Isaiah 19:16-25
“In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt... And the LORD shall be known to Egypt... Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance.”
King James Version
Isaiah's remarkable oracle of Egypt's future turning to the LORD — an altar in Egypt, a highway joining Egypt, Assyria, and Israel in worship.
Fulfillment References
Isaiah 19:23-25 Acts 2:10 Acts 8:26-39 Zephaniah 3:9-10
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalEgypt, Assyria, and Israel united in worshiping the one LORD anticipates the gospel that makes one people of all nations in the name of Jesus.
JewishA future age when even Egypt and Assyria acknowledge the LORD; some connect it to the Jewish temple at Leontopolis or to the Messianic age.
CatholicThe inclusion of the Gentile nations in the worship of God, advanced in the gospel's spread to Egypt and beyond.
ProtestantA striking missionary oracle — Egypt and Assyria joined to Israel in worship — partly fulfilled in the gospel's reach and awaiting fuller realization.
OrthodoxThe ancient Church of Alexandria saw here the calling of Egypt to Christ — a foundational text for Coptic self-understanding.
DispensationalAwaits literal fulfillment in the millennial kingdom, when Egypt, Assyria, and Israel worship together (v.23-25).
AcademicScholars discuss a possible link to the Jewish military colony and temple in Egypt and note the oracle's extraordinary universalism — former enemies called 'my people' and 'the work of my hands.'
Open the full interactive entry →
Cross-references, Hebrew/Greek, Dead Sea Scrolls notes, study tools and multi-tradition analysis in the interactive explorer.
Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.