Egypt: End-Time Prototype for Mercy, Discipline and Glory
I. WHY THE CHURCH NEEDS TO UNDERSTAND GOD’S END-TIME PLAN FOR EGYPT
A. Isa. 19 describes God’s purpose for Egypt and her relationship to Israel and ancient Assyria (present regions of Iraq,
Syria and Jordan). God made these three nations a prophetic prototype for other nations as well as individuals to
understand what God is willing to do for them.
B. What God does for these nations is a revelation of what is in His heart for others since He never changes in His
personality and has no partiality or variance in the way He relates to others.
6 I am the LORD, I do not change; therefore you are not consumed… (Mal. 3:6)
17 Call on the Father who without partiality judges according to one's work… (1 Pet. 1:17)
C. God remembers forever our smallest acts of obedience (Mt. 10:42). He repays us far beyond what we deserve.
God never changes, He treats nations with the same principle as individuals.
D. God perfectly remembers Egypt’s past service to His redemptive purposes. These include providing refuge for
Abraham in a time of famine (Gen. 12:10), for Israel in her infancy as a nation in the time of Joseph (Gen. 46), for Jesus
in his infancy (Mt. 2:13-15), and then again at the end-of-the-age, when Jewish refugees flee from the Antichrist to Egypt.
Hosea’s prophecy about God’s son coming from Egypt will find some fulfillment in these last three situations.
1 And out of Egypt I called My son. (Hos. 11:1)
E. Half of Jerusalem will be taken into captivity (Zech. 14:2). About 600,000 Jews currently live in Jerusalem, thus, as
many as 300,000 Jewish people may be deported in this coming crisis.
2 For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem; the city shall be taken…half of the city shall go into captivity,
but the remnant of the people shall not be cut off… (Zech. 14:2)
F. Jesus will assemble Jewish refugees and prisoners primarily from 2 nations, Egypt and Ancient Assyria (Jordan,
Syria, Iraq; Isa. 11:11, 16; 27:13; Hos. 11:11; Mic. 5:6; 7:12; Zech. 10:10-11).
10 They shall walk after the Lord. He will roar like a lion. When He roars, then His sons…11 shall come trembling like a
bird from Egypt …from the land of Assyria… (Hos. 11:10-11)
10 I will bring them back from the land of Egypt, and…from Assyria. I will bring them into the land (Israel)…11 He shall
pass through the sea with affliction, and strike the waves of the sea: all the depths of the River (Euphrates) shall dry up.
Then the pride of Assyria shall be brought down, and the scepter of Egypt (unbelieving leadership) shall depart.
(Zech. 10:10-11)
12 The Lord will thresh, from the channel of the River (Euphrates) to the Brook of Egypt; and you will be gathered one
by one, O you children of Israel. 13 In that day: the great trumpet will be blown; they will come, who are about to perish
in the land of Assyria, and they who are outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the Lord…at Jerusalem.
(Isa. 27:12-13)
II. THE CONTEXT FOR ISAIAH 19: THE ANTICHRIST’S REIGN OF TERROR IN ISRAEL
A. Israel’s governmental leaders will make a covenant with the Antichrist (called the covenant with death and Sheol), and
give their authority to him seven years before Jesus’ Coming (Isa. 28:14-18; Dan. 9:27; 11:45; Zech. 11:16;
Ezek. 38:8-12, 14; 39:26; Jn. 5:43; Lk. 19:11-28; 1 Thes. 5:3). The remnant of Israel will resist this decision. After the
Tribulation Israel will repent.
14 Hear the word of the LORD, you scornful men (leaders of End-Time Israel), who rule this people who are in Jerusalem,
15 because you have said, "We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol we are in agreement… (Isa. 28:14-15)
40 At the time of the end the king of the South (Egypt) shall attack him (Antichrist)… (Dan. 11:40)
B. The angel Gabriel spoke to the prophet Daniel about the final 7 years of this age immediately before the Messiah
would come to rule the world from Jerusalem (Dan. 9:24-27). Gabriel spoke of these seven years as a week. This was a
common expression in Israel. They thought of both a week of years (7 years) as well as a week of days (7 days). This
final seven year period just before Jesus’ return is often referred to as “Daniel’s prophetic week” or “Daniel’s 70th week”.
27 He (Antichrist) shall confirm a covenant (peace treaty) with many (Israel and Middle East nations) for one week
(7 year period); but in the middle of the week (after 3½ years) he shall bring an end to sacrifice (in the Jerusalem
temple, thus breaking the covenant). (Dan. 9:27)
C. The Tribulation starts with the Antichrist establishing a covenant resulting in a counterfeit peace.
3 When they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains (Great Tribulation) upon a
pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. (1 Thes. 5:3)
D. The Antichrist will establish his palace and part of his headquarters in the land of Israel.
45 And he (Antichrist) shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas (Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea) and
the glorious holy mountain (Jerusalem)… (Dan. 11:45)
III. INTERPRETING END-TIME PROPHECIES: THE LAW OF DOUBLE REFERENCE
A. We encourage all to use the literal method of interpretation (grammatical-historical) which understands the
Scripture in its most natural, customary and plain sense way (i.e., face value). We must look for the meaning of a passage
which the author intended that his audience receive.
B. Scriptural prophecies concerning Israel and the nations often have two fulfillments (referred to as the law of
double reference). First, they have a partial fulfillment in history. Second, is another more complete fulfillment at the
end-of-the-age.
C. Moses foretold of a coming military invasion against Israel (Deut. 28:47-52) and of the Lord scattering Israel
across the nations (Deut. 28:64). This was fulfilled in part three times, including the Assyria invasion (722 BC), the
Babylonian invasion (606-586 BC) and then by the army of the Roman Empire (70 AD). The most devastating fulfillment
of this prophecy will be at the hands of the Antichrist who will be far stronger than these other nations.
IV. THE PARTIAL HISTORICAL FULFILLMENT OF ISA. 19:2-15
A. There are two historical settings in which Isa. 19:2-15 is partially fulfilled.
B. First, when the northern kingdom of Israel conspired against Assyria (724-721 BC). Israel’s King Hoshea sent
messengers to Egypt’s King So to gain support (2 Kings 17:4). Some see King So as Sais (24th Dynasty) or as
Osorkon IV (last ruler of the 23rd Dynasty). In the late part of the 8th century (about 715 BC) Pharaoh Shabaka
(25th Dynasty) brought stability to Egypt. This prophecy was intended to keep Hezekiah out this conspiracy with Egypt.
The Egyptians were eventually defeated by Assyria at Raphia in 720 BC.
C. Second, is when the Philistines sought Egypt’s help in resisting Assyria (713-711 BC). The Egyptians were of
little help. Again, one of Isaiah's goals was to keep Hezekiah out of this resistance. The civil and political strife in Egypt
was far greater in 724-720 BC than in 713-711 BC. Sargon did not invade Egypt again after 720 BC but rather
established economic relationship with Egypt.
V. HOW TO APPLY THE TRUTHS IN ISA. 19
A. In our personal life: we have confidence that God will have mercy and release His glory to us and/or our loved
ones even after a long season of rebellion if we repent and cry out to Him.
B. As an End-Time intercessor for Egypt: perseverance, proclamation and intercession
Perseverance: we will be encouraged knowing that victory is certain and soon to come.
Proclamation: we declare the truths of Isa. 19 to the Church and nations in God’s timing.
Intercession: we release the promises on the contrite and judgments on the rebellious.
C. As an End-Time intercessor for the nations: interceding the truths of Isa. 19 for others nations
VI. THE SECOND COMING PROCESSION: 3 STAGES (30 DAYS)
A. Jesus will come into Egypt in the End-Times at the time of the Rapture of the Church.
1 Behold, the LORD rides on a swift cloud, and will come into Egypt; the idols of Egypt will totter at His presence, and the heart
of Egypt will melt in its midst. (Isa. 19:1)
B. Jesus will be seen by every person (believers and unbelievers), from all the tribes of the earth. This requires a
“global procession” over every inhabited place on earth. This procession will be believable enough (for those not
raptured) to have a very deep emotional response of mourning.
7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him...and all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him...
(Rev. 1:7)
C. The Second Coming Procession involves a 3 stage process including many events occurring over a 30 day
period which can be seen by comparing the 1,260 day (3½ year) time frame in Rev. 11:2-3; 12:6, 14; 13:5; Dan. 7:25;
9:27; 12:7 with the 1,290 days of Dan. 12:11.
Stage #1: Jesus’ procession across the sky: to rapture the Church (Mt. 24:30-31; Rev. 1:7)
Stage #2: Jesus’ procession on the land: traveling from Egypt through Jordan (Isa. 63; Hab. 3)
Stage #3: Jesus’ procession into Jerusalem: to the Mount of Olives followed by His coronation
D. This Procession begins in the sky at the 7th Trumpet (Rev. 11:15; 1 Cor. 15:52) with the Rapture and ends
on the earth after the 7th Bowl to end the Armageddon campaign with an astonishing victory over the armies of the
Antichrist at Jerusalem (Rev. 19:11-21; Zech. 12:1-13:6; 14:1-9).
E. After His coming, Jesus will eventually come to the Mount of Olives (Zech. 14:4-5). However, I do not believe this
is His first point of contact with the earth. In my opinion, Jesus will descend to Mt. Sinai in Egypt, also called Mt. Horeb.
Scripture refers to it as The Mountain of God (Ex. 3:1; 4:27; 18:5; 24:13; 1 Kgs. 19:7-8). From Mt. Sinai, Jesus will march
through parts of Egypt then through the wilderness then Jordan (Edom) then He will enter Jerusalem (Mount of Olives).
F. In Acts 3:22, Peter identified Jesus as being the “prophet like Moses” who was to come to Israel (Deut. 18:15-18). In
what sense is Jesus to be understood as like Moses? In the sense that Jesus will deliver Israel from Egypt starting at
Mt. Sinai like Moses (burning bush; Ex. 3) then going through parts of Egypt to manifest power in delivering Jewish
captives (Exod 7-12) only to return again to Mt. Sinai with Israelites to dedicate themselves to God in covenant (Ex. 19).
G. Jesus will come as the “Greater Moses” who will release the 7 Bowls of wrath (Rev. 16), which are similar to Moses
releasing the 10 plagues of Egypt. The miracles seen in Egypt will occur in the End-Times (Mic. 7:15; Isa. 10:22-25;
11:12-16; 30:30; Jer. 16:14-15; 23:7-8; Ezek. 38:22; Joel 2:30). Jesus will enter Egypt as a savior (Isa. 19:19-25).
H. The 7 Bowls of wrath (Rev. 15-16) include painful sores on those who worship the Antichrist (Rev. 16:2);
destroying the sea with blood and killing all in it (Rev. 16:3); poisoning the earth’s fresh water with blood (Rev. 16:4-7);
scorching heat and fire from the sun (Rev. 16:8-9); darkness on the Antichrist's global empire (Rev. 16:10-11);
deceiving the nations to come to Armageddon (Rev. 16:12-16); shaking by earthquakes and 100 lbs. hail stones
(Rev. 16:17-21).
I. Jesus’ procession on the land continues through Jordan (Assyria/Edom). Jesus will march through the city of
Bozrah in Edom (Jordan) and Teman killing His enemies on His way to Jerusalem. Their blood will be sprinkled on
His robes (Isa. 34:5-10; 63:1-6; Hab. 3:3-18; Zech. 9:14; Ps. 110:5-6; Deut. 33:2; Num. 24:17-19; Rev. 19:11-16).
J. The final stage of the Second Coming Procession brings us to the high point of world history. Jesus makes
His procession into Jerusalem going to the Mount of Olives then unto coronation on His Throne in the Temple
(Ps. 24:7-10; Zech. 14:4; Jer. 3:17; Zech. 6:12; Ezek. 43:7).
VII. OUTLINE OF ISAIAH 19 (THREE PARTS)
A. Jesus will come into Egypt (Isa. 19:l): this will be the high point of Egypt’s entire history.
1 Behold, the LORD rides on a swift cloud, and will come into Egypt; the idols of Egypt will totter at His presence, and the
heart of Egypt will melt in its midst. (Isa. 19:1)
B. God’s redemptive discipline on Egypt (Isa. 19:2-15): preparing for Jesus’ coming
1. God will cause great political strife in Egypt (v. 2-4). This will include God stirring up a civil war (v. 2); destroying
Egypt's plans for recovery (v. 3a) and allowing the cruel leadership of the Antichrist to temporarily rule over them (v. 3b-4).
42 He (Antichrist) shall stretch out his hand…the land of Egypt shall not escape. 43 He shall have power over the
treasures of gold and silver…of Egypt… (Dan. 11:42-43)
2. God will cause the Nile River to fail (v 5-10). Isaiah describes a chain reaction of events related to this that will
bring Egypt to her knees. The trouble includes the river drying up (v. 5); the river turning turn foul by the death of fish
and plant life (v. 6-7); the fishermen in crisis (v. 8); textile workers in crisis (v. 9); the foundations of life crumbling (v. 10).
The Nile’s water will be poisoned (Rev. 8:10-11) then turned to blood (Rev. 16:4-7).
3. God will withhold His wisdom from Egypt’s government leadership (Isa. 19:11-15). This includes the inability of the
government to solve Egypt’s problems in the End-Times (v. 11-13); God will send a perverse spirit that will immobilize
the government (v. 14-15).
11 God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who…had pleasure in
unrighteousness. (2 Thes. 2:11-12)
14 The Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the LORD troubled him. (1 Sam. 16:14)
C. God’s glory is released in Egypt (Isa. 19:l6-25). Isaiah declares five "in that day" prophetic statements that must be called
forth in prophetic intercession (v. 16-17; 18; 19-22; 23; 24-25).
VIII. GOD’S GLORY RELEASED IN EGYPT IN THE END-TIMES (ISA. 19:16-25)
A. The Egyptian government will fear the Antichrist’s activity in the land of Judah (v. 16-17).
16 In that day Egypt…will be afraid and fear because of the waving of the hand of the LORD of hosts, which He waves
over it. 17 The land of Judah will be a terror to Egypt; everyone who makes mention of it will be afraid in himself,
because of the counsel of the LORD of hosts which He has determined against it. (Isa. 19:16-17)
1. The Antichrist will establish his palace and part of his headquarters in the land of Israel.
45 He (Antichrist) shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas (Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea) and the
glorious holy mountain (Jerusalem)… (Dan. 11:45)
2. Israel’s governmental leaders will make a covenant with the Antichrist. The terrible consequences of this covenant are
described in Isaiah 28 as a scourge going through the land in a relentless way. The very mention of what happens will
cause terror (Isa. 28:19).
18 Your covenant with death will be annulled…when the overflowing scourge (of the Antichrist) passes through, then you
will be trampled down by it. 19 As often as it goes out it will take you; for morning by morning it will pass over, and by day
and by night; It will be a terror just to understand the report. (Isa. 28:18-19)
17 They shall be afraid of the Lord our God, and shall fear because of You. (Mic 7:17)
3. Jesus will wave His hand over nations to release His power to break all resistance against Him. He will release the
seven bowls of wrath (Rev. 16) including pestilence and fever.
4 His brightness was like the light; He had rays flashing from His hand, and there His power was hidden. 5 Before Him
went pestilence, and fever followed at His feet. 6 He stood and measured the earth; He looked and startled the nations…
(Hab. 3:4-6)
B. Five cities in Egypt will speak Hebrew and make a special vow to follow Jesus (v. 18).
18 In that day five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear by the LORD of hosts; one
will be called the City of Destruction. (Isa. 19:18)
C. A remnant of Egyptians will be devoted to Jesus before the Antichrist is destroyed (v. 19-22).
19 In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the LORD at its border. 20 It
will be for a sign and for a witness to the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to the LORD because of the
oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Mighty One, and He will deliver them. 21 Then the Lord will be known
to Egypt…they will make a vow to the Lord and perform it. 22 The Lord will strike Egypt, He will strike and heal it…and He
will be entreated by them and heal them. (Isa. 19:19-22)
D. They will build an altar and a pillar as a witness of their love for Jesus (v. 19-20a). A mighty prayer movement will
be raised up that will cry out in intercession to be delivered from the oppression of the Antichrist (v. 20b, 22). The Father
will hear their prayers for Jesus to come to them (Rev. 22:17). After the Second Coming, Egypt will know Jesus and keep
their vows to Him (v. 21). Isaiah summarizes the message of Isa. 19 saying that God stuck Egypt to heal her (v. 22).
E. A highway will be built starting in Egypt and going to Assyria (v. 23). This is a literal highway that is emphasized
often in End-Time prophecy (Isa. 11:16; 19:23; 35:8; 49:11; 62:10).
23 In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian will come into Egypt and the Egyptian into
Assyria. The Egyptians will serve with the Assyrians. (Isa. 19:23)
F. God’s blessing of the land will unify Israel, Egypt, and Assyria (v. 24-25).
24 In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria-- a blessing in the midst of the land, 25 whom the
LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, "Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My
inheritance." (Isa. 19:24-25)