Definition: In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 19:23. It’s a pretty dramatic and symbolic statement about the future! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that after a long period of hardship and darkness for Egypt, there will be a new era where things will change dramatically. Let's unpack each part: “In that day shall there be…” : This is setting the stage – it’s about a specific time in the future. “…a highway out of Egypt…” : Egypt has been suffering for a long time, and it's facing a difficult situation. This "highway" represents a way to escape from this trouble. "...to Assyria..." : Assyria is a powerful kingdom located far away in the East – think of a vast empire known for its military might. They were a large and influential nation at the time. "...and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt…” : The Assyrians, who are strong and dominant, will eventually enter Egypt. This isn’t necessarily an invasion; it's more about their presence becoming established. "...and the Egyptian into Assyria…” : Meanwhile, Egyptians – the people of Egypt – will be influenced by the Assyrians. They’ll become part of their empire and culture. "...and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians.” : This is the really significant part. It means that Egyptians will begin to work for the Assyrian rulers, becoming subservient to them. It's a shift in power and control. So, what does this all mean? Isaiah 19:23 suggests a long-term shift in the balance of power between Egypt and Assyria. It’s a prophecy about a future where the Assyrians will become dominant in the region, and Egypt will be influenced by their rule. It speaks to themes of displacement, transformation, and a potential for change – even if it's a challenging one. Important Note: This is a complex verse with many possible interpretations. It’s often seen as a prediction about the future, but also has deeper theological significance related to God's plan for nations and empires. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Expand on the symbolism of "the highway"? Discuss the context of the verse within the larger biblical narrative?