By now, many of us are beginning to see that the protests unfolding in the streets of Cairo are not an isolated event.
The popular uprising in Tunisia earlier this week has ignited hope for social change, and fears of instability, not only in Egypt but throughout the region of North Africa and the Middle East.
Some analysts anticipate a domino effect among other populations struggling with poverty, rising food prices, high unemployment, and aging autocratic governments that have not responded to the critical needs of their citizens.
As the power of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is challenged no one yet knows what the alternatives to his 30 year reign will be for the people of Egypt, Israel, the region, and the world.
Other articles speculate on what will happen if Israel suddenly loses Egypt even as a “cold peace” ally. An article in the Israeli Haaretz news wire says that a loss of Egypt would leave Israel with almost no friends in the Middle East.
With that thought, I’m reminded of what the prophet Isaiah predicted in the last days. Seven centuries BC, he foresaw a great Highway stretching from Egypt through Israel and all the way to Assyria (modern Iraq). According to notes in the Holman Study Bible, “Highway” is a favorite metaphor in Isaiah for the removal of alienation and separation (Isaiah 19:19-25).
On closer look, the prophecy of Isaiah regarding Egypt, Israel, and the region in the last days is a reminder of what only God can do in the world, and in our own hearts.
After foreseeing a divine judgment that will purge the region of its resistance to the one true God, the prophet concludes his vision saying, “On that day Israel will form a triple alliance with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing within the land. The LORD of Hosts will bless them, saying, “Egypt My people, Assyria My handiwork, and Israel My inheritance are blessed” (Isa 19:25).
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