Isaiah 19:24

KJV

In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, [even] a blessing in the midst of the land:

KJV (with Strong's)

In that day {H3117} shall Israel {H3478} be the third {H7992} with Egypt {H4714} and with Assyria {H804}, even a blessing {H1293} in the midst {H7130} of the land {H776}:

Complete Jewish Bible

On that day Isra'el will be a third partner with Egypt and Ashur, a blessing here on earth;

Berean Standard Bible

In that day Israel will join a three-party alliance with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing upon the earth.

American Standard Version

In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the earth;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 19:24 presents a radical prophetic vision of a future era where Israel, Egypt, and Assyria—nations historically marked by animosity and conflict—will stand together as a unified entity, serving as a profound blessing "in the midst of the land." This verse culminates a surprising shift in Isaiah's oracle concerning Egypt, moving from pronouncements of judgment to a breathtaking depiction of divine reconciliation and universal worship, underscoring God's sovereign plan to redeem and unite all peoples under His benevolent rule.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 19 primarily functions as an oracle against Egypt, detailing its impending judgment, internal strife, and eventual subjugation. The chapter begins with vivid descriptions of Egypt's idols trembling and its wisdom failing ([Isaiah 19:1](/isaiah/19-1 "Isaiah 19:1 - Oracle Concerning Egypt")), leading to economic collapse and social disorder. However, a remarkable turning point occurs from verse 16 onward, where the tone shifts from condemnation to a vision of future restoration and conversion. Verses 23-25 describe a highway between Egypt and Assyria, symbolizing peace and unimpeded movement, and explicitly state that these former adversaries will worship the Lord alongside Israel. Isaiah 19:24 specifically positions Israel as the "third" in this alliance, not as a superior power, but as a central conduit of blessing, thereby fulfilling God's ancient covenantal promises on a global scale.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Isaiah's prophecy (8th century BCE), Egypt and Assyria represented the dominant superpowers of the ancient Near East, frequently vying for control over the Levant, including Judah. Both nations had histories of oppressing Israel, with Egypt holding them in slavery for centuries and Assyria being the instrument of God's judgment against the Northern Kingdom of Israel (722 BCE) and a constant threat to Judah. The idea of these formidable, often hostile, empires joining Israel in worship of Yahweh was utterly counter-cultural and politically improbable. This prophecy transcends the immediate geopolitical realities, pointing to a divine intervention that would fundamentally reorder international relations and spiritual allegiances, transforming a landscape of conflict into one of shared devotion.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several profound theological themes. Foremost is **Divine Reconciliation**, demonstrating God's ultimate intention to break down barriers of national enmity and unite diverse peoples in worship. The inclusion of Egypt and Assyria, quintessential enemies, highlights the boundless scope of God's redemptive plan, foreshadowing a time when all nations will stream to the Lord's mountain ([Isaiah 2:2](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2 - The Mountain of the Lord")). Secondly, it emphasizes **Israel's Role as a Universal Blessing**. Echoing the Abrahamic covenant where all families of the earth would be blessed through Abraham's descendants ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")), Israel is here depicted as an active participant in extending God's favor to the nations, not through political dominance but through spiritual influence. Finally, the phrase "In that day" points to **Eschatological Hope**, signaling a future, often messianic, era when God's ultimate purposes for humanity and creation will be realized, characterized by global peace and universal acknowledgment of the one true God, as seen in other prophetic visions of a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **blessing (Hebrew, _Bᵉrâkâh'_):** From H1293, this term signifies benediction, prosperity, and a gift that imparts favor. In this context, Israel is not merely blessed, but becomes the active agent of blessing for others. It implies a conduit of divine favor, bringing spiritual and perhaps even material prosperity to Egypt and Assyria, transforming their relationship from one of conflict to one of mutual benefit and shared spiritual abundance.
* **In that day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** From H3117, this phrase often functions as a technical prophetic term, referring to a specific, decisive period in God's redemptive history. It can denote a day of judgment or, as here, a day of salvation and radical transformation. It points to a future, divinely appointed time when God's ultimate will is enacted, transcending immediate historical circumstances and signaling an eschatological fulfillment of His purposes.
* **midst (Hebrew, _qereb'_):** From H7130, this word properly refers to the nearest part or the center. It implies a position of centrality, intimacy, and vital importance. Israel's placement "in the midst of the land" suggests its pivotal and indispensable role in this future global reconciliation and blessing, serving as the spiritual heart from which God's favor radiates to the surrounding nations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria":** This clause sets the temporal context ("In that day") and introduces an unprecedented alliance. "The third" implies a co-equal standing, not a subordinate one. Israel, historically caught between these two superpowers, is now envisioned as an integral, respected partner in a tripartite union, signifying a radical reversal of historical power dynamics and deep-seated animosities.
* **"even a blessing in the midst of the land":** This phrase defines Israel's unique role within this alliance. Israel is not merely present but actively functions as "a blessing." The phrase "in the midst of the land" emphasizes Israel's central, pivotal position, suggesting that its presence and spiritual vitality will be the wellspring from which divine favor flows to the surrounding nations, transforming the entire region.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 19:24 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its transformative message. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, a direct divine utterance foretelling future events, here a radical reordering of geopolitical and spiritual realities. **Symbolism** is also crucial, as Egypt and Assyria, historical oppressors and powerful empires, symbolize the totality of the Gentile world or humanity's estranged nations. Their inclusion with Israel signifies God's universal redemptive scope, extending beyond a single nation. The phrase "the third" functions as a form of **Numerical Parallelism** or **Triadic Structure**, emphasizing the balance and equality within this new divine arrangement, where Israel is integrated rather than dominant or subjugated. Furthermore, the entire passage demonstrates **Reversal**, taking a situation of historical enmity and transforming it into one of profound peace and shared worship, highlighting God's power to transcend human limitations and animosities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 19:24 offers a profound theological statement about the breadth of God's redemptive plan, extending beyond the boundaries of Israel to encompass all nations. It challenges an exclusivist view of salvation, revealing God's ultimate desire for a reconciled humanity united in worship. This vision anticipates a future where national and ethnic divisions, often sources of conflict, are superseded by a shared allegiance to the Lord, demonstrating that God's kingdom is truly global in scope. It underscores the transformative power of God's grace, capable of turning bitter enemies into co-worshippers and instruments of blessing for one another. This prophecy serves as a powerful reminder that God's ultimate purpose is not merely to save individuals but to create a new humanity, reconciled to Him and to each other.

* [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")
* [Zechariah 8:20-23](/zechariah/8-20 "Zechariah 8:20-23 - Nations Seeking God")
* [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - The Multitude from Every Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 19:24 calls us to embrace a vision of God's kingdom that is far grander and more inclusive than our often-limited perspectives. It challenges us to look beyond present conflicts and historical grievances, recognizing God's power to bring about radical reconciliation among peoples. For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful impetus for prayer and action towards global peace and unity, reminding us that our mission extends to every nation, tribe, people, and language. It encourages us to actively participate in breaking down barriers—whether racial, ethnic, or social—within the church and in the wider world, embodying the reconciling love of Christ. Just as Israel is prophesied to be a blessing, we too are called to be agents of God's blessing, demonstrating His love and truth in a divided world, and living as a testament to the fact that His kingdom is a place where former enemies can become brothers and sisters in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the vision of reconciliation between Israel, Egypt, and Assyria challenge my own perceptions of "enemy" nations or groups?**
* **In what ways can I, as an individual or as part of a community of faith, embody the role of a "blessing in the midst of the land" to those around me, especially those with whom there might be historical or current tension?**
* **What practical steps can I take to promote unity and reconciliation in my local community or on a global scale, aligning with God's redemptive purposes?**

### FAQ

**What does "the third" imply in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "the third" (H7992, _shᵉlîyshîy_) signifies that Israel will be an integral and co-equal partner in this future alliance with Egypt and Assyria, not subordinate to them. It suggests a tripartite union where all three nations stand together in unity and shared devotion to the Lord, rather than a hierarchical arrangement. This is a radical departure from the historical reality where Israel was often subjugated or caught between these two superpowers. It speaks to a divine reordering where all are brought into a new, harmonious relationship under God's sovereignty.

**Why are Egypt and Assyria specifically mentioned, given their historical animosity towards Israel?**

Answer: Egypt (H4714, _Mitsrayim_) and Assyria (H804, _ʼAshshûwr_) were chosen precisely because they represented the dominant, often oppressive, world powers of Isaiah's time and were historical adversaries of Israel. By naming these two archetypal enemies, the prophecy powerfully symbolizes the universal scope of God's redemptive plan. It demonstrates that God's reconciliation extends even to the most unlikely and hostile nations, breaking down the deepest historical and ethnic barriers. Their inclusion signifies that no nation is beyond the reach of God's transforming grace and that His ultimate kingdom will encompass peoples from every corner of the earth, united in worship.

**Has this prophecy in Isaiah 19:24 been literally fulfilled, and if so, when?**

Answer: The prophecy of Isaiah 19:24, particularly the specific tripartite alliance, has not seen a literal, political fulfillment in history where Israel, Egypt, and Assyria formed a unified, co-equal secular state serving Yahweh. Scholars generally interpret this prophecy as having an **eschatological** (future, ultimate) and **spiritual** fulfillment. While there have been periods of peace and interaction, the full vision of these nations being "a blessing in the midst of the land" and universally worshipping the Lord awaits a future culmination, likely in the Messianic age. Spiritually, it foreshadows the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles in the church, as seen in the New Testament, where believers from all nations are united in Christ ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Breaking Down Walls")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 19:24, with its astonishing vision of reconciliation between historical enemies—Israel, Egypt, and Assyria—finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "blessing in the midst of the land" is ultimately embodied in Christ, who is the source of all spiritual blessings ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus broke down the dividing wall of hostility that separated humanity, particularly between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). He did not merely reconcile individuals to God, but also reconciled alienated groups to each other, creating "one new humanity" out of two ([Ephesians 2:15](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - One New Humanity")). The inclusion of Egypt and Assyria alongside Israel foreshadows the global, multi-ethnic composition of the church, where believers from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation are united in worship of the Lamb ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from Every Tribe")). Thus, the "day" envisioned by Isaiah is inaugurated in Christ's first advent and will be fully realized in His glorious return, when His kingdom of peace and righteousness will encompass all the earth, and He will indeed be the blessing "in the midst of the land" for all who believe ([Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")).

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 65:8

¶ Thus saith the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and [one] saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing [is] in it: so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all.

Genesis 12:2

And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

Romans 15:9

And that the Gentiles might glorify God for [his] mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

Romans 15:12

And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

Romans 10:11

For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Romans 10:13

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Zechariah 8:13

And it shall come to pass, [that] as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, [but] let your hands be strong.