What does Isaiah 19:20 mean?
This chapter began with an oracle against Egypt describing God's dismantling of the nation piece by piece in His judgment against them (Isaiah 19:1–15). The prophet Isaiah follows this by looking into the future and showing that in the day of the Lord the people of Egypt will both recognize the Lord's power and repent before Him (Isaiah 19:16–18). Egypt will reject their gods and will swear allegiance to the Lord God of Israel.Now, Isaiah describes a relationship between God and Egypt like His relationship with Israel. The people will create open, public displays of their dependence on the One True God (Isaiah 19:19). Egypt will cry out to the Lord when they are attacked or oppressed by their enemies. Just as the Lord did for Israel during the time of the judges, he will send a defender to rescue them.
The Lord responds to the cries of repentant people who trust in Him in this and every season.
Isaiah 19:16–25 presents a sudden change in tone. It follows an oracle of judgment against Egypt with a promise of future blessing from the Lord. This seems to take place during the kingdom of the Messiah on earth (Isaiah 2:1–5; Revelation 20:1–4). Egypt will fear the Lord and repent and worship Him alone. God will bless them, rescue them, and call them His people. Egypt will become peaceful allies with Assyria, and the Assyrians will worship the Lord, as well. Together, Egypt, Assyria, and Israel will bless the earth and be blessed by the Lord.
Isaiah's oracle describes the Lord's coming judgment on Egypt. The idols will fear when God arrives, and the people will turn on each other. A fierce king will conquer them. The Nile River will dry up, leaving many destitute. The advisors serving Egypt's leaders will be revealed as confused fools. Far in the future, Egypt will recognize Israel's God and repent, turning to worship the Lord. Assyria will join in that worship, blessing the earth along with Egypt and Israel.