Isaiah 19:23-24

Context

19:23 At that time there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will visit Egypt, and the Egyptians will visit Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together.¹ 19:24 At that time Israel will be the third member of the group, along with Egypt and Assyria, and will be a recipient of blessing² in the earth.³

[19:23] ¹tn The text could be translated, “and Egypt will serve Assyria” (cf. NAB), but subjugation of one nation to the other does not seem to be a theme in vv. 23-25. Rather the nations are viewed as equals before the Lord (v. 25). Therefore it is better to take אֶת (’et) in v. 23b as a preposition, “together with,” rather than the accusative sign. The names of the two countries are understood to refer by metonymy to their respective inhabitants.

[19:24] ²tn Heb “will be a blessing” (so NCV).

[19:24] ³tn Or “land” (KJV, NAB).