“In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria – a blessing in the midst of the land, whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, ‘Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance’”
Isaiah 19:24-25
Who would dare to prophecy such a thing? Israel, Egypt and Iraq as one and blessed of the Lord! In our current world circumstances we might consider anyone suggesting such a thing as having a vacancy between the ears. The God who has told us that this will come to pass is the same God who (also through Isaiah) foretold Christ’s substitutionary death for our sin (Isaiah 53). That was fulfilled literally, and in detail. Nothing is impossible to Him (Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27; Luke 1:37; 18:27). He is faithful to His word.
Isaiah records aspects of God’s judgment on these nations; yet when they call upon the name of Jesus at His return He will not utterly destroy them, but preserve those who receive Him. There will be a highway between Egypt and Iraq that passes through Israel (19:23) and He will bind these three nations in a form of unity.
There are those who reassign the promises and prophecies given to Israel as being to the church; by this, however, they are implying that God is not able keep His covenant promise to Abraham and David. If He can’t keep His promises to Israel why would anyone think He can keep His promises to the church?
Fortunately we have the many assertions by the Lord that He is quite able, and that He will fulfil His covenant promise to Israel. Consequently we are also confident that He is willing and able to keep His promises regarding His church.
“For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?” (Isaiah 14:27).
Christ Jesus has redeemed this world for Himself and no one and nothing can stand against Him. Jesus said, “For assuredly I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled” (Matthew 5:18).
Surely we would rather take the words of Jesus over those of fallen men! Isaiah records, “For the Lord will have mercy on Jacob, and will still choose Israel, and settle them in their own land.” (Isaiah 14:1). It appears that we are rapidly closing in on “the Day of the Lord” when He will bring all things to fulfilment.