Isaiah 19:23

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

In that day {H3117} shall there be a highway {H4546} out of Egypt {H4714} to Assyria {H804}, and the Assyrian {H804} shall come {H935} into Egypt {H4714}, and the Egyptian {H4714} into Assyria {H804}, and the Egyptians {H4714} shall serve {H5647} with the Assyrians {H804}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Ashur. Ashur will come to Egypt and Egypt to Ashur, and Egypt will worship with Ashur.

Berean Standard Bible

In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt, and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together.

American Standard Version

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 worship with the Assyrians.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 19:23 unveils a remarkable prophetic vision of a future era characterized by unprecedented peace and unity between Egypt and Assyria, two nations historically marked by enmity and conflict with each other and with Israel. This "highway" signifies not merely a physical thoroughfare but a spiritual reconciliation, where former adversaries will freely interact, travel, and, most significantly, serve the Lord together, demonstrating God's sovereign plan to bring all peoples into a unified worship and shared purpose under His benevolent rule.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah chapter 19 is an "oracle concerning Egypt," a significant portion of Isaiah's prophetic pronouncements against various nations (chapters 13-23). While much of the chapter details God's impending judgments upon Egypt—including internal strife, economic collapse, and the rise of a harsh ruler—it remarkably shifts from verses 18-25 towards a profound promise of future blessing and restoration. This transition from judgment to salvation is a common prophetic motif in Isaiah, emphasizing God's ultimate redemptive purposes even for those who have opposed Him. Verse 23, therefore, marks a pivotal turning point, moving from condemnation to a vision of unprecedented peace and unity among nations that were historically hostile, setting the stage for the even grander vision of a three-way blessing involving Israel in the subsequent verses [Isaiah 19:24](/isaiah/19-24 "Isaiah 19:24 - A Three-Way Blessing") and [Isaiah 19:25](/isaiah/19-25 "Isaiah 19:25 - God's Blessing on Egypt, Assyria, and Israel").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, Egypt and Assyria were colossal empires, often vying for regional dominance and frequently clashing with each other. Both nations had a history of oppressing Israel, with Egypt holding Israel in bondage for centuries and Assyria being the instrument of God's judgment against the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria) in 722 BC, leading to its exile [2 Kings 17:6](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - Fall of Samaria"). The idea of a "highway" between these two formidable and often antagonistic powers, allowing for free and peaceful movement, would have been utterly astonishing to Isaiah's original audience. Such a scenario defied all geopolitical realities of their time, underscoring the miraculous and divine nature of the prophecy. The cultural context also highlights the deep-seated animosity and distinct religious practices that separated these nations, making their future unity in worship of the one true God even more radical.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **reconciliation and peace among enemies**, portraying a future where historical adversaries lay down their animosity to pursue common good and worship. Secondly, it highlights **universal worship and service to God**, extending God's redemptive plan beyond Israel to include Gentile nations, a theme also echoed in prophecies like [Micah 4:1-3](/micah/4-1 "Micah 4:1-3 - Nations Flowing to Zion") where nations come to learn God's ways and "beat their swords into plowshares." Thirdly, it emphasizes **God's sovereign plan for all nations**, demonstrating His ultimate authority over human history and His desire to draw all peoples to Himself, a vision that anticipates the New Testament's Great Commission to make disciples of all nations [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"). This prophecy reveals God's heart for global peace and a unified, diverse body of worshippers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** H3117, from an unused root meaning to be hot; a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term), (often used adverb). In the prophetic context of "In that day," this term often points to a future, divinely appointed time, frequently with eschatological implications, signifying a period when God's specific purposes, judgments, or blessings will be fully realized. It denotes a significant, decisive era in salvation history.
* **highway (Hebrew, _mᵉçillâh'_):** H4546, from סָלַל; a thoroughfare (as turnpiked), literally or figuratively; specifically a viaduct, a staircase. This term suggests more than a simple path; it implies an elevated, well-constructed, and prominent road, indicating an unimpeded, significant route for travel. In this context, it symbolizes open communication, free movement, and peaceful interaction, contrasting sharply with the usual barriers and enmity between nations.
* **serve (Hebrew, _ʻâbad'_):** H5647, a primitive root; to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc. While it can mean to labor or work, its broader semantic range also includes "to serve" in the sense of religious devotion or worship. In the context of nations coming together under God's sovereignty, this "serving" implies a shared devotion, allegiance, and worship of the Lord, unifying them in a common spiritual purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria":** This clause sets the prophetic stage, indicating a future, divinely ordained period. The "highway" symbolizes a profound shift from hostility to open, peaceful relations between Egypt and Assyria, two historical enemies. It represents unimpeded travel, communication, and cooperation, signifying an end to their long-standing animosity.
* **"and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria":** This part elaborates on the nature of the "highway," emphasizing reciprocal movement and interaction. It signifies a breakdown of nationalistic barriers and a free exchange between peoples who once viewed each other with suspicion and aggression. This mutual access highlights a new era of trust and shared life.
* **"and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians":** This culminating phrase reveals the ultimate purpose of this reconciliation. The word "serve" (H5647, _ʻâbad_) carries the connotation of worship or devotion. Thus, it prophesies that these formerly antagonistic nations will not merely coexist but will unite in common service and worship of the one true God, signifying a profound spiritual transformation and alignment under divine sovereignty.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 19:23 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its transformative message. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where the "highway" is not merely a literal road but a powerful symbol of peace, open communication, and reconciliation between nations that were historical adversaries. It represents the removal of barriers and the establishment of free, unimpeded interaction. The phrase "In that day" functions as a **Prophetic Marker**, signaling a future, divinely appointed time for the fulfillment of this vision, often with eschatological overtones. The very idea of Egypt and Assyria, two formidable and often warring empires, not only coexisting but also "serving with" each other, borders on **Hyperbole** or **Paradox**, emphasizing the extraordinary and miraculous nature of the peace God intends to bring. This stark contrast with their historical reality underscores the radical transformation envisioned by the prophet.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 19:23 stands as a powerful testament to God's universal redemptive plan, transcending national boundaries and historical animosities. It reveals a divine heart that desires not just the salvation of Israel, but the reconciliation and inclusion of all peoples into His kingdom. This prophecy anticipates a future where the dividing walls of hostility are broken down, and former enemies are united in common purpose and worship of the one true God. It speaks to the ultimate triumph of God's peace over human conflict, demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations and His capacity to transform even the most entrenched hatreds into harmonious fellowship. This vision serves as a profound hope for a world perpetually plagued by division and strife, pointing to a time when God's will for global unity and peace will be fully realized.

* [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - Nations Flowing to Zion and Swords into Plowshares")
* [Zechariah 8:20-23](/zechariah/8-20 "Zechariah 8:20-23 - Many Peoples and Strong Nations Seek the Lord")
* [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace, Breaking Down Walls")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 19:23 offers a profound vision of hope and a challenging call to action for believers today. In a world still deeply fractured by geopolitical tensions, ethnic strife, and ideological divides, this prophecy reminds us that God's ultimate plan is for reconciliation, unity, and universal worship. It encourages us to cultivate a missionary heart, recognizing that God's grace extends to all peoples, even those we might consider "enemies" or "outsiders." This passage challenges us to actively pursue peace, bridge divides, and foster understanding in our own communities and globally, trusting that God can transform the most entrenched animosities into harmonious cooperation. It calls us to pray for and work towards the day when all nations will acknowledge and serve the Lord together, reflecting the unity found in His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the vision of Egypt and Assyria serving together challenge my perceptions of who God desires to save and unite?**
* **What "highways" of reconciliation might God be calling me to build in my personal relationships, community, or even in my understanding of global conflicts?**
* **In what ways can I contribute to breaking down barriers and fostering unity among diverse groups, reflecting God's heart for all nations?**

### FAQ
**What does "In that day" signify in this prophecy?**

Answer: "In that day" (Hebrew: `yôwm`, H3117) is a common prophetic phrase in the Old Testament that points to a future, divinely appointed time. It often refers to a significant period when God will intervene decisively in human history, either in judgment or, as here, in blessing and salvation. While it can have immediate historical fulfillments, in contexts like Isaiah 19:23, it often carries eschatological weight, pointing to the ultimate culmination of God's redemptive plan, a time when His kingdom will be fully established and His purposes for all nations realized. It signifies a future era marked by God's direct and powerful action.

**How is it possible for Egypt and Assyria, historical enemies, to "serve with" each other?**

Answer: The reconciliation and shared service between Egypt and Assyria described in Isaiah 19:23 is a profound testament to God's transformative power. Historically, these nations were often at war, vying for control of the ancient Near East and frequently oppressing Israel. The "highway" between them symbolizes the removal of these barriers and the establishment of peaceful interaction. The Hebrew word `ʻâbad` (H5647) for "serve" can mean to work, labor, or, significantly, to worship or serve God. Therefore, their serving "with" each other implies a shared allegiance and devotion to the one true God, transcending their former nationalistic and religious differences. This unity is not based on human diplomacy but on a divine work of grace that brings former adversaries together under the banner of God's sovereignty, as seen in the broader vision for all nations coming to worship the Lord [Zechariah 8:20-23](/zechariah/8-20 "Zechariah 8:20-23 - Many Peoples and Strong Nations Seek the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 19:23, with its astonishing vision of peace and unity between historical enemies, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the true "highway" (Hebrew: `mᵉçillâh`, H4546) to God, declaring, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me" [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life"). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ broke down the "dividing wall of hostility" that separated Jew and Gentile, creating "one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace" [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace, Breaking Down Walls"). Just as Egypt and Assyria were reconciled, so too are all peoples, regardless of their background or former enmity, brought together into one body, the Church, united in their shared service and worship of God. The "serving" (Hebrew: `ʻâbad`, H5647) of Egyptians and Assyrians together foreshadows the universal call to discipleship, where people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" will serve the Lamb [Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9-10 - Worthy Is the Lamb"). This prophecy anticipates the Great Commission, where the gospel bridges all divides, inviting all nations to come and worship the Lord, culminating in the eschatological vision of a new heaven and new earth where God dwells with His people, and all tears are wiped away [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

Ephesians 3:6

That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

Ephesians 3:8

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

Ephesians 2:18

For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

Ephesians 2:22

In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Isaiah 40:3

¶ The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Isaiah 40:5

And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see [it] together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it].