All peoples, even former enemies, will one day unite in worship.
“In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrians will come into Egypt and the Egyptians into Assyria, and the Egyptians will worship with the Assyrians.” (v.23)
This prophecy envisions a future time when two great powers—Egypt in the south and Assyria in the north—will find themselves unified in their worship of the Lord. Historically, Egypt was a dominant kingdom along the Nile, known as the breadbasket of the ancient world, while Assyria built a vast empire centered in Mesopotamia. The route connecting these two regions passed through the land of Israel, providing a crucial corridor for trade and influence. Israel “is, geographically speaking, the connector between Egypt … and the East which supplied spices and silks”, and here the prophet foresees that what once was a corridor of conflict and shifting alliances will become a path of shared devotion.
By stating “there will be a highway” (v.23), Isaiah suggests more than just a physical road: he points to a day of peaceful relations and mutual pilgrimage. In the time of King Hezekiah, Assyria posed a severe threat to Judah (Isaiah 36-37), and Egypt was often pursued as an ally or counterbalance. Yet Isaiah’s words look beyond these tumultuous events to an era in which both Egyptians and Assyrians will humbly come before the one true God. Though Egypt and Assyria both served many gods of their own, the prophecy proclaims that a time is coming when they, too, will stream to the Lord’s presence. This harmony among erstwhile rivals foreshadows the way God can bring all nations together in faith (Ephesians 2:14).
God’s ultimate plan always included people from every tribe and tongue. The picture here of worshiping nations anticipates the gathering described in Revelation 7:9, as well as Paul’s teaching that in Jesus, even those who were once far off can be brought near. The prophecy of “the Egyptians will worship with the Assyrians” (v.23) highlights the Lord’s gracious invitation to all peoples. It demonstrates a fulfillment of His promise to break down dividing walls and create a global family devoted to Him.
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Isaiah 19:23 meaning
“In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrians will come into Egypt and the Egyptians into Assyria, and the Egyptians will worship with the Assyrians.” (v.23)
This prophecy envisions a future time when two great powers—Egypt in the south and Assyria in the north—will find themselves unified in their worship of the Lord. Historically, Egypt was a dominant kingdom along the Nile, known as the breadbasket of the ancient world, while Assyria built a vast empire centered in Mesopotamia. The route connecting these two regions passed through the land of Israel, providing a crucial corridor for trade and influence. Israel “is, geographically speaking, the connector between Egypt … and the East which supplied spices and silks”, and here the prophet foresees that what once was a corridor of conflict and shifting alliances will become a path of shared devotion.
By stating “there will be a highway” (v.23), Isaiah suggests more than just a physical road: he points to a day of peaceful relations and mutual pilgrimage. In the time of King Hezekiah, Assyria posed a severe threat to Judah (Isaiah 36-37), and Egypt was often pursued as an ally or counterbalance. Yet Isaiah’s words look beyond these tumultuous events to an era in which both Egyptians and Assyrians will humbly come before the one true God. Though Egypt and Assyria both served many gods of their own, the prophecy proclaims that a time is coming when they, too, will stream to the Lord’s presence. This harmony among erstwhile rivals foreshadows the way God can bring all nations together in faith (Ephesians 2:14).
God’s ultimate plan always included people from every tribe and tongue. The picture here of worshiping nations anticipates the gathering described in Revelation 7:9, as well as Paul’s teaching that in Jesus, even those who were once far off can be brought near. The prophecy of “the Egyptians will worship with the Assyrians” (v.23) highlights the Lord’s gracious invitation to all peoples. It demonstrates a fulfillment of His promise to break down dividing walls and create a global family devoted to Him.