Isaiah 11:15
And the LORD shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with his mighty wind shall he shake his hand over the river, and shall smite it in the seven streams, and make men go over dryshod.
Isaiah 11:15 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the LORD is depicted as having complete control and power over nature. The phrase "tongue of the Egyptian sea" likely refers to the Nile river in Egypt, which was a prominent geographical feature in biblical times. By stating that the LORD will "utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea," it signifies a forceful and definitive action by God to demonstrate his supremacy over the forces of nature. The imagery of shaking his hand over the river with a mighty wind and smiting it in seven streams signifies a decisive and powerful act of judgment. The subsequent mention of making men go over dryshod suggests a miraculous intervention by God to ensure the safe passage of his people. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all creation and his ability to protect and provide for his followers in times of need.
Theological Overview
In this verse from Isaiah 11:15, the theological interpretation highlights the power and authority of the LORD over nature. The imagery used in this verse symbolizes the LORD's ability to overcome and defeat any obstacle in the path of his people. The mention of the "Egyptian sea" and the "river" represents formidable forces that could potentially block the way, but the LORD's might is demonstrated through his actions of destruction and control. The "mighty wind" and the act of "smite it in the seven streams" depict a decisive and forceful intervention by the LORD to clear the path for his people. The reference to making men go over "dryshod" emphasizes the miraculous nature of the event, as it implies a safe and miraculous passage over the obstacles. This verse serves as a reminder of the LORD's sovereignty and his ability to provide a way for his people even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Isaiah 11:15 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Jehovah will utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with his scorching wind will he wave his hand over the River, and will smite it into seven streams, and cause men to march over dryshod.
World English Bible
Yahweh will utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with his scorching wind he will wave his hand over the River, and will split it into seven streams, and cause men to march over in sandals.
Douay-Rheims
And the Lord shall lay waste the tongue of the sea of Egypt, and shall lift up his hand over the river in the strength of his spirit: and he shall strike it in the seven streams, so that men may pass through it in their shoes.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The Lord also shall vtterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptians sea, and with his mightie winde shall lift vp his hand ouer the riuer, and shall smite him in his seuen streames, and cause men to walke therein with shooes.