On an Ancient Highway: Israel and the Prophetic Promise of Isaiah 19

On an Ancient Highway: Israel and the Prophetic Promise of Isaiah 19 is the biographical account of one family’s discovery of a life-shaping prophetic promise. “In that day there will be a Highway…”—the opening of Isaiah’s remarkable passage—holds a promise with the potential to reshape the Middle East. More than forty years ago, Michael and Elise, a cross-cultural couple of American Jewish and Turkish Armenian heritage, set out to follow this Isaiah 19 Highway. Their journey carried them across continents and through diverse ministry roles before finally anchoring them in Israel, where they raised their family and devoted their lives to understanding and pursuing the promise of Isaiah 19. This book tells that story.

The narrative also follows another family—a biblical one that begins with Abraham and Sarah—whom we first meet on this same ancient route as they travel from Mesopotamia to Canaan, to Egypt, to the land that would later become Israel. Drawing from history, geography, and scripture —from Genesis to Revelation—Michael unpacks the context and prophetic promise of the Isaiah 19 Highway and its relevance even to modern times. He explores the identity and redemptive purpose of the key nations along this route and their role in the unfolding of God’s promise.

In recent years, the prophecy of Isaiah 19 has captured the attention of believers worldwide who see it as a profound hope for the turbulent Middle East. Michael and Elise, together with a growing community of Middle Eastern followers of Jesus—Jews, Muslims, and Arab Christians alike—are finding unity along this Highway through worship, prayer, and service. Through the lens of Isaiah 19 and the gospel of Yeshua the Messiah, lives are being transformed; the Kingdom is advancing.

Yet the story is far from complete.

The prophetic promise of Isaiah 19—the Highway that will bless the earth—remains only a promise until, as in the days of Isaiah, God finds willing vessels who answer “Hineni” and partner with Him to bring that promise to fulfillment.

“This book highlights one of the most important prophecies for our generation and it is written by perhaps the most qualified person in the world on the subject: Michael Bar Metzar.” – Don Finto, Ph.D. Author, Pastor, and Founder of Caleb Company

“We whole-heartedly recommend this book and call on all who love the Lord’s return to join Michael and his family in building the great highway.” – Jerry and Sarah Mattix, Authors, Pastors, and Founders of At Risk Women of the Middle East

“It is an honour to know Michael and the work of Isaiah 19 – where Jews and Arabs come together to reconcile, worship, and work together for true peace – as part of God’s redemptive plan for Israel and the Middle East. Rooted in scripture, paralleled by his personal journey, this book offers needed understanding of the Isaiah 19 highway prophetic promise and inspires hope for what is possible in the days we are living in.” – Clive & Jane Urquhart, Senior Pastors, Kingdom Faith Church, UK

“”As a Palestinian from a Muslim background who was raised in hatred but transformed by Jesus, Isaiah 19 is not merely a prophecy for me; it is hope for the Middle East and the entire world. Michael Bar Metzar is a man who truly lives this vision with his family, connecting people across the region; I pray that this book will bless everyone who reads it and release an impartation to live out this calling.” – Sultan A., Pastor and Founder of Peacemaker Catalyst

“I am delighted to recommend Michael Bar Metzar’s story. His love for his people, as well as the peoples of the Middle East, is inspiring – a shining light amidst the present darkness.”– Marcel Rebiai, Founder of Community of Reconciliation and Gesher Bridge