Topical Bible: Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Conversion of

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The nation of Egypt holds a significant place in biblical prophecy, particularly concerning its future conversion and restoration. Throughout the Scriptures, Egypt is often depicted as a land of both refuge and oppression for the Israelites, yet the prophetic texts also speak of a time when Egypt will turn to the Lord and be blessed.

Isaiah's Prophecy

One of the most notable prophecies regarding the conversion of Egypt is found in the book of Isaiah. Isaiah 19:19-22 states:

"In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the heart of Egypt, and a pillar to the LORD at its border. It will be a sign and witness to the LORD of Hosts in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, He will send them a Savior and Defender to rescue them. The LORD will make Himself known to Egypt, and on that day the Egyptians will acknowledge the LORD. They will worship with sacrifices and offerings; they will make vows to the LORD and fulfill them. The LORD will strike Egypt with a plague; He will strike them but heal them. They will turn to the LORD, and He will respond to their pleas and heal them."

This passage indicates a future time when Egypt will recognize the sovereignty of the LORD, erecting an altar and a pillar as symbols of their devotion. The prophecy suggests a period of suffering followed by divine intervention, leading to Egypt's spiritual awakening and healing.

A Highway of Worship

Further in Isaiah 19:23-25 , the prophet envisions a remarkable transformation in the relationship between Egypt, Assyria, and Israel:

"In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt, and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together. In that day Israel will join a three-party alliance with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing upon the earth. The LORD of Hosts will bless them, saying, 'Blessed be Egypt My people, Assyria My handiwork, and Israel My inheritance.'"

This prophecy foretells a time of peace and unity among these historically adversarial nations, with a shared worship of the LORD. The highway symbolizes open communication and cooperation, and the LORD's blessing upon Egypt as "My people" signifies their full inclusion in His covenant community.

Ezekiel's Vision

The prophet Ezekiel also speaks of Egypt's future in a broader context of judgment and restoration. While much of Ezekiel's prophecy focuses on Egypt's downfall due to its pride and idolatry, there is an implicit hope for eventual restoration. Ezekiel 29:13-16 mentions a future regathering of Egyptians:

"For this is what the Lord GOD says: 'At the end of forty years I will gather the Egyptians from the nations to which they were scattered. I will restore Egypt from captivity and bring them back to the land of Pathros, the land of their origin. There they will be a lowly kingdom. Egypt will be the lowliest of kingdoms and will never again exalt itself above the nations. I will diminish Egypt so that it will never again rule over the nations. Egypt will no longer be a source of confidence for the house of Israel, but will be a reminder of their iniquity in turning to her. Then they will know that I am the Lord GOD.'"

While this passage emphasizes Egypt's humbling, it also suggests a future where Egypt is restored and acknowledges the LORD, serving as a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness.

Zechariah's Inclusion of Egypt

The prophet Zechariah also envisions a time when Egypt will participate in the worship of the LORD during the Feast of Tabernacles. Zechariah 14:16-19 describes this future event:

"Then all the survivors from the nations that came against Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD of Hosts, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. And should any of the families of the earth not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of Hosts, then the rain will not fall on them. And if the people of Egypt do not go up and enter in, then rain will not fall on them; this will be the plague with which the LORD strikes the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. This will be the punishment of Egypt and all the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles."

This prophecy underscores the expectation that Egypt, along with other nations, will join in the worship of the LORD, highlighting the universal scope of God's redemptive plan.

In summary, the biblical prophecies concerning Egypt's conversion reflect a future where Egypt acknowledges the LORD, participates in His worship, and is integrated into the community of nations that honor God. These prophecies reveal a divine plan for reconciliation and blessing, extending beyond Israel to encompass all nations, including Egypt.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 19:18-20
In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the LORD of hosts; one shall be called, The city of destruction.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch.
... From Egypt some of them might have passed into ... that he could form no conjecture
respecting the person ... We should reflect, that prophecies, which are perfectly ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xi the conversion of.htm

Index of Subjects.
... Exodus, the, of Israel from Egypt, a type ... Prayer of Augustin for the conversion of
the ... Prophets, the Hebrew, and their prophecies respecting Christ, defended ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /index of subjects.htm

Extracts No. vii.
... contend that for the plagues in Egypt, the dividing ... if these be admitted, the prophecies
will not ... indicate, at least, some scruples respecting this conversion ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no vii.htm

Interpretation of Prophecy.
... But, recollecting that for Egypt this can be no ... In the classes of prophecies that
have been ... There are two questions, especially, respecting which interpreters ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxviii interpretation of prophecy.htm

Jews.
... believe, with a perfect faith, the prophecies of Moses ... The western Jews inhabited
Egypt, Judea, Italy, and ... and agreed to various articles respecting the Mosaic ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/jews.htm

Genuineness of the Gospel Narratives.
... In citing the prophecies of the Old Testament in an ... this does not affect his testimony
respecting the origin ... of the catechetical school at Alexandria in Egypt. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter ii genuineness of the.htm

The Romance of M. Renan. By Napoleon Roussel.
... by pretending to fulfill the Messianic prophecies in a ... that M. Renan has been silent
respecting every idea ... compared with the institutions of Egypt and Chaldea ...
/.../the romance of m renan and the christ of the gospels/the romance of m renan.htm

The Mystery
... what can Egyptian plagues be applied, but to Egypt? ... Respecting the great city, then,
the meaning is plain ... of Babylon is described in these prophecies; first, of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery.htm

Origen Against Celsus
... these Greek stories which the Jew adduced respecting those who ... we may conclude that
they who came out of Egypt? ... account of the manner in which prophecies are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/

The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
... miracles performed by him, and the prophecies fulfilled in ... Jesus on his journey to
Egypt; and after ... is pregnant with the deepest meaning respecting the counsel ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm