of wisdom and power. The idols were the source of courage and will of the gods. Isaiah says all are coming to nothing.

Isaiah shows the difference between God and the gods of Egypt by walking around naked. Without God, it is like we have no cover, protection, or security.

God

“There is no such thing as not worshipping. Everybody worships. The only choice we get is what to worship.” David Foster Wallace

We worship whatever we look to for security, protection and hope. Egypt worshipped many things but all failed them. Eventually, Egypt would be attacked and destroyed by Assyria.

If only they had discovered the one Creator God. Isaiah sees a future where the Egyptians worship God also. And like Israel, they too discover the same gifts and life. Instead of war, alliance, peace, and blessing would flow on all the nations.

Gospel

It is good news that in Christ is all wisdom and knowledge. Again we see that Christ is for the nations. The gods of this world are futile and pointless in comparison to Christ. Paul writes that the world offers only emptiness and meaningless living. But in Christ is the fullness of God. Again if Egypt had discovered this, they would have discovered real life and blessings. Yet it was to a sinful world like Egypt that Christ came to bring life.

Reflection

Reflect again on Isaiah’s message to Egypt. What was one thing that stood out to you today from Isaiah 19-20?