Isaiah prophesied the LORD's judgment against Egypt. Egypt's idols would tremble before the LORD. God would turn the Egyptians against each other. Their endeavors would fail. God would depose Pharaoh and allow cruel foreign kings to rule over them. Their rivers and fields would dry up. Egypt's economy would collapse as their labors would be fruitless. Pharaoh's counselors seemed wise humanly, but they would not be able to do anything against God's judgment. God would make the Egyptians weak and fearful.

God's judgment had a redemptive purpose. The Egyptians would suffer under God's uplifted hand against them. God would allow them to be oppressed. But in their suffering, they would humbly recognize the LORD Almighty and cry out to him. They would even one day build an altar to the LORD in Egypt. Though God would strike Egypt with a plague, he would also respond to their pleas and heal them. One day, Egypt, Assyria, and Israel would worship God together.

We may be suffering as a result of sin. But God longs for us to come to him through Jesus Christ. Like the Egyptians in this prophecy, God will heal us when we turn away from sin and toward him.


Application: Father, thank you that though we deserve only judgment, you will heal us when we repent.
One Word: The LORD desires to heal you.