An oracle concerning Egypt is a title (compare 13.1; 15.1; 17.1). For oracle see the introductory comments on 13.1—23.18.
Behold calls attention to what follows. It should only be translated if the receptor language has a natural, appropriate equivalent (see the comments on 3.1). New Revised Standard Version and New International Version say “See.”
The LORD is riding on a swift cloud and comes to Egypt: For similar imagery see Psa 18.10-12 and 68.4, 33, which speak of Yahweh riding on the wind or clouds in the sky. This imagery of Yahweh as a “storm God” draws on ideas common to other cultures at that time. It is a highly poetic way to speak of his coming. The cloud is described as swift to emphasize the speed with which he will come to Egypt. In languages where “riding a cloud” is difficult to express, this clause may be rendered “the LORD will come to Egypt as on a swift cloud.” One African language has “the LORD rides a cloud as on horseback, he quickly comes to Egypt.”
As a result of this divine appearance, the idols of Egypt will tremble at his presence. The objects of worship on which the Egyptians depended will tremble with fear in the presence of Yahweh. Hence they will be useless. The Hebrew term rendered idols actually refers to something small, something that has no value (see the comments at 2.8). Its use is extended here and applied to gods other than Yahweh. Most modern versions use tremble, but New Jerusalem Bible has “totter.” A verb referring to great fear is appropriate here.
And the heart of the Egyptians will melt within them: The Egyptian people also will be powerless because of fear. For the idiom the heart … will melt, see the comments on 13.7. An alternative model for this line is “and the heart of the people of Egypt will be in turmoil.”
Translation examples for this verse are:
• A message concerning Egypt.
See Yahweh riding swiftly on a cloud, coming to Egypt.
Egypt’s idols will tremble when he appears,
the Egyptians’ courage will fail them.
• An oracle about Egypt.
Look! Yahweh comes to Egypt mounted on a swift cloud.
When he appears, Egypt’s gods will tremble with fear.
People’s hearts will melt within them.
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 .