What parallels exist between Isaiah 19:18 and the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19? “In that day five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the LORD of Hosts. One of them will be called the City of the Sun.” Matthew 28:19 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” A Shared Picture of Nations Turning to the Lord • Isaiah foresees Egyptians—historically pagan—joining God’s people. • Jesus sends His disciples to “all nations,” fulfilling and expanding that vision. • Both passages assume God’s heart has always been for the nations (Genesis 12:3; Psalm 67:2). Common Emphasis on Mission Beyond Israel • Egypt in Isaiah stands as a Gentile prototype; Jesus’ command formally opens the door to every Gentile land. • Isaiah’s “five cities” signal a representative start; the Great Commission orders a global sweep (Acts 1:8). Language & Discipleship: A New Identity • “Speak the language of Canaan” implies learning the tongue of God’s covenant people—embracing their faith and Scriptures. • Jesus instructs the Church to “teach them to observe all that I commanded” (Matthew 28:20), effectively giving the nations a new covenant “language” of obedience. • Zephaniah 3:9 echoes the same promise: “I will restore pure speech to the peoples.” Allegiance Pledged in the Name • Isaiah: Egyptians “swear allegiance to the LORD of Hosts.” • Matthew: new disciples are “baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” • Both scenes involve public, covenantal confession—one by oath, the other through baptism (Romans 10:9–10). Transformation of Former Strongholds • “City of the Sun” (Heliopolis, once a center of Egyptian sun-worship) becomes a city devoted to the LORD. • The Great Commission turns every corner of former idolatry into potential outposts of the gospel (1 Thessalonians 1:9). Prophetic Foreshadowing & Apostolic Fulfillment • Isaiah’s phrase “in that day” looks forward to Messiah’s era; the resurrection pronouncement of Matthew 28 ushers in that day. • The progression: prophetic seed (Isaiah) → gospel mandate (Matthew) → Spirit-empowered expansion (Acts 2; Acts 8:26-40; Acts 18:24-28). Practical Takeaways • Expect God to save and disciple people from unexpected places—He already said He would. • Embrace the task of teaching a “new language” of Scripture, worship, and obedience to every culture. • Let baptism be treated as a joyful, public pledge of allegiance—our modern echo of Isaiah’s oath. • Celebrate testimonies of formerly idolatrous lives and regions becoming vibrant centers of gospel light, knowing Isaiah foresaw exactly that. |
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