Understanding the Prophecy of Isaiah 19:18-25: A Preview of the Millennial Kingdom

The primary mission of the prophets in the Hebrew Bible was to interpret the commandments of the Torah and explain how to carry them out in order to live a life of reverence for and obedience to the Creator. While predicting the future was a minor element, they primarily spoke about what would happen if the Israelites obeyed or disobeyed His commandments. Expecting Jews to prove that the Prophets did not predict a 'savior' who would replace Judaism with a 'universal' religion is both unrealistic and illogical, especially as Judaism has never claimed to be the only true form of worship. This complexity is further compounded by the difficulty in determining the current events at the time the prophetic messages were delivered.

Context and Purpose of the Prophecy

Isaiah 19:18-25 mainly describe things that will occur in the Millennial Kingdom when Jesus Christ rules the earth, although there are some things that happen before Christ's rule on earth. The key to understanding prophecies like this one lies in recognizing that the prophecy is not in chronological order. Readers must understand the Millennial Kingdom from many other parts of the Bible, as well as the events before the Millennial Kingdom, such as the Tribulation and Armageddon. This context will help decipher which parts of the prophecy refer to events before the Millennial Kingdom and which will occur in that future time.

Interpreting the KeyVerse 18

The prophecy states, 'In that day there will be five cities in the land of Egypt that speak the language of Canaan and swear to Yahweh of Armies. One will be called the “City of Destruction.”'

While the Masoretic Text reads 'City of Destruction,' the Qumran scroll of Isaiah 1QIsaa reads 'City of the Sun,' which better fits the context. This reading suggests a future transformation of Egyptian cities to worship Yahweh. Supporting evidence for 'City of the Sun' includes:

Medieval Hebrew Manuscripts: Symmachus, Greek version, Aramaic Targum, and Latin Vulgate all support 'City of the Sun.' Historical Context: Heliopolis, known as the 'City of the Sun,' was a significant city in ancient Egypt. If Heliopolis turned from Egyptian idols to the worship of Yahweh, it would be a noteworthy event.

While the 'City of Destruction' could refer to the past, 'City of the Sun' emphasizes the future transformation of these cities, aligning with the prophetic theme of a future alliance between Israelites and Egyptians under Yahweh's rule.

Conclusion

The prophecy of Isaiah 19:18-25 is a profound insight into the future Millennial Kingdom. By understanding the context and the prophecies surrounding the Millennial Kingdom, readers can better interpret the specific events described. This prophecy highlights the future unity between Israel and Egypt, emphasizing the acceptance of Yahweh as their God. This vision of a world united through faith in Yahweh, overcoming cultural and religious differences, is a powerful testament to the divine plan for humanity in the future.