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.
Listen to this chapter
0:00 0:00

Historical Context and Prophetic Command

1
In the year that Tartan came unto Ashdod, (when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him,) and fought against Ashdod, and took it; ​
2
At the same time spake the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot. ​

The Sign Interpreted: Egypt’s Shame

3
And the LORD said, Like as my servant Isaiah hath walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and wonder upon Egypt and upon Ethiopia; ​
4
So shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians prisoners, and the Ethiopians captives, young and old, naked and barefoot, even with their buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt.
5
And they shall be afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their expectation, and of Egypt their glory. ​
6
And the inhabitant of this isle shall say in that day, Behold, such is our expectation, whither we flee for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria: and how shall we escape? ​

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.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate
Settings

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Options