Isaiah 19: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Isaiah 19 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh brings judgment on Egypt, riding on a swift cloud, causing the idols to tremble (vv. 1-2). Egyptians will rise against each other, and their spirit will fail (vv.

Key verse

“Yahweh will be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians will know Yahweh in that day. Yes, they will worship with sacrifice and offering, and will vow a vow to Yahweh, and will perform it.”
Isaiah 19:21 (WEB)

Outline

Isaiah 19:1–4 Divine Judgment on Egypt
Isaiah 19:5–10 Environmental and Economic Calamity
Isaiah 19:11–15 Failure of Leadership and Wisdom
Isaiah 19:16–22 Fears and Promise of Restoration
Isaiah 19:23–25 A New Unity Among Nations

Discussion questions

In v5, what happens to the waters and the river in Egypt?
What will the Egyptians do in v20 when they cry out because of oppressors?
The phrase 'cruel lord' in v4: who is this referring to and why is it significant?
In v18, what does the phrase 'The city of destruction' suggest about Egypt's future?
When have you seen a group divided against itself like in v2?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Isaiah 19: Psalm 33, Isaiah 11, Ezekiel 30.

Before next time: read Isaiah 20.