ProlepsisOpen in the graph →

Step still to come (one reading among others)

A Highway from Egypt to Assyria, and Israel “the Third” (Isa 19:18-25)

The prophet Isaiah, fresco by Raphael, 1511-1512 (church of Sant'Agostino, Rome). He holds a scroll bearing Hebrew text (Isa 26:2); he represents the author of Isa 19:23-25, not the road itself; Artist's impression.
Artist’s impression The prophet Isaiah, fresco by Raphael, 1511-1512 (church of Sant'Agostino, Rome). He holds a scroll bearing Hebrew text (Isa 26:2); he represents the author of Isa 19:23-25, not the road itself; Artist's impression. — Raphael, Wikimedia Commons · Domaine public

? Not yet happened, no date

See the full entry: sources, objections, answers

In short

The announcement. The prophet Isaiah, in the book of Isaiah, announces that a highway will link Egypt and Assyria, that the two peoples will serve the God of Israel together, and that Israel will be, as "the third", blessed along with them.

What happened. In the 2nd century BC, according to the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, a Jewish temple is built in Egypt, at Leontopolis, in the name of this text. Later, some Christians see in it faith in Jesus received in Egypt and in Syria. Already fulfilled, under way, or still to come? Readings differ: it is up to you to judge.

What is still debated. some readers today connect it to the peace agreements between Israel and Arab countries. But an agreement between states is not a shared worship: the text speaks of peoples who serve God together.

Main objection (in French for now)

Un accomplissement ancien est avancé : un temple juif fut bâti à Léontopolis, en Égypte, au IIe siècle av. J.-C., en invoquant Es 19:19 (Flavius Josèphe, Antiquités juives XIII) ; la lecture chrétienne y voit l’Évangile reçu en Égypte et en Syrie ; d’autres, un horizon encore à venir.

The text (World English Bible)

In that day, there will be an altar to the LORD in the middle of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the LORD at its border. It will be for a sign and for a witness to the LORD of Armies in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to the LORD because of oppressors, and he will send them a savior and a defender, and he will deliver them. The LORD will be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians will know the LORD in that day. Yes, they will worship with sacrifice and offering, and will vow a vow to the LORD, and will perform it. The LORD will strike Egypt, striking and healing. They will return to the LORD, and he will be entreated by them, and will heal them. In that day there will be a highway out o…

Isa 19:19-25