Isaiah 19:1

“The burden of Egypt; &c.] Or a prophecy concerning Egypt, as the Arabic version; a very grievous one, declaring many calamities that should come upon them. The Targum is, “the burden of the cup of cursing, to make the Egyptians drink.” The people of the Jews reposed great confidence in the Egyptians their allies; wherefore, in order to break this confidence, it was necessary they should be acquainted with the destruction that was coming upon them, which is the design of this prophecy. Behold, the Lord rideth upon a swift cloud: or a “light” onef358 denoting the speed with which he came, he would come quickly, light clouds move swiftly; the suddenness and unexpectedness of his coming, clouds…”

“(Isa. 19:1-25) burden--(See on Isa 13:1). upon . . . cloud-- (Psa 104:3; Psa 18:10). come into Egypt--to inflict vengeance. "Egypt," in Hebrew, Misraim, plural form, to express the two regions of Egypt. BUNSEN observes, The title of their kings runs thus: "Lord of Upper and Lower Egypt." idols--the bull, crocodile, &c. The idols poetically are said to be "moved" with fear at the presence of one mightier than even they were supposed to be (Exo 12:12; Jer 43:12).”

“The burden of Egypt - This is the title to the prophecy. For the meaning of the word “burden,” see the note at Isaiah 13:1. The word ‘Egypt’ in the original is מצרים mı̂tserayı̂m; and it was so called after Mizraim the second son of Ham, and grandson of Noah. Sometimes it is called Mazor 2 Kings 19:24; Isaiah 19:6; Isaiah 37:25; Micah 7:12; where, however, our English version has rendered the word by “besieged place or fortress.” The ancient name of the country among the inhabitants themselves was “Chimi or Chami” (Χημυ Chēmu). The Egyptian word signified “black,” and the name was probably given from the black deposit made by the slime of the Nile. ‘Mizraim, or Misrim, the name given to…”

“Rideth - As a general in the head of his army. A swift cloud - This phrase shews that the judgment should come speedily, unexpectedly, and unavoidably. Shall be moved - So far shall they be from helping the Egyptians, that they shall tremble for themselves. Isaiah 19:2”

“19:1–20:6 See also Jer 46; Ezek 29–32. 19:1-10 Egypt was vulnerable, depending on the Nile for food, fish, and industry. When the Lord struck the Nile, Egypt would be in dire straits, and their gods would not be able to help. 19:1 Riding on a swift cloud shows God’s sovereignty and power over creation (Ps 104:3). He is coming in judgment against Judah’s enemies (see Deut 33:26; Pss 18:9-10; 68:4; 97:2-3). • The idols of Egypt tremble because they are weak and impotent, unable to help (see Isa 40:18; 45:16; 46:1).”

“Egypt: Jer 25:19, Jer 43:8-13, Jer 44:29, Jer 44:30, 46:1-28; Ezek. 29:1-32:32; Joe 3:19; Zac 10:11, Zac 14:18 rideth: Deu 33:26; Psa 18:10-12, Psa 68:4, Psa 68:33, Psa 68:34, Psa 104:34; Mat 26:64, Mat 26:65; Rev 1:7 the idols: Isa 21:9, Isa 46:1, Isa 46:2; Exo 12:12; Sa1 5:2-4; Jer 43:12, Jer 46:25, Jer 50:2, Jer 51:44; Eze 30:13 the heart: Isa 19:16; Exo 15:14-16; Jos 2:9, Jos 2:11, Jos 2:24; Jer 46:5, Jer 46:15, Jer 46:16 Isaiah 19:2”

“The oracle opens with a short introduction, condensing the whole of the substance of the first half into a few weighty words - an art in which Isaiah peculiarly excelled. In this the name of Egypt, the land without an equal, occurs no less than three times. "Behold, Jehovah rideth upon a light cloud, and cometh to Egypt; and the idols of Egypt shake before Him, and the heart of Egypt melteth within it." Jehovah rides upon clouds when He is about to reveal Himself in His judicial majesty ( Psa 18:11); and in this instance He rides upon a light cloud, because it will take place rapidly. The word kal signifies both light and swift, because what is light moves swiftly; and even a light cloud,…”