There is an idea that promises world peace and prosperity that was first put in writing a few thousand years ago. It is the biblical teaching of the 1,000-year reign of Jesus Christ on earth. It is called the Millennium, a Latin word which means one thousand years.

When we speak of a "millennial setting" we are speaking to what the Bible describes as a time of peace and harmony on the earth. God's promise of a millennial Kingdom stands as a symbol of hope for mankind. Part of that promise involves a peace highway; a godly "highway to peace." Let’s read about it:

"In that day [the end time] there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian will come into Egypt and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians will serve with the Assyrians. In that day [future prophecy] Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing in the midst of the land" (Isaiah 19:23-24 emphasis added throughout).

Mortal Enemies United

Why is it significant that after Jesus returns to establish God’s Kingdom on the earth that a super highway will traverse from north to south—through Israel—from Assyria to Egypt? (As we shall see, this highway is both literal and figurative). Why is it such a big deal that Egypt and Assyria become connected?

If we look at end-time events, particularly in the book of Daniel, we find that Egypt and Assyria will be mortal enemies, not peaceful international highway builders! In the end time, Assyria in the north will destroy Egypt to the south. (There is strong biblical and historical evidence that a large portion of the ancient Assyrians migrated to northern Europe. Therefore, when Bible prophecy speaks of end-time events, we believe that "Assyria" refers to northern Europe).

Note what the prophet Daniel wrote of these end-time enemies:

"At the time of the end the king of the South [Egypt] shall attack him; and the king of the North [Assyria, Europe] shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. He shall also enter the Glorious Land [Israel today], and many countries shall be overthrown…He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans and Ethiopians [perhaps much of the Arab world] shall follow at his heels" (Daniel 11:40-43).

(For more about the reunification of these mortal enemies, please read our booklet, "The Middle East in Bible Prophecy" if you have not already done so.)

A Change of Heart—and a New King

If there is going to be a peaceful highway between them "in that day," at the time of the end and in the time of the Millennium, then a change of heart has to take place. We realize that something has to change between these two enemies.

It is going to take God Himself, in the form of Jesus Christ as King and Ruler, in order for mankind to know peace and open up that highway. The driving factor in all of this will be the power of the Holy Spirit being made available to everyone, and the forgiveness of sins and the gift of salvation offered to all at Christ’s return.

Take note of this powerful millennial prophecy written by Isaiah and inspired by God. It foretells a time like no other. It foretells a time when weapons of war truly will be melted down to become agricultural tools.

"Say to those who are fearful-hearted, ‘Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you. A highway shall be there, and a road, and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, shall not go astray’" (Isaiah 35:4, 8).

The Highway of Holiness

It’s a spiritual highway, a holy highway—the Highway of Holiness. It will bring people together on a higher plane than any normal commercial highway ever could. Not only will there be a highway from Europe to Africa—from Assyria to Egypt—but there will be a Highway of Holiness between all people.

"Prepare the way of the Lord [Jesus Christ about to return]; Make straight in the desert a highway for our God…The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken" (Isaiah 40:3, 5).

Can a road eradicate the spiritual division of mankind? Or is there more to it? Yes, there is. There is a spiritual element to it. And without that, peace is not possible for the long term. No physical highway can accomplish this goal. It requires a change of heart, led by the Spirit of God. The highway must be built upon godly principles, and it will finally come to pass during the time in the not too distant future we call "the Millennium."

To read more about the Millennium and the prophesied Kingdom of God, make sure you read our free booklet, "The Gospel of the Kingdom."

"Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!" (Isaiah 62:12).

The true peace highway, the Highway of Holiness established by God, is what will bring this dream to reality. Build up, build up the spiritual highway of holiness.

May God speed that day.