At first, the prophet does not name the land beyond the rivers of Ethiopia, but we know that the Egyptians traveled over the waters in papyrus vessels...
At first, the prophet does not name the land beyond the rivers of Ethiopia, but we know that the Egyptians traveled over the waters in papyrus vessels. The hour has come for the prophet to address the country that was once the house of slavery for his ancestors and was therefore abandoned by them. A formidable enemy is advancing upon Egypt, the same enemy that is advancing upon Israel.
We are already preparing to hear prophetic words about the retribution that must befall the Egyptians for their sins. Yes, words of denunciation are necessary, and they will be spoken. But suddenly the prophetic discourse takes an unexpected turn, and we hear astonishing words: the time will come when that same powerful people, which now commits lawlessness through its conquests and threatens all its neighbors, will bring a gift to the Lord of Hosts.
Those who first heard this prophecy must have been greatly surprised. Even now, many minds have great difficulty accepting what Isaiah said. Nevertheless, the word of the Lord has been proclaimed for more than two and a half millennia: no people may be branded as hopeless, and the possibility of responding to the Lord’s call and accepting Him is closed to no one.
