The burden of Egypt— The fifth discourse of the second book of Isaiah's prophesy contained in this chapter, delivered at another time, and much later than the preceding, copiously sets forth the fate of Egypt, a nation from the remotest antiquity famous in the east. The scene of the prophesy is, according to Isaiah's manner, elegantly laid. He introduces God, borne upon a swift cloud, coming into Egypt to execute the decrees of his justice, to the confusion of the idols of that superstitious country. He then describes the evils and calamities, as well of the approaching as of future time, which should fall upon Egypt; in which the presence of God, as the judge of this people, should be observed. The prophesy is twofold. The FIRST part describes the evil which should happen to Egypt; wherein we have, first, a figurative proposition, which sets forth the argument of the prophesy, Isaiah 19:1. Secondly, the evils about to happen to Egypt are enumerated; Isaiah 19:2-4. Thirdly, the consequence of these evils, Isaiah 19:5-10. Fourthly, the immediate cause of these evils, the want of salutary counsel in the princes of Egypt; Isaiah 19:11-17. The LATTER part exhibits, first, a proposition concerning the grace of God and the knowledge of true religion, to be communicated to the Egyptians; Isaiah 19:18 to the middle of 20. Secondly, the causes of that benefit:—middle of 20 to 22. Thirdly, some notable adjuncts of it, Isaiah 19:23-25. Some expositors interpret this prophesy literally, others mystically; but the more judicious are for the literal interpretation; and Vitringa thinks, that the greater part of the prophesy refers to the time of Cambyses, and the desolation brought upon Egypt by the Persians: But of this we shall speak more at large in the following notes. Concerning the history of Egypt we refer the reader to Vitringa and the Univ. Hist. vol. 1: p. 319 and vol. 2: p. 97.
Behold, the Lord rideth, &c.— The prophet begins with an elegant proposition, wherein he advises us that God is there present where he judges, or that the judgments of God are most certain testimonies of his presence among men as their ruler and judge, and that, the time of his longsuffering being completed, he will execute his judgments suddenly, and more swiftly than human expectation. See Malachi 3:5. The first effect of God's coming to judgment upon Egypt is said to be, the commotion of the idols. The prophet declares, that at the approach of God they should be moved, and fall from their places, like Dagon at the presence of the ark. The second effect is, that the heart of Egypt should melt in the midst of it; that is, the Egyptians should be in so great a consternation, that their very souls should faint within them, through dread of their approaching calamities. See Deuteronomy 20:8. Luke 21:26. Hereby the prophet means to inform us, that the prince who should come upon Egypt, and lay it waste, should approach with the most swift and rapid motion, as the executor of the decrees of the divine justice; that he should throw down and destroy their idols, and fill all Egypt with the greatest consternation. Now it is certain, that Cambyses, about forty-four years after the delivery of this prophesy, exactly fulfilled these things; particularly with respect to the idols of Egypt. His first attempt, says Bishop Newton, was upon Pelusium, a strong town at the entrance of Egypt, and the key of the kingdom; and he succeeded by the stratagem of placing before his army a great number of dogs, sheep, cats, and other animals, which being held sacred by the Egyptians, not one of them would cast a javelin, or shoot an arrow that way; and so the town was stormed and taken in a manner without resistance. He treated the gods of Egypt with marvellous contempt, laughed at the people, and chastised the priests for worshipping such deities. He slew Apis, or the sacred ox, which the Egyptians worshipped, with his own hand, burned and demolished their other idols and temples; and would likewise, if he had not been prevented, have destroyed the famous temple of Jupiter Ammon. Ochus too, who was another king of Persia, and subdued the Egyptians again, after they had revolted, plundered their temples, and caused Apis to be slain, and served up in a banquet to him and his friends. See Bishop Newton and Vitringa.