Egypt Given Over to a Cruel Master
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The prophecy concerning Egypt being given over to a cruel master is found in the book of Isaiah, specifically in Isaiah 19:4. This passage is part of a larger oracle against Egypt, which is one of several prophecies directed towards foreign nations. The context of this prophecy is significant as it reflects the divine judgment and sovereignty of God over all nations, not just Israel.

Biblical Context

Isaiah 19:4 states: "I will deliver the Egyptians into the hands of a cruel master, and a fierce king will rule over them," declares the Lord GOD of Hosts. This prophecy is situated within a chapter that describes a series of calamities and divine interventions that would befall Egypt. The chapter begins with the Lord riding on a swift cloud and coming to Egypt, causing idols to tremble and the hearts of the Egyptians to melt (Isaiah 19:1).

Historical and Theological Background

Historically, Egypt was a powerful and influential nation, often interacting with Israel and Judah, sometimes as an ally and other times as an adversary. The prophecy of a cruel master ruling over Egypt can be understood in light of the political turmoil and foreign domination that Egypt experienced throughout its history. Various interpretations suggest that this cruel master could refer to a specific ruler or a series of oppressive foreign dominations, such as the Assyrians or Babylonians.

Theologically, this prophecy underscores the theme of divine judgment against pride and idolatry. Egypt, known for its pantheon of gods and reliance on its own wisdom and strength, is depicted as being humbled by the true God, the Lord of Hosts. The prophecy serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority over all nations and His ability to use even foreign powers to accomplish His purposes.

Symbolism and Imagery

The imagery of a "cruel master" and a "fierce king" conveys the severity of the judgment that would come upon Egypt. It reflects the loss of autonomy and the harsh conditions that would result from foreign rule. This imagery is consistent with other prophetic literature where God uses powerful and often harsh imagery to communicate the seriousness of His judgments.

Implications for Israel and Judah

For the people of Israel and Judah, this prophecy would have served as both a warning and a source of hope. It warned them against relying on Egypt for military or political support, as Egypt itself was subject to God's judgment. At the same time, it provided hope that God was in control of the nations and that He would ultimately vindicate His people.

Conclusion

The prophecy of Egypt being given over to a cruel master is a profound demonstration of God's sovereignty and justice. It serves as a testament to the fact that no nation, regardless of its power or influence, is beyond the reach of God's righteous judgment.
Subtopics

Aegypt

Egypt

Egypt: A Small Stream Flowing Into the Mediterranean Sea

Egypt: As a Power Was: Ambitious of Conquests

Egypt: As a Power Was: Mighty

Egypt: As a Power Was: Pompous

Egypt: As a Power Was: Proud and Arrogant

Egypt: As a Power Was: Treacherous

Egypt: Boundaries of

Egypt: Called: House of Bondmen

Egypt: Called: Rahab

Egypt: Called: Sihor

Egypt: Called: The Land of Ham

Egypt: Called: The South

Egypt: Celebrated For: Commerce

Egypt: Celebrated For: Fertility

Egypt: Celebrated For: Fine Horses

Egypt: Celebrated For: Fine Linen

Egypt: Celebrated For: Literature

Egypt: Celebrated For: Wealth

Egypt: Diet Used In

Egypt: Dry Climate of

Egypt: had Princes and Counsellors

Egypt: Idolatry of, Followed by Israel

Egypt: Inhabitants of Abhorred Shepherds

Egypt: Inhabitants of Abhorred the Sacrifice of Oxen

Egypt: Inhabitants of Hospitable

Egypt: Inhabitants of Might be Received Into the Congregation in the Third

Egypt: Inhabitants of not to be Abhorred by Israel

Egypt: Inhabitants of Often Intermarried With Strangers

Egypt: Inhabitants of Superstitious

Egypt: Inundations of, Alluded To

Egypt: Israel in Benjamin Brought

Egypt: Israel in Date of the Exodus

Egypt: Israel in Destruction of the First-Born

Egypt: Israel in Egypt is Plagued for Pharaoh's Obstinacy

Egypt: Israel in Israel Driven out of

Egypt: Israel in Israel Increases and are Oppressed

Egypt: Israel in Israel Placed in the Land of Goshen

Egypt: Israel in Israel Spoils the Egyptians

Egypt: Israel in Jacob Presented to Pharaoh

Egypt: Israel in Jacob's Death and Burial

Egypt: Israel in Jacob's Journey

Egypt: Israel in Joseph Counsels Pharaoh

Egypt: Israel in Joseph Enriches the King

Egypt: Israel in Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams

Egypt: Israel in Joseph Interprets the Chief Baker's and the Chief Butler's

Egypt: Israel in Joseph Made Governor

Egypt: Israel in Joseph Makes Himself Known to his Brethren

Egypt: Israel in Joseph Recognizes his Brethren

Egypt: Israel in Joseph Sends for his Father

Egypt: Israel in Joseph Sold Into

Egypt: Israel in Joseph Unjustly Cast Into Prison

Egypt: Israel in Joseph's Successful Provision Against the Years of Famine

Egypt: Israel in Joseph's Ten Brethren Arrive

Egypt: Israel in Male Children Destroyed

Egypt: Israel in Moses Adopted and Brought up by Pharaoh's Daughter

Egypt: Israel in Moses Born and Hid for Three Months

Egypt: Israel in Moses Exposed on the Nile

Egypt: Israel in Moses Flies to Midian

Egypt: Israel in Moses Proves his Divine Mission by Miracles

Egypt: Israel in Moses Sent to Pharaoh

Egypt: Israel in Moses Slays an Egyptian

Egypt: Israel in Pharaoh Increases Their Affliction

Egypt: Israel in Pharaoh Invites Jacob Into

Egypt: Israel in Pharaoh Pursues Israel and is Miraculously Destroyed

Egypt: Israel in Potiphar Blessed for Joseph's Sake

Egypt: Israel in The Passover Instituted

Egypt: Israel in Their Sojourn in It, Foretold

Egypt: Magic Practised In

Egypt: Mode of Embalming In

Egypt: Mode of Entertaining In

Egypt: Often a Refuge to Strangers

Egypt: Peopled by Mizraim's Posterity

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Allies to Share Its Misfortunes

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Armies Destroyed by Babylon

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Captivity of Its People

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Christ to be Called out of

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Civil War and Domestic Strife

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Conversion of

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Destruction of Its Cities

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Destruction of Its Idols

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Destruction of Its Power

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Dismay of Its Inhabitants

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Ever to be a Base Kingdom

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Failure of Internal Resources

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Infatuation of Its Princes

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Invasion by Babylon

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Prophetic Illustration of Its Destruction

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Spoil of, a Reward to Babylon for Services Against Tyre

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Terror Occasioned by Its Fall

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: The Jews Who Practised Its Idolatry to Share Its

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: To be Numbered and Blessed Along With Israel

Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Utter Desolation of, for Forty Years

Egypt: Religion of, Idolatrous

Egypt: Ruled by Kings Who Assumed the Name of Pharaoh

Egypt: Sometimes Visited by Famine

Egypt: Subject to Plague

Egypt: The Armies of Assistance of, Sought by Judah Against the Chaldees

Egypt: The Armies of Besieged and Plundered Jerusalem in Rehoboam's Time

Egypt: The Armies of Captured and Burned Gezer

Egypt: The Armies of Deposed Jehoahaz and Made Judea Tributary

Egypt: The Armies of Described

Egypt: The Armies of Destroyed in the Red Sea

Egypt: The Armies of Invaded Assyria and Killed Josiah Who Assisted It

Egypt: The Country of: Abraham Lives In

Egypt: The Country of: Armies of

Egypt: The Country of: Army of Destroyed in the Red Sea

Egypt: The Country of: Called Rahab

Egypt: The Country of: Civil War In

Egypt: The Country of: Exports of

Egypt: The Country of: Famine In

Egypt: The Country of: Fertility of

Egypt: The Country of: Idols of

Egypt: The Country of: Imports of

Egypt: The Country of: Irrigation Employed In

Egypt: The Country of: Joseph Takes Jesus To

Egypt: The Country of: Land of Ham

Egypt: The Country of: Limits of

Egypt: The Country of: Magi of

Egypt: The Country of: of Horses

Egypt: The Country of: Overflowed by the Nile River

Egypt: The Country of: Priests of

Egypt: The Country of: Productions of

Egypt: The Country of: Prophecies Against

Egypt: The Country of: Symbolical

Egypt: The Country of: The King Acquires Title to Land of

Egypt: Under a Governor

Egypt: Watered by the Nile

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