Isaiah 20:1

KJV

¶ In the year that Tartan came unto Ashdod, (when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him,) and fought against Ashdod, and took it;

KJV (with Strong's)

In the year {H8141} that Tartan {H8661} came {H935} unto Ashdod {H795},(when Sargon {H5623} the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804} sent {H7971} him,) and fought {H3898} against Ashdod {H795}, and took {H3920} it;

Complete Jewish Bible

In the year that Sargon the king of Ashur sent his commander-in-chief to attack Ashdod, he captured it.

Berean Standard Bible

Before the year that the chief commander, sent by Sargon king of Assyria, came to Ashdod and attacked and captured it,

American Standard Version

In the year that Tartan came unto Ashdod, when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him, and he fought against Ashdod and took it;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 20:1 serves as a precise historical anchor for the dramatic prophetic sign that immediately follows in the chapter. It meticulously records the specific year and event: the conquest of Ashdod by the formidable Assyrian Empire, led by its commander Tartan, under the authority of King Sargon II. This historical detail not only grounds Isaiah's prophecy in verifiable reality but also sets the geopolitical stage for a crucial warning to Judah against the futility of relying on human alliances rather than the Lord's divine protection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as a vital chronological and narrative marker, introducing the specific prophetic "sign" that Isaiah is commanded to perform in the subsequent verses of [Isaiah 20](/isaiah/20 "Isaiah 20 - Prophecy Against Egypt and Cush"). The detailed historical setting of Ashdod's capture provides the immediate backdrop for Isaiah's symbolic act of walking naked and barefoot for three years. This act is a visual prophecy, illustrating the coming humiliation and captivity of Egypt and Cush (Ethiopia) at the hands of Assyria. The fall of Ashdod, a key Philistine city, would have been a stark reminder to Judah of Assyria's overwhelming power, thereby amplifying the urgency and gravity of Isaiah's message concerning misplaced trust in foreign alliances, a theme pervasive throughout the book of [Isaiah](/isaiah "The Book of Isaiah").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The mention of "Tartan" and "Sargon the king of Assyria" provides exceptional historical precision. Tartan was not a personal name but a high-ranking Assyrian military title, akin to a commander-in-chief, second only to the king. Sargon II (reigned c. 722-705 BC) was a powerful and expansionist Assyrian monarch whose campaigns are extensively documented in Assyrian annals and archaeological discoveries, notably his palace at Khorsabad. The capture of Ashdod, one of the five principal Philistine cities located on the Mediterranean coast, was a significant strategic victory for Assyria. It secured their control over vital coastal trade routes and served as a powerful demonstration of their regional dominance. This event would have sent shockwaves through the Levant, including Judah, which was constantly navigating the complex geopolitical landscape dominated by Assyrian expansion and often tempted to form alliances with other regional powers like Egypt and Cush for protection, a reliance explicitly condemned by Isaiah in passages such as [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help").
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 20:1 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah. Firstly, it underscores the **historical veracity** of biblical prophecy, anchoring divine revelation in specific, verifiable historical events. The precise details of kings, titles, and cities lend credibility to the prophetic message. Secondly, it highlights the **divine sovereignty over nations**. While Sargon and Tartan acted out of their own imperial ambitions, the biblical narrative consistently portrays God as the ultimate orchestrator of history, using even powerful empires like Assyria as instruments for His purposes, as seen in [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Rod"). Finally, and most critically for Judah, the fall of Ashdod served as a potent **warning against misplaced trust**. It demonstrated the futility of relying on human strength or political alliances (especially with Egypt and Cush) for security, urging Judah instead to place their complete trust in the Lord alone for deliverance and protection.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fought (Hebrew, _lâcham'_):** This primitive root signifies not merely a skirmish but a deep engagement, often implying consumption or destruction. In the context of warfare, it means "to battle" or "to make war," emphasizing the destructive and overwhelming nature of the Assyrian military campaign against Ashdod. It conveys the full force of a conquering army.
* **took (Hebrew, _lâkad'_):** This verb means "to catch" (as in a net or trap) or, more broadly, "to capture" or "to occupy." When applied to a city, it denotes a decisive and complete conquest, where the city is seized and brought under the control of the victor. It highlights the success and finality of the Assyrian siege.
* **sent (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** This versatile root means "to send away, for, or out" in a wide variety of applications. Here, it indicates Sargon's authoritative command to Tartan, dispatching him on this specific military mission. It underscores the hierarchical structure of the Assyrian military and Sargon's direct involvement in orchestrating this significant campaign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the year that Tartan came unto Ashdod,"**: This clause provides the precise chronological setting for the prophecy. "Tartan" identifies the specific Assyrian general, while "Ashdod" names the Philistine city that was the target of the campaign, immediately establishing the historical context.
* **"(when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him,)"**: This parenthetical clarification identifies the ultimate authority behind Tartan's mission, Sargon II, the reigning monarch of the formidable Assyrian Empire. It emphasizes that this was not an isolated raid but a state-sanctioned military operation.
* **"and fought against Ashdod,"**: This phrase describes the military action itself, indicating that the Assyrian forces engaged in battle with the city of Ashdod, implying a siege and conflict.
* **"and took it;"**: This final clause declares the outcome of the military engagement: Ashdod was conquered and captured by the Assyrians, signifying a decisive victory and the city's fall under Assyrian dominion.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 20:1 masterfully employs several literary devices to achieve its purpose. The most prominent is its function as a **Historical Marker**, providing a precise, verifiable date and event that grounds the subsequent prophecy in concrete reality. This historical precision lends immense credibility and authority to Isaiah's message. The verse also utilizes **Concise Narrative**, presenting a complex geopolitical event—a major military campaign and conquest—in a remarkably brief and impactful statement. This brevity serves to quickly establish the context without dwelling on the details of the battle itself, allowing the focus to shift to the prophetic sign. Furthermore, the event described here serves as **Foreshadowing** for the prophetic message of the entire chapter, which warns Judah about the impending humiliation of Egypt and Cush. The fall of Ashdod, a seemingly strong coastal city, serves as a tangible example of Assyria's unstoppable power, thereby making the warning about Egypt's vulnerability all the more potent and immediate for Judah's audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 20:1, while seemingly a straightforward historical notation, carries profound theological weight. It demonstrates God's active involvement in human history, orchestrating the rise and fall of empires according to His sovereign will. The conquest of Ashdod by Assyria was not merely a geopolitical maneuver but an event permitted and even purposed by God to shape the circumstances for His people, Judah. This historical precision underscores the reliability of God's word and His ultimate control over all earthly powers. It serves as a powerful reminder that no nation, however mighty, operates outside the purview of the Almighty, and that His warnings and promises are rooted in the unfolding realities of the world He governs. For Judah, this event was a tangible illustration of the consequences of misplaced trust and a call to return to reliance on the Lord alone.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God Frustrates the Plans of Nations"): "The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations."
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord"): "The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord like channels of water; he turns it wherever he wishes."
* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - The Most High Rules the Kingdom of Men"): "The decision is by the decree of the angelic watchers, and the sentence by the word of the holy ones, in order that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the humblest of men."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The historical precision of Isaiah 20:1 offers a profound anchor for our faith. In a world often characterized by uncertainty and the shifting sands of human power, this verse reminds us that God's narrative is not a myth but is deeply interwoven with real human history. The rise and fall of empires, the strategies of generals, and the fate of cities are all ultimately under the sovereign hand of God. For us today, this means that our ultimate trust should never be placed in the fleeting strength of nations, political systems, economic stability, or even personal achievements. Just as Judah was warned against relying on Egypt's strength, we are called to recognize the futility of placing our security in anything other than the unchanging power and faithfulness of God. This verse challenges us to examine where our true confidence lies and to reorient our hearts to depend solely on the Lord, who orchestrates all events according to His perfect, eternal plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the historical accuracy of biblical accounts, like the one in Isaiah 20:1, strengthen your faith in the reliability of God's Word?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to place your trust in human systems, personal abilities, or worldly security, rather than in God's sovereign provision and protection?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your reliance on God's sovereignty and faithfulness in the face of personal or global uncertainties?**

### FAQ
**Who was Tartan, and why is his mention significant?**

Answer: Tartan (H8661, _Tartân_) was not a personal name but a high-ranking military title in the Assyrian army, equivalent to a commander-in-chief or chief of staff, second only to the king himself. His mention is significant because it reflects the precise and accurate knowledge of Assyrian military structure held by the biblical author. It confirms the historical authenticity of the account, showing that the writer was intimately familiar with the specific nomenclature and hierarchy of the Assyrian Empire during that period.

**Why is Sargon II's mention in Isaiah 20:1 particularly noteworthy for biblical archaeology and historical verification?**

Answer: The mention of Sargon (H5623, _Çargôwn_) is highly significant because for a long time, Sargon II was known only from this biblical reference. Secular historical records of Assyrian kings did not list him, leading some critics to question the Bible's historical accuracy. However, in the 19th century, archaeological excavations at Khorsabad (ancient Dur-Sharrukin) uncovered Sargon II's palace and extensive annals, which meticulously detailed his reign, including the conquest of Ashdod. This discovery definitively confirmed the biblical account, providing powerful extra-biblical evidence for the historical reliability of the book of [Isaiah](/isaiah "The Book of Isaiah") and the Bible as a whole.

**What was the strategic importance of Ashdod (H795, _ʼAshdôwd_) at the time of its capture?**

Answer: Ashdod was one of the five principal cities of the Philistines, located on the vital coastal plain of the Mediterranean Sea. Its strategic importance stemmed from its location on major international trade routes, including the "Via Maris," which connected Egypt with Mesopotamia. Control of Ashdod meant control over significant commercial traffic and access to the Mediterranean coast. Its capture by Assyria was crucial for consolidating Assyrian dominance over the Levant, securing their western flank, and demonstrating their overwhelming military might to other states in the region, particularly Judah, which lay inland and was often caught between the great powers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 20:1, with its stark depiction of an earthly king's power and conquest, ultimately points to the far greater and eternal sovereignty of Jesus Christ. While Sargon II, an Assyrian monarch, wielded immense temporal authority to conquer cities and nations, his reign was finite, and his empire eventually crumbled. In contrast, Christ is the true and eternal King, whose dominion is not limited by time or geography. The historical precision of Isaiah's prophecy, grounding God's word in real events, foreshadows the ultimate reality of God's plan unfolding through history, culminating in the incarnation of Jesus. He is the one by whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ's Supremacy")). The warning to Judah against trusting in human alliances finds its ultimate fulfillment in the call to trust solely in Christ, who has "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Christ")). Unlike the temporary security offered by earthly powers, the kingdom of Christ offers eternal peace and an unshakable foundation. He is the one who "upholds the universe by the word of his power" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things")), providing the only true refuge and hope for humanity. The historical subjugation of nations by Assyria serves as a shadow of the spiritual liberation and true freedom found only in following the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), for He is the [Way, the Truth, and the Life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 18:17

¶ And the king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rabsaris and Rabshakeh from Lachish to king Hezekiah with a great host against Jerusalem. And they went up and came to Jerusalem. And when they were come up, they came and stood by the conduit of the upper pool, which [is] in the highway of the fuller's field.

Jeremiah 25:29

For, lo, I begin to bring evil on the city which is called by my name, and should ye be utterly unpunished? Ye shall not be unpunished: for I will call for a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, saith the LORD of hosts.

Jeremiah 25:30

¶ Therefore prophesy thou against them all these words, and say unto them, The LORD shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread [the grapes], against all the inhabitants of the earth.

Jeremiah 25:20

And all the mingled people, and all the kings of the land of Uz, and all the kings of the land of the Philistines, and Ashkelon, and Azzah, and Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod,

Amos 1:8

And I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and him that holdeth the sceptre from Ashkelon, and I will turn mine hand against Ekron: and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish, saith the Lord GOD.

1 Samuel 5:1

¶ And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod.

1 Samuel 6:17

And these [are] the golden emerods which the Philistines returned [for] a trespass offering unto the LORD; for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Askelon one, for Gath one, for Ekron one;