Watt, Peter G.

God’s Judgment Upon Egypt in Isaiah 19:1-15: Its Probable Reasons and Some Implications for Contemporary Africa - Johannesburg South African Theological Seminary 2011 - 156p PDF A4 Abstract (iv), TOC (v-viii), Bibliography (140-156)



The purpose of this thesis is to examine whether Isaiah 19:1-15 has any relevance and implications for contemporary Africa. Isaiah 19:1-15 is usedas the anchor texttoexplore the possible reasons why God responds to Egypt with actsofjudgment.This examination requires a thorough analysis of the chosen text, taking into consideration authorship, audience, historical and theological context, as well as an understanding of the mechanics of the prophetic ministry. Of the four reasons which are presented, it is argued that the most likely primary reason and target of the threatened judgment by God are the idols of Egypt.An investigation intothe nature of worldview, and most especially the African worldview and experience of the spiritual realm, leads into an evaluation of African Traditional Religions. A cross-section of authors and researchers are sifted in order toappraise whether certain aspects of traditional African religious practices can be deemed as idolatrous, and a turning aside from the primacy of Christ.If indeed this is true, then the truths revealed inIsaiah 19:1-15 can be contextualised for thecurrent African reality.The conclusion of the study acknowledges that the final answer can at best be probable, but at worst onlypossible. However, even if only possible and plausible,then the warnings contained in Isaiah 19:1-15 need to be taken seriously for any nation that perpetuates idolatrous practices. Given the desire to be relevant to my lived African context, then thestudy has given sufficient grounds to believe that the truths and patterns unlocked from the anchor text need to be noted for acontemporaryAfrican audience.


Prophets--Major Prophets--Latter Prophets--Egypt--Divided Kingdom