Verses 19-22 are the third subunit in this section. Like the previous subunit, it refers to the Egyptians’ relationship with Yahweh. However, it seems to have more than just the five cities of verse 18 in view since it speaks of an altar in the middle of Egypt and a pillar near its border in verse 19. Both these objects are dedicated to Yahweh. In Isaiah Yahweh is the Lord of all nations, not just Israel.

In that day: See the introductory comments on this section [19.16-25].

There will be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt: An altar to the LORD is an altar used for offering sacrifices to Yahweh (see 6.6). Its presence presumes that a priesthood exists in Egypt to officiate at the offerings. It is located in the midst of the land. This phrase in Hebrew could mean anywhere within the boundaries of Egypt, but since it contrasts with at its border, it probably refers to a central location (so New Jerusalem Bible and Bible en français courant with “in the centre of Egypt”; similarly New International Version and Revised English Bible with “in the heart of Egypt”). However, since the altar’s precise location is not in focus here, this phrase may be rendered “inside the land of Egypt” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh).

And a pillar to the LORD at its border: The text does not say whether the pillar is made of wood or stone (so Good News Translation). Jacob set up a pillar at Bethel for the worship of the LORD (see Gen 28.18, 22; 35.14). If the receptor language does not have a word for pillar, it may be rendered “[large] stone/rock.” For this whole clause Bible en français courant has “and a stone erected in the Lord’s honor at the border of the country.”

For the translation of this verse consider the following examples:

• At that time there will be an altar for the worship of Yahweh inside Egypt together with a pillar to Yahweh near the border.

• When that time comes, there will be an altar to Yahweh within Egypt and a large stone put up in Yahweh’s honor at the border.

Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Sterk, Jan. A Handbook on Isaiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .