A Sign and a Witness to Jehovah

However, while "Egypt's" leaders are weak, "like women,"  there are still some individuals who look for godly wisdom.  Jehovah's anointed ones and their companions 'declare abroad God's excellencies.'  (Isaiah  19:16; 1 Peter 2:9)  They are doing what they can to warn people of the coming demise of Satan's organization.  Looking ahead to this situation, Isaiah says:  "The ground of Judah must become to Egypt a cause for reeling.  Everybody to whom one mentions it is in dread of the counsel of Jehovah of  armies that he is counseling against him."  (Isaiah 19:17)  The faithful messengers of Jehovah go forth telling people the truth-including the announcement of the plagues foretold by Jehovah.  (Revelation 8:7-12; 16:2-12)  This is disturbing to the religious leaders of the world.

What is the surprising result of this proclamation work?   "In that day there will prove to be five cities in the land of Egypt speaking the language of Canaan and swearing to Jehovah of armies.  The City of Tearing Down will one city be called.  (Isaiah  19:18)   In ancient  times this prophecy was apparently fulfilled when the Hebrew language was spoken in Egyptian cities by Jews who had fled there.  (Jeremiah 24:1, 8-10; 41:1-3; 42:9-43:7; 44:1)  Today, there are people in the territory of modern-day "Egypt" who have learned to speak the "pure language" of Bible truth.  (Zephaniah 3:9)  One of the five figurative cities is called "The City of Tearing Down," signifying that part of the "pure language" is related to exposing and "tearing down" Satan's organization.

Thanks to the proclamation work of Jehovah's people, his great name will certainly become known in this system of things.  "In that day there will prove to be an altar to Jehovah in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to Jehovah beside its boundary."  (Isaiah 19:19) These words point  to the position of anointed Christians, who are in a covenant relationship with God.  (Psalm 50:5)  As "an altar" they are offering their sacrifices; as "a pillar and support of the truth," they are bearing witness to Jehovah.  (1 Timothy 3:15; Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:15, 16)  they are "in the midst of the land," being found-along with their "other sheep" companions-in more than 230 countries and islands of the sea.  But they are "no part of the world."  (John 10:16; 17:15, 16)  They are, as it were, standing on the boundary between this world and the Kingdom of God, prepared to cross that boundary and receive their heavenly reward. 

Isaiah continues:  "It must prove to be for a sign and for a witness to Jehovah of armies in the land of Egypt; for they will cry out to Jehovah because of  the oppressors, and actually deliver them."  (Isaiah 19:20)  As "a sign" and "a witness," the anointed take the lead in the preaching work and exalt Jehovah's name in this system of things.  (Isaiah 8:18; Hebrews 2:13)  Throughout the world the cries of oppressed people can be hears, but by and large, human governments are unable to help them.  However, Jehovah will send  a Grand Savior, the King Jesus Christ, to liberate all the meek ones.  When these last days reach their climax at the war of Armageddon, he will bring relief and everlasting blessings to God-fearing humans. -Psalm 72;2,4, 7, 12-14.

In the meantime, it is God's will that all sorts of people gain accurate knowledge and be saved.  (1 Timothy 2:4)  Hence, Isaiah writes:  "Jehovah will certainly become known to the Egyptians; and the Egyptians must know Jehovah in that day, and they must render sacrifice and gift and must make a vow to Jehovah and pay it. And Jehovah will certainly deal Egypt a blow.  There will be a dealing of a blow and a healing; and they must return to Jehovah,  and he must let himself be entreated by them and must heal them."  (Isaiah 19:21, 22)  People from all nations of Satan's  world, individual "Egyptians," come to know Jehovah and render him a sacrifice , "the fruit of lips which make public declaration to his name."  (Hebrews 13:15)  They make a vow to Jehovah by dedicating  themselves to him, and they pay their vow by living the life of loyal service.  Following  the "blow" that Jehovah will deal this system of things at Armageddon, he will use his Kingdom to heal humankind.  During Jesus' Millennial Reign, mankind will be elevated to spiritual, mental, moral, and physical perfection-healing indeed! -Revelation 22:1, 2.

Next time: "Blessed Be My People"

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind,  2000