When Women Fear

"In that day Egypt will be like women, and will be afraid and fear because of the waving of the hand of the LORD of hosts, which He waves over it." - Isaiah 19:16

This "fear" is not necessarily a sign of weakness but of wisdom.  While he may be speaking of a fear which non-warriors have when they are attacked and have no means at all of protecting themselves, something else may be going on here.  For consider what this "fear" brings about:

"In that day five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear by the LORD of hosts;..." - Isaiah 19:18

That fear of Judah and Judah's God drives them to Judah's God.  The fear of a woman, Rahab, drove her family to the God of Israel (Joshua 2:8-11).  This was an efficacious fear, a wise fear, a fear we should wish upon all unbelievers of the true God and His ways.

This is a fear which is the delight of the LORD - "His delight is in the fear of the LORD" Isaiah 11:3

Because this is a fear that leads to salvation.