Definition: And the LORD shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal [it]: and they shall return [even] to the LORD, and he shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 19:22. It's a pretty dramatic statement about God’s plan for a troubled region. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is going to deal with a really bad situation – Egypt – and he’s going to force them to return to him. But not just as punishment, but as an opportunity for repentance and restoration. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Isaiah 19:22” : This is the verse we’re focusing on. “And the LORD shall smite [it]” : "Smite" means to punish or harshly deal with someone or something. The Lord is going to inflict a significant, painful punishment on Egypt. It's not just a mild inconvenience; it’s a serious challenge. “he shall smite and heal [it]” : This is the key part. God isn’t just punishing Egypt – He’s also healing them. "Smite" means to punish, but "heal" means to restore or make better. It's a combination of dealing with the problem and offering a chance for good. “and they shall return [even] to the LORD” : This is about repentance. The people of Egypt are going to turn back to God. It’s not just a small, hesitant step; they’re going to fully return to Him. "Even" emphasizes that this return will be complete and sincere. “and he shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them” : This is the most important part – God wants to show mercy and help. "Intreated" means pleading or asking for forgiveness. He’s offering a chance for forgiveness and restoration. He'll try to help them, and hopefully, they will accept His help. Overall Meaning: Isaiah 19:22 is a message of hope and judgment. God is setting in motion a plan to punish Egypt's wickedness, but He’s also offering a path back to Him. It speaks to the idea that even in times of great trouble, there’s always an opportunity for redemption and restoration. It suggests a shift from destruction to healing – a turning point for both God and the people of Egypt. Think of it like this: Imagine a massive storm brewing. God is going to unleash a terrible storm on Egypt, but He's also offering them a chance to seek forgiveness and rebuild their lives. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of Isaiah? Explain what "smite" and "heal" might mean in a specific way?