Egyptian Cities Turn toward the LORD

Five cities speak the language of Canaan, and an altar stands in Egypt

In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the LORD of hosts; one shall be called, The city of destruction. In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD. And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt: for they shall cry unto the LORD because of the oppressors, and he shall send them a saviour, and a great one, and he shall deliver them.

The astonishing turn is Egyptian cities bound by oath to the LORD, with altar and border pillar as witness. Oppression still happens; cry and rescue still happen. The vision does not erase Egypt into Israel, and it does not hand a present state divine innocence.

Known and healed, Egypt worships with sacrifice and vow

And the LORD shall be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know the LORD in that day, and shall do sacrifice and oblation; yea, they shall vow a vow unto the LORD, and perform it. And the LORD shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal it: and they shall return even to the LORD, and he shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them.

Striking and healing belong to the same Lord. Return is real. Mapping this onto modern ethnic conflict, or using it to dominate Egyptians, breaks the healing.