Definition: And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt: for they shall cry unto the LORD because of the oppressors, and he shall send them a saviour, and a great one, and he shall deliver them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 19:20 together. It’s a really significant passage about God’s plan for His people in a difficult time. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God is going to use a huge and powerful sign to show His care and judgment on a nation – specifically, Egypt. He’s preparing a rescue mission for the Israelites (and ultimately, for all of Israel) because they are facing serious oppression. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the LORD of hosts…” – This is saying that this event will be a visible demonstration of God’s power. It’s not just happening; it’s going to be obvious. “Witness” means to show or testify, so this is a powerful declaration of God's presence. “…in the land of Egypt…” – This refers to the nation of Egypt, which was under a long period of oppression and slavery. It’s a place where injustice and hardship are prevalent. “For they shall cry unto the LORD because of the oppressors…” – This is key! God is going to listen to the cries of the Egyptians (and all those suffering under their rule). They're expressing their pain, frustration, and anger at being treated unfairly. It’s a feeling of injustice. “and he shall send them a saviour, and a great one…” – This is where it gets really dramatic! God is going to actively intervene and bring someone (a savior) into the situation to help alleviate the suffering. “Great” suggests this rescue will be monumental. “…and he shall deliver them.” - This is the ultimate goal: God will set the Israelites free from oppression and bring about a change in their situation. In a nutshell, the verse describes a period of immense hardship for Egypt, leading to a divine intervention where God will rescue his people through a powerful and significant event. What does it mean for us today? It’s a message of hope and reassurance that even when things seem bleak, God is still in control and working for good. It's a reminder that He cares deeply about His people and will always intervene to protect them from suffering. Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific event or story in the Bible?