Destruction of Egypt

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1. Yeshayahu 19-20

   Matan Al HaPerek

   Rabbi David Sabato

   This prophecy, which describes Egypt’s replacement of polytheistic worship with worship of Israel’s God, completes Yeshayahu’s vision for the End of Days. The prophecy is comprised of two sections the first section (1-15) describes the stages of destruction which will be brought upon Egypt, and the second section (16-25) discusses ,the gradual process of rehabilitation which will bring Egypt and eventually Assyria, to a devoted commitment to God. This process is paralleled to Israel’s exodus from Egypt, beginning with enslavement, the harsh rule of a despot, and plagues which bring about recognition and worship of God. The surprising twist of this perek is that it is Egypt itself who undergoes this transformative process. Beginning from the time of Avraham, Egypt symbolized the spiritual, moral, and religious antithesis of the Jewish people. The exodus from Egypt was not simply a freedom from slavery, but represented redemption from everything Egypt symbolized. Many commandments in the Torah are presented as contrasts to the immoral behavior typical of Egypt. Yeshayahu’s prophecy transforms Israel’s exodus from Egypt into the paradigm of redemption which Egypt itself will one day merit.

2. Prophecies to Egypt

   Dr. Tova Ganzel

   Egypt’s long-term stability in the region, its geographic proximity, and its historic connection with Israel form the foundation of Yehezkel’s prophecies to this country. The prophet points an accusing finger at Egypt in three areas:

   The first and most central accusation, common to Tzor and Egypt, is the sin of arrogance towards God. The kings of Tzor and of Egypt attribute their successes to themselves. They pride themselves on their successes, boast about them, and scorn the God of Israel. However, the prophet assures Egypt that even when the Temple is in ruins and God’s nation is exiled, it is God Who determines the fate of all nations, including Egypt, and its king.

   This was a period when Egypt hoped to become a superpower with influence beyond the region, following the fall of Assyria and prior to Babylon reaching its zenith. Therefore, Egypt encouraged Tzidkiyahu to rebel against Babylon which ultimately brought upon the downfall of Yehuda.  Yehezkel’s prophecies put an end to the possibility of an Egyptian empire, not only in the worldly realm, but also from the Divine perspective. From now onwards, as in the past, Egypt will be a “lowly kingdom,” not an empire.

   Finally, Egypt is accused of the religious harlotry that infiltrated Israel.