At the great crisis in human affairs described by Daniel as "a time of trouble such as never was", many events will occur during a short space of time. Some of those events although considered separately in these notes will occur simultaneously. The following is an attempt to relate those events chronologically so that an orderly progression may be seen in the outworking of the divine purpose at this time.
1. The Russian confederacy drives south along the coastal plains of Israel and into Egypt which is overwhelmed.
2. The western nations respond to Russia's occupation of Egypt by entrenching their forces in and around Jerusalem.
3. Meanwhile, Christ and his glorified saints prepare to move from Sinai. Incorporated in this preparation will be the sending forth of Elijah and his associates to scattered Jewry.
4. Tidings from the east (Sinai) and from the north (Jerusalem) trouble Gog and he advances northward to engage the forces of the Tarshish' powers at Jerusalem.
5. Christ and his saints - Yahweh Tzvaoth, move northwards to subdue the Arabs of the region and then into Egypt to overthrow the residue of Gog's occupation force and to "smite and heal" Egypt.
6. Russia defeats the western powers in Israel and victoriously plants the headquarters of its Image-Empire in Jerusalem.
7. The Jewish people are destroyed, scattered or taken into captivity by Gog's forces.
8. Christ and his saints having left Egypt arrive at Jerusalem after sweeping aside resistance along the way and destroying Gog's army in a great holocaust precipitated by an earthquake.
DEPLOYMENT OF THE SAINTS
It will be an honour for all saints to execute upon the nations the judgements written and to carry forth divine vengeance upon a guilty world - Ps.149, John 18:36, Rev.19:11-14. However, though all saints will be identified with the work of conquest, being part of the Multitudinous Christ or Yahweh Sabaoth, not all will be with Christ at Armageddon. It is obvious that some saints will be occupied in other aspects of the work while Christ goes forth with a representative army to destroy Gog.
The glorified saints will be organised into the 'eyes' (Zech.4:10), 'arms' (Isa.40:10), 'name' (Isa.30:27), and 'feet' (Zech.l4:4) of Yahweh, each having a specific work to perform. Some saints will be given the work of teaching, others administration, and others directing the work of conquest.
As an example, Elijah and his glorified associates will not be at Armageddon but will be occupied in all lands warning and instructing scattered Jewry concerning impending events and of their Second Exodus. Furthermore, many of those glorified who were living contemporary with Christ's
return will be occupied in tending to their own children (Ezek.47:22-23), many of whom will still be of tender age. These and many other tasks will be appointed to the saints while Christ rejoices with his Bride following the marriage of the Lamb at Mt. Sinai.
ARABS SUBDUED AND DISCIPLINED
While Gog goes forth from Egypt with great fury to utterly make away many, Christ will move from Sinai into the region round about where the Arab nations will be gathering at this crisis in world affairs that involves "all nations". That Christ's first work of conquest is among the Arab peoples is made clear from Habakkuk's prophecy.
Habakkuk 3:7
From verse 3 of this chapter Habakkuk describes the power and movements of Yahweh Sabaoth or the 'Mighty One' (Eloah) who originates from Teman (the south). The prophet presents a picture of the Multitudinous Christ striding forth from Sinai to "drive asunder the nations" and reveals in verse seven the first peoples to feel the power of his judgement.
"I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction" - Roth. — "under distress saw I the tents " The term 'tents' implies a nomadic people. As they are the first peoples encountered by 'the Mighty One' in his march from Mt. Sinai it is evident that they dwell in and around the area of the Sinai Peninsular.
Cushan or Ethiopia was originally situated to the north (modern Iraq - Gen.2:13) but Cushites migrated south to Ethiopia (modern Abyssinia). However, there was a third Cushan identified with the land of Midian, adjacent to Teman. Moses' Midianitish wife, Zipporah (Ex.2:15-21), is styled a Cushite, or Ethiopian in Num.12:1. In Ezek.38:13, Sheba and Dedan can be identified with the Arab peoples, and also with Cush. In Gen.25:3, they are described as descendents of Abraham, whilst in 1 Chron.1:9 they are traced from Cush. It appears that through the intermarriage of descendents of Abraham through Keturah with descendents of Cush the line of descent became confused. Obviously, the 'tents of Cushan' relate to the Arabian descendents of Cush through Abraham, dwelling in the region of Sinai.
"the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble" — The land of Midian is adjacent to the Gulf of Aqaba, stretching along the Red Sea coast - Ex.2:15, 3:1. Hence, again this description relates to Arab peoples inhabiting the area of Sinai.
A terrible manifestation of supernatural power will be brought to bear upon the Arab peoples resulting in their complete subjugation to Christ. They will be the first to feel the sword of the 'Mighty One' from Teman.
PURPOSE OF THIS STRATEGY
The subduing and disciplining of the Arabs is the first work Christ will do in order to provide a haven for Jews who flee from the land when Gog overwhelms Israel. The age-long hostility of Arab towards Jew which still exists today must be removed if the fleeing Jews are to find refuge among the Arab peoples adjacent to the land.
Isaiah 21:13-15
V.13 - "The burden upon Arabia" - Roth. - "The oracle on Arabia”. It is interesting to note the preceding verses which indicate the context of Isaiah's oracle upon Arabia.
"In the forest in Arabia shall ye lodge" - Roth. - "Among the shrubs in Arabia must ye lodge'! The word for 'forest' is YA'AR which is widely used in relation to forests or a wood of any kind. It means "to thicken with verdue” Hence, in relation to Arabia it must refer to a time when the Arabian wilderness is transformed into a lush forest region. This dramatic change will be one of the consequences of the massive changes Christ will bring to the region subsequent to (and as a result of) Armageddon.
The word 'lodge' means to dwell. The place of dwelling for the Arabs in the Kingdom Age is Arabia proper to the east and south of the territory promised to Abraham. To this area the humbled and disciplined Arab peoples will be taken and resettled.
"O ye travelling companies of Dedanim" - Dedan as noted above refers to the Arab peoples who descended from Abraham and Cush — Gen.25:3; 1 Chron.1:9. The fact that they are described as travelling in companies serves to confirm the obvious reference to the nomadic Bedoiun tribes of the Arabian Peninsular, Sinai Desert, and Jordanian Plateau.
V.14 — "The inhabitants of the land of Tema" — Tema was a son of Ishmael (Gen.25:15) and probably gave his name to the region of Teman. The word signifies 'the south' and clearly refers to the region of Sinai (Hab.3:3). The Arabs of this region who will be the first to feel the power of Christ's disciplining sword will stand ready to assist fleeing Jews in the "time of Jacob's trouble”
"brought water to him that was thirsty" - The refugees from Israel, fleeing Gog's furious attack upon the land of Israel will be desperate for sustenance as was their forefather Elijah in a similar sitution (1 Kings 19:4-8). A drink of water in this dry and arid region is a valuable gift (Matt. 10:42) and given together with bread was regarded as an act of friendship (Deut.23:4).
"they prevented with their bread him that fled" - R.V. - "did meet the fugitives with their bread'! This implies that the Arab peoples will actually initiate help for the fleeing Jews. They will preempt their cries for help.
What could bring about such a remarkable change in the attitude of Arab toward Jew but the supernatural intervention of Christ?
V.15 - "For they fled from the swords" - This verse provides the reason why the Jews must flee the land of Israel and seek refuge in adjoining lands. Gog's invasion of Israel will be so ruthless and devestating that two-thirds (or over 2 million) of the population will be destroyed (Zech.13:8).
CONVERSION OF THE ARABS
A number of passages clearly demonstrate that the Arabs are to be converted to the faith of their father Abraham, and that they will serve the Lord Jesus Christ as near neighbours of redeemed and regathered Israel.
Occupying such a position they will be a privileged people, able to freely frequent the Land and Temple in worship together with their mortal Israelitish brethren and companies of Gentiles from all over the world.
Psalm 72:9
"They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him" - This obvious reference to the Arabs occurs in a context which speaks of Christ extending his dominion from the Land of the Covenant to all parts of the earth.
The Arabs will be the first non-Israelitish people to submit to his authority.
Isaiah 60:6-7
V.6 - "Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba" - Midian identifies the Arab peoples of the Sinai region - Ex.2:15, 3:1. Ephah was a son of Midian (Gen.25:4) and therefore relates to a branch of the Midianites. Sheba was a brother of Dedan and identifies with the people inhabiting the Arabian Peninsular (Gen.25:3, 1 Chron.1:9).
"they shall bring gold and incense" — The literal tokens of obeisance offered by the Arabs to purified Israel bespeaks the spiritual motivation behind their gifts. The Arabs will indeed manifest 'faith' and come to offer their 'prayers' to Yahweh. This is revealed by the following words.
"they shall shew forth the praises of Yahweh" - Roth. - "and the praises of Yahweh shall they joyfully tell" Having felt the fierce judgements of Yahweh and experienced his boundless loving-kindness as they witnessed the benefits flowing unto them as a consequence of their conversion they will have much to tell concerning "the goodness and severity of Deity".
V.7 - "All the flocks of Kedar" - Kedar was the second son of Ishmael (Gen.25:13) but rose to pre-eminence over his older brother. Thus, the name Kedar is sometimes used to describe Arabia in general – Isa.42:11, Ezek.27:21.
"the rams of Nebaioth" - Same as Nebajoth, the firstborn of Ishmael (Gen.25:13). This phrase is a parallelism to the former. The name means 'fruitfulness'.
"shall come up with acceptance on mine altar" - This verse appears to indicate that the flocks of the Arabs will be presented to Israel for use as altar offerings in the Temple. Again the inference is that the Arabs will be a privileged people.
"and I will glorify the house of my glory" - The Arabs are to make a significant contribution to the building and operation of the House of Prayer for all nations.
Isaiah 42:11-12
V.11 - "the villages that Kedar doth inhabit" - See note on "Kedar" above. A reference to the peoples of modern Saudi Arabia.
"let the inhabitants of the rock sing" - The word 'rock' is SELAH – a lofty, craggy rock. Bro. Thomas translates "the rocky country" and interprets the phrase to mean Arabia Petrea.
V.12 - "Let them give glory unto Yahweh" - This is the reason why the Arab peoples will lift up their voices and sing. Humbled and converted they will gladly serve and praise Yahweh for His righteousness and goodness.
FATE OF EDOM
Edom is not to be confused with the Arab people, for the destiny of Edom is to be quite different as is declared by Obadiah the prophet; "They shall be as though they had not been" (Obad.16). This was the fate of ancient Edom, and it will be the fate of typical Edom: the flesh in political manifestation.
SMITING AND HEALING OF EGYPT
Following the subjugation and disciplining of the Arabs, Christ and the saints will move westwards into Egypt. In Isaiah 19 this is shown to be by invitation of the sorely oppressed Egyptians who will be suffering at the hands of "a cruel lord”.
Christ's entry into Egypt is part of a predetermined plan by God to provide a base for the return of purged and redeemed Israel to the land of their fathers (Isa.11:15). Because of its proximity to the Covenant Land Egypt occupies an important place in the purpose of Deity; this purpose is fully outlined in Isaiah 19 which also provides details of the great crisis to descend upon Egypt during "the time of trouble such as never was”.
INVADES EGYPT - Isaiah 19:1
V.1 - "The burden of Egypt" - Roth. - "The oracle on Egypt”. The Hebrew word ΜASSAH is from the root ΝASAH - to lift, to raise up, therefore something that is heavy or burdensome, requiring to be lifted.
This chapter describes the 'burden of Egypt' through which it will be humbled, disciplined and healed.
"Behold, Yahweh rideth upon a swift cloud" - This is the imagery of Rev. 10 and describes the movement of the Rainbowed Angel fresh from victory over the Arabs, westwards towards Egypt.
A 'cloud' is representative of a multitude (Heb.12:1) and here portrays the glorified saints, the cherubic chariot or vehicle upon which Yahweh (the Lord Jesus Christ) will ride into Egypt. However, as the cloud is described as 'swift', a word signifying light and therefore rapid in movement (QAL) the inference is that not all the saints will accompany Christ on this mission but only a representative multitude. Doubtless much work will remain for the remainder among the Arab peoples.
"and shall come into Egypt" — It can be shown that Christ must enter Egypt before Armageddon. Hab.3:8 hints that the next work before the Mighty One after disciplining the Arabs is connected with Egypt. Dan. 11:42-45 demonstrates how Russia will invade and occupy Egypt but then send its main force to Jerusalem where it will be overthrown by Christ.
If this overthrow preceded Christ's march into Egypt it is likely that the Egyptians would be able to successfully throw out the remnant of Russia's forces without Christ's help, but they are represented as desperately crying to Yahweh for help because of the oppression (Isa.l9:20) and this implies a pre-Armageddon situation.
"and the idols shall be moved at his presence" - Roth. — "and the idols of Egypt shall shake at his presence”. Idols are not capable of emotional feelings but their makers and devotees are. The presence of Christ will finally dispel the superstitions and destroy the idolatry that has shackled the Egyptians for ages.
The word 'moved' is NUWAH in the Hebrew and can also be rendered "to be removed”. This suggests the ultimate purpose of Christ in entering Egypt.
"And the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it" - This is the language of fear and trepidation - Josh.2:11, 14:8. The word 'melt' is MACAC signifying to liquify. This is the condition into which the Egyptians will be brought so that like Rahab they may turn in faith unto Yahweh in a time of great distress.
This first verse actually announces the final results of Yahweh's purpose with Egypt. What follows is a description of events leading up to Christ's intervention. This is in accord with the principle frequently employed in the prophets of announcing the end result before the process required to bring it to pass; e.g. Isa.2.
UNDER GOG - Isaiah 19:2-4
V.2 - "And I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians" - The prophet depicts Egypt torn with internal strife just prior to Russia's invasion (v.4).
What will cause this is not revealed in detail but it will be brought about by the divine hand.
The strife will be so serious as to verge on civil war - "city against city, and kingdom (Lxx. - district) against kingdom”.
V.3 - "And the spirit of Egypt shall fail" - BAQAQ - to pour out, i.e. to empty. Internal strife and external danger will result in a total breakdown of the fabric of Egyptian society.
"I will destroy the counsel thereof" - Roth. - "the sagacity thereof will I swallow up”. Government will collapse amidst the general confusion leaving Egypt wide open to external intervention.
"they shall seek to the idols, and to the charmers" - In vain the Egyptians will fall back upon their false religion (Mohammedism — 'the idols') and the vanities of their superstitions. As the terms 'charmers' and 'wizards' are applied to the Apostacy (Isa.8:19) the Egyptians may even turn to the 'Christian' world for help when they find their Mohammedin brothers otherwise preoccupied.
V.4 - "the Egyptians will I give over into the hands of a cruel lord" - This is Gog - Dan.11:40-45. Few nations in the so-called 'civilised' world are as brutal and cruel to captured nations as Russia. The latter day 'Assyrian’ is named such because his despotism and ruthlessness match that of the Assyrian kings of old. Egypt will be swamped by Gog's invasion and fall to the iron rule of "a fierce king”.
DIRE POVERTY - Isaiah 19:5-10
The livelihood of Egypt has always revolved around the River Nile and in latter times around both the Nile and the Suez Canal. Both of these vital waterways appear to be referred to in this passage which predicts the total collapse of Egypt's economy. Egypt will be thoroughly humbled by depression as the following conditions are gradually felt.
V.5 Commerce which in Egypt depends upon the waterways will grind to a halt as the waters figuratively dry up.
V.6 Egypt will be isolated from help, its canals will silt up, poverty will become acute.
V.7 The vital fields on the flood plains of the Nile will be left uncultivated.
V.8 Egypt's important fishing industry will go into decline and eventual ruin.
V.9 Egypt's craft and industry will close down.
V.10 The depression will strike all classes, rich and poor and the general calamity will bring Egypt to its knees.
POLITICAL FOLLY - Isaiah 19:11-15
Now the reason for Egypt's economic collapse is given; a failure of government. This is clear from
v.15 which attributes the disastrous economic situation to poor leadership. Briefly stated the failure of Egypt's rulers which brings about this parlous state may be summarised thus:
1. Egypt's government advisors become wasteful and irrational in handling the nation's affairs ('brutish' - to consume, v.11).
2. A failure of the wisdom once displayed by Egypt's rulers in ancient times manifested in an inability to perceive the divine purpose in relation to Israel and Egypt (v.12).
3. A breakdown of effective government through the selfishness of the ruling class (v.13).
4. The mingling of a perverse spirit among Egypt's rulers by Yah wen who will exploit their inefficiencies, selfishness, and irrationality to bring to pass His purpose with Egypt (v.14).
TO BE HUMBLED - Isaiah 19:16-17
V.16 - "in that day" - This is the day spoken of in v.1, as is clear from what follows in this verse. The latter part of the chapter deals with the healing of Egypt.
"shall Egypt be like unto women” — This simile is chosen to portray Egypt's helpless state in the face of the overwhelming divine power of Yahweh Tzvaoth.
"the shaking of the hand of Yahweh Tzvaoth" - Shaking of the hand is figurative of wielding authority. This is the work of the mighty Rainbowed Angel in Egypt. The word 'shaking’ is TENUWPHAH signifying a brandishing (in threat). Christ and the saints will humble the Egyptians by wielding divine supernatural powers.
V.17 - "the land of Judah shall be a terror unto Egypt" - The nation of Israel is already a terror to Egypt but will become more so when they are visited by "the lion of the tribe of Judah”. They will tremble in expectation of retribution for their age-long anti-Semitism at the appearance of this more terrifying manifestation of Israeli might.
CONVERTED - Isaiah 19:18
V.18 - "In that day shall five cities" - Five is the number of grace and mercy. These five cities will be appointed by Christ as centres of instruction where the truth concerning the grace and mercy of Yahweh will be proclaimed. The saints will preside over these centres to provide instruction in divine things to the humbled and disciplined Egyptians.
"speak the language of Canaan" — Namely Hebrew which will become the universal language in the Kingdom Age (Zeph.3:9). The 'language of Canaan' is however more than just an alphabet and a system of speech; it is a system of truth. The tongue of Deity which is manifestly scriptural Hebrew, is indivisible from His truth which is best proclaimed in that language.
"and swear to Yahweh" - i.e. swear allegiance to Yahweh.
"one shall be called, the city of destruction" - One of the cities appointed as centres of instruction will be particularly important.
The word 'destruction' is HEREC signifying demolition or destruction. Some commentators offer the alternative "city of the sun" and the Septuagint has, "the city of righteousness”. While these can easily be seen to have relation to Christ the A.V. rendition is probably correct.
Perhaps this city will be established as a place of commemoration of Christ's victory over Gog's forces in Egypt (cp. Ezek.39:11,15-16) and over Egyptian idolatry (v.1).
MEMORIALISED IN EGYPT - Isaiah 19:19-20
V.19 - "an altar to Yahweh" - Not for the purpose of sacrifice but as a memorial to the victory of Yahweh over Egypt's oppressors and a reminder of their responsibility to serve Yahweh with sacrifices upon His altar in Zion - cp. Josh.22:24-29.
"and a pillar at the border" - Another physical memorial to commemorate Christ's victorious intervention in Egypt's affairs, at a time of great distress.
V.20 - "it shall be for a sign" - OWTH - a signal. The Lxx adds to this phrase "for the age”. This obelisk will be erected to commemorate past and future deliverances by Yahweh.
"for they shall cry unto Yahweh because of the oppressors" – Primarily this refers to the cry of distress as a result of the oppression of a 'cruel lord'; namely Gog, but Hebraists state that the verb will permit the verse to be given in the future tense, and may therefore relate to subsequent oppressions - cp. Zech.14:18.
"he shall send them a saviour" - Primarily, this refers to Christ but also has relationship to the saints who will complete the work he initiates.
"a great one" — RAB - abundant. The word is used in a wide variety of applications. It is translated "captain", "prince", and "officer" elsewhere, and in those places implies a ruler or governor having others ranked beneath him. This refers to Christ and his co-rulers - Ps.22:27-28.
CONVERSION OF EGYPT - Isaiah 19:21-22
V.21 - "And Yahweh shall be known to Egypt" - Roth. - "Then will Yahweh make himself known to the Egyptians, so shall the Egyptians know Yahweh" This will be the result of instruction and education.
"and shall do sacrifice and oblation" - The Egyptians will serve Yahweh in Jerusalem along with all nations - Zech.14:16.
V.22 - "Yahweh shall smite and heal it" - The word 'smite' is NAGAPH signifying to push, gore, defeat, inflict. This will be accomplished in Yahweh's invasion of Egypt - v.1
The healing of Egypt must of necessity be a work of time and will be effected by instruction in divine things. There are two great afflictions in Egypt; leprosy (Deut.28:60, 7:15) and blindness, and these are typical of the spiritual state of the people. Christ and the saints will heal Egypt of 'sin' and 'ignorance' by education.
"and they shall return even to Yahweh" - The word 'return' is SHUWB signifying to turn. Hence, Roth. — "and they will turn unto Yahweh”.
As a result of turning to Yahweh, He will in turn be entreated of them on the principle of James 4:8.
FORMS PART OF A UNITED WORLD - Isaiah 19:23
V.23 — "a highway out of Egypt to Assyria" - In Isaiah's day Egypt and Assyria were the two greatest nations and between them virtually constituted the then known world. The highway refers to a "way of righteousness" in which the nations will walk. There will be a highway out of both
Assyria and Egypt for Israel to return to the Land (Isa.62:10, 11:16) and in which the Gentiles will also walk (Zech.8:22-23).
SUBMITS TO ISRAEL AS THE FIRST DOMINION - Isaiah 19:24-25
V.24 - "shall Israel be the third with Egypt" - This does not mean Israel will be third in rank but the intermediary between Egypt and Assyria. Recognition of Israel's status will be one of the conditions that Christ will lay down before the nations for their acceptance – Ezek.39:23,27; Zech.8:20-23. That Israel is the channel through which Assyria and Egypt will become a blessing to all nations is made clear by the next statement that these three nations shall be "a blessing in the midst of the earth”. (Roth.).
V.25 - "Blessed be Egypt my people" - They will become such by conversion to Yahweh's truth.
"and Assyria the work of my hands" — The intervention of Yahweh's hands will transform this people of the north. Thus in these statements is portrayed the conversion of the whole world.
"and Israel mine inheritance" - To Israel alone is reserved the privilege of becoming Yahweh's inheritance among the nations, for there He will dwell – Zech.2:10-13.
