Isaiah 11:16

And there shall be an highway for the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria; like as it was to Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt.

And there shall be an highway {H4546} for the remnant {H7605} of his people {H5971}, which {H834} shall be left {H7604}, from Assyria {H804}; like as it was to Israel {H3478} in the day {H3117} that he came up {H5927} out of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}.

There will be a highway for the remnant of his people who are still left from Ashur, just as there was for Isra'el when he came out from the land of Egypt.

There will be a highway for the remnant of His people who remain from Assyria, as there was for Israel when they came up from the land of Egypt.

And there shall be a highway for the remnant of his people, that shall remain, from Assyria; like as there was for Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt.

Context

Isaiah chapter 11 paints a vivid picture of the future Messianic Kingdom, beginning with the prophecy of the Branch from Jesse, who will rule with righteousness and wisdom. The chapter describes a transformed world where peace reigns, even among animals. Verse 16 concludes a section (verses 11-16) that specifically details the future gathering of God's scattered people, emphasizing a second, grander exodus. This prophecy looks beyond the immediate historical context of the Assyrian threat and subsequent Babylonian exile, envisioning a comprehensive return of the "remnant" of Israel from various nations.

Key Themes

  • The Remnant of God's People: The term "remnant" is crucial in prophetic literature, referring to the portion of Israel that survives judgment and remains faithful, through whom God's covenant promises will be fulfilled. This verse specifically mentions those "left, from Assyria," highlighting a specific historical oppressor but also broadly symbolizing all places of exile.
  • Divine Deliverance and Restoration: The core message is God's active and miraculous intervention to bring His people home. This is not a natural migration but a divinely orchestrated event, emphasizing His sovereignty and power to gather His scattered flock.
  • The New Exodus: The explicit comparison to the Exodus from the land of Egypt is profoundly significant. The Exodus was the foundational redemptive act for ancient Israel, establishing their identity as God's chosen people. By drawing this parallel, Isaiah prophesies an even greater act of deliverance, a second exodus that will surpass the first in its scope and wonder, underscoring God's continued faithfulness to His covenant promises.
  • The Highway of Return: The imagery of a "highway" (Hebrew: mesillah, מסילה) suggests a clear, unobstructed, and even elevated path. This is not a difficult, perilous journey through wilderness, but a prepared route, signifying God's providential care in making the return easy and safe for His people. This concept is echoed in other prophecies, such as the "highway of holiness" in Isaiah 35:8.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "highway," mesillah (מסילה), implies a built-up, well-prepared road, often elevated. It's not merely a path, but a significant route, suggesting ease and safety for the travelers. This highlights God's active role in clearing obstacles and preparing the way for His people's return, making their journey secure and triumphant.

Practical Application

Isaiah 11:16 offers profound hope and reassurance, reminding believers of God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even when circumstances seem bleak or His people are scattered. It teaches that God has the power to deliver His people from any form of captivity, oppression, or spiritual exile, just as He did for ancient Israel. For contemporary readers, this verse can symbolize God's ability to create a clear path through difficult life seasons, guiding His people towards their ultimate spiritual and physical restoration. It encourages trust in God's redemptive plan, which often involves miraculous intervention and the gathering of His chosen ones, looking forward to the ultimate new heaven and new earth where all things are made new.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 19:23

    In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians.

  • Isaiah 35:8

    And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it [shall be] for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err [therein].

  • Isaiah 35:10

    And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

  • Isaiah 11:11

    And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

  • Isaiah 62:10

    ¶ Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.

  • Exodus 14:26

    And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.

  • Exodus 14:29

    But the children of Israel walked upon dry [land] in the midst of the sea; and the waters [were] a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

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