A Blessing upon the Earth
Egypt first experiences Judah and the LORD's lifted hand as a source of trembling, but that fear is the beginning of transformation rather than the end. In time, Egyptian cities begin to speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the LORD of Hosts, signaling that old political fear is giving way to religious reorientation.
I16n that day the Egyptians will be like women. They will tremble with fear beneath the uplifted hand of the LORD of Hosts, when He brandishes it against them. 17The land of Judah will bring terror to Egypt; whenever Judah is mentioned, Egypt will tremble over what the LORD of Hosts has planned against it. 18In that day five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the LORD of Hosts. One of them will be called the City of the Sun.
Altars and pillars dedicated to the LORD arise in Egypt itself, making the land a witness to His presence and rule. When Egyptians cry out under oppression, God sends help, makes Himself known, receives their worship, and even in striking them does so for healing, because their affliction becomes the pathway by which they turn to Him and are restored.
19In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the center of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the LORD near her border. 20It will be a sign and a witness to the LORD of Hosts in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, He will send them a savior and defender to rescue them. 21The LORD will make Himself known to Egypt, and on that day Egypt will acknowledge the LORD. They will worship with sacrifices and offerings; they will make vows to the LORD and fulfill them. 22And the LORD will strike Egypt with a plague; He will strike them but heal them. They will turn to the LORD, and He will hear their prayers and heal them.
The chapter then reaches its climax by envisioning a highway between Egypt and Assyria, not for war but for mutual access and common worship. Israel stands with them as a third partner in blessing, and the LORD of Hosts declares over the three what once would have seemed impossible: Egypt is My people, Assyria My handiwork, and Israel My inheritance.
23In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt, and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together. 24In that day Israel will join a three-party alliance with Egypt and Assyria— a blessing upon the earth. 25The LORD of Hosts will bless them, saying, “Blessed be Egypt My people, Assyria My handiwork, and Israel My inheritance.”