English · CJB

Isaiah20

Isaiah 20 records a prophetic act performed by the prophet Isaiah. Commanded by the LORD, Isaiah walked naked and barefoot for three years as a sign. This act symbolized the future humiliation of Egypt and Ethiopia, who would be led away captive by the King of Assyria, bringing shame upon those who had placed their hope in them.

Historical Context and Prophetic Command

1
In the year that Sargon the king of Ashur sent his commander-in-chief to attack Ashdod, he captured it. ​
2
It was at that time that ADONAI, speaking through Yesha'yahu the son of Amotz, said, "Go and unwind the sackcloth from around your waist, and take your sandals off your feet." So he did it, going about unclothed and barefoot. ​

The Sign Interpreted: Egypt’s Shame

3
In time, ADONAI said, "Just as my servant Yesha'yahu has gone about unclothed and barefoot for three years as a sign and portent against Egypt and Ethiopia, ​
4
so will the king of Ashur lead away the captives of Egypt and the exiles of Ethiopia, young and old, unclothed and barefoot, with their buttocks exposed, to the shame of Egypt.
5
They will be dismayed and ashamed because of Ethiopia their hope and Egypt their pride. ​
6
On that day, the people living along this coast will say, 'Look what happened to the people to whom we fled for help, hoping they would rescue us from the king of Ashur! How will we escape now?'" ​

Study Notes for Isaiah 20

Verse 1

Sargon the king of Assyria: Sargon II (reigned 722–705 BCE) was a major power whose name rarely appears in the Bible but is crucial historically. The conquest of Ashdod (c. 711 BCE) occurred because Ashdod rebelled, relying on promises of Egyptian aid, confirming the historical setting for Isaiah’s prophecy.

Verse 2

Walking naked and barefoot: This does not imply complete nudity, but rather wearing only a loincloth (undergarment) and lacking the outer robes and sandals of a free citizen. Such exposure was typical of captives and slaves, symbolizing the humiliation that Assyria would inflict.

Verse 3

Egypt and upon Ethiopia: 'Ethiopia' here refers to Cush (or Nubia), which ruled Egypt during the 25th Dynasty. Isaiah’s three-year symbolic action demonstrated that these powerful allies, whom Judah was tempted to trust, would themselves be conquered and exiled.

Verse 5

Afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their expectation: Judah was actively seeking a military alliance with Cush and Egypt against Assyria. Their shame stems from realizing that their trusted human saviors were utterly powerless, highlighting the theological error of relying on foreign powers instead of Yahweh.

Verse 6

Inhabitant of this isle: This refers to the inhabitants of the coastal plain (Palestine/Philistia) or perhaps Judah itself, observing the destruction of their neighbors. The failure of Egypt, their chosen refuge, leads to profound despair and the desperate question of escape.

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