What role do Egypt and Assyria play in God's redemptive plan in Isaiah? Setting the scene: Who are Egypt and Assyria? • Egypt—Israel’s ancient oppressor (Exodus), symbol of worldly power and idolatry. • Assyria—rod of God’s judgment against the Northern Kingdom (Isaiah 10:5-6), fierce empire from the northeast. • Both once instruments of affliction, yet both in Isaiah 19 are promised a future place in blessing. Isaiah 19:23–25: A three-nation covenant of peace “ In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. Egypt will travel to Assyria, and Assyria will come to Egypt; and Egypt will worship with Assyria. In that day Israel will be the third, together with Egypt and Assyria— a blessing upon the earth. The LORD of Hosts will bless them, saying, ‘Blessed be Egypt My people, Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance.’ ” Key observations • “In that day” points to a literal, future era of messianic peace. • A physical “highway” links the two rivals—picture of unrestricted travel, open fellowship, and shared worship centered on the Lord. • God assigns each nation an affectionate title: – Egypt: “My people” (same term once reserved for Israel). – Assyria: “the work of My hands” (hand-crafted for His purpose). – Israel: “My inheritance” (covenant nation, centerpiece of the plan). • Together the trio becomes “a blessing upon the earth,” fulfilling Genesis 12:3—Abraham’s seed mediating blessing to all families. Why a highway? • Symbol of reconciliation—no more geopolitical barriers (cf. Isaiah 11:16). • Sign of evangelism—nations streaming to worship (Isaiah 2:2-3). • Picture of reversal—roads once used for invasion now carry pilgrims praising God. Scripture echoes that reinforce the promise • Isaiah 11:11-12, 16—remnant gathered “from Assyria… and from the land of Egypt,” secured by “a highway for the remnant.” • Isaiah 27:13—“In that day a great trumpet will sound, and those perishing in the land of Assyria and those exiled in the land of Egypt will come and worship the LORD on the holy mountain in Jerusalem.” • Zephaniah 3:9-10—peoples with “purified lips” bring offerings “from beyond the rivers of Cush,” extending the same redemptive motif southward. • Psalm 87:4—Egypt (“Rahab”) and “Babylon” numbered among those who know the LORD, anticipating the Isaianic vision. Progress of redemption on display 1. Judgment exposes idolatry (Isaiah 19:1-17; 10:12). 2. A remnant in Egypt turns to the Lord (19:18-22). 3. Full inclusion: highway, worship, divine titles (19:23-25). 4. Global blessing radiates outward—God’s covenant with Israel expands to embrace former foes. Practical takeaways for believers • God’s mercy triumphs over history’s deepest hostilities; no nation lies outside His reach. • The coming kingdom is multi-national yet Israel-centered, confirming every covenant promise. • Present gospel mission previews that future day—Gentiles grafted in (Romans 11:17-25) foreshadow Egypt and Assyria’s restoration. • Hope anchors in the literal fulfillment of God’s word; what He spoke through Isaiah will stand unaltered. Looking forward Isaiah 19 assures that the Lord who once delivered Israel from Egypt and disciplined Israel by Assyria will ultimately unite all three in worship, establishing a corridor of peace that blesses the whole earth. The highway is being prepared; the King will surely finish what He began. |
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