Isaiah 20:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

At the same time {H6256} spake {H1696} the LORD {H3068} by {H3027} Isaiah {H3470} the son {H1121} of Amoz {H531}, saying {H559}, Go {H3212} and loose {H6605} the sackcloth {H8242} from off thy loins {H4975}, and put off {H2502} thy shoe {H5275} from thy foot {H7272}. And he did so {H6213}, walking {H1980} naked {H6174} and barefoot {H3182}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

the LORD had already spoken through Isaiah son of Amoz, saying, “Go, remove the sackcloth from your waist and the sandals from your feet.” And Isaiah did so, walking around naked and barefoot.

American Standard Version

at that time Jehovah spake by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go, and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put thy shoe from off thy foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 20:2 records a profound and visually arresting prophetic command from the LORD to the prophet Isaiah, instructing him to shed his sackcloth and shoes, and to walk "naked and barefoot." This extraordinary act of obedience was not merely a personal humiliation for Isaiah but a powerful, living parable designed to convey God's impending judgment upon Egypt and Ethiopia at the hands of the Assyrian Empire, serving as a stark warning to Judah against forming alliances based on human strength rather than divine trust.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 20:2 immediately follows the opening verse of the chapter, which establishes the historical setting: the year the Assyrian commander (Tartán) captured Ashdod. This victory was a significant event, demonstrating Assyria's relentless expansion and military might. The command to Isaiah in verse 2 is a direct divine response to this geopolitical reality, setting the stage for a prophetic sign-act that would vividly illustrate the fate awaiting nations that trusted in human alliances rather than the Lord. The entire chapter, though brief, serves as a powerful object lesson within Isaiah's broader prophetic ministry, which consistently calls Judah to trust in God alone amidst regional power struggles. This sign-act resonates with other symbolic actions undertaken by prophets, such as Jeremiah burying a linen sash or Ezekiel lying on his side, all designed to make divine messages tangible and unforgettable.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 8th century BC was a period of intense geopolitical instability in the Ancient Near East, dominated by the ascendant Neo-Assyrian Empire. Under kings like Sargon II, Assyria systematically conquered and subjugated kingdoms, often deporting populations and imposing heavy tribute. Judah, a small kingdom caught between Assyrian expansion and the declining powers of Egypt and Ethiopia (Cush), faced immense pressure to choose alliances. Many nations, including Judah, were tempted to rely on Egypt or Ethiopia for military support against Assyria. Culturally, "sackcloth" (`saq`) was a coarse fabric typically worn as a sign of mourning, repentance, or deep distress, often by prophets. To remove it and walk "naked" (`ʻârôwm`) and "barefoot" (`yâchêph`) was a profound act of public humiliation and vulnerability, symbolizing destitution, captivity, and the stripping away of dignity, commonly inflicted upon prisoners of war. This visual language would have been immediately understood by the people of Judah as a depiction of utter defeat and enslavement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over the rise and fall of nations, even using pagan empires like Assyria as instruments of His judgment and purpose, as seen throughout [Isaiah's prophecies](/isaiah/10 "Isaiah 10 - Assyria as God's Rod"). Secondly, it highlights the critical theme of **Warning Against Misplaced Trust**. Judah's temptation to rely on Egypt and Ethiopia is directly challenged, with Isaiah's sign-act illustrating the futility of such alliances, echoing the warnings found in [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help"). Thirdly, it exemplifies the **Nature of Prophetic Ministry**, showcasing the prophet's role not just as a speaker of God's word but as a living embodiment of His message, willing to endure personal humiliation for the sake of divine revelation. Finally, it touches on **Judgment and Humiliation**, portraying the inevitable consequences for those who defy God's will or place their hope in human power, a theme prevalent in many prophetic books, including [Jeremiah 13:22](/jeremiah/13-22 "Jeremiah 13:22 - The shame of Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **spake (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This primitive root, H1696, means "to speak" or "to arrange." Here, it emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the command. The LORD Himself "spoke" through Isaiah, indicating that this unusual and potentially scandalous act was not Isaiah's own initiative but a direct, authoritative instruction from God, making the subsequent action a divinely ordained message.
* **naked (Hebrew, _ʻârôwm'_):** H6174, this term denotes being "nude, either partially or totally." In ancient Near Eastern contexts, it often referred to being stripped of outer garments, leaving one in undergarments, or in a state of public vulnerability and destitution. It symbolizes humiliation, slavery, and the complete loss of honor and possessions, as seen in the treatment of captives of war. Isaiah's "nakedness" was a visual representation of the utter disgrace and helplessness that would befall Egypt and Ethiopia.
* **barefoot (Hebrew, _yâchêph'_):** H3182, meaning "unsandalled" or "being unshod." To walk barefoot in ancient times, especially in public, was a sign of poverty, mourning, or captivity. Slaves and prisoners were often forced to go barefoot. Coupled with "naked," it amplifies the message of complete subjugation, loss of freedom, and the abject misery of defeat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"At the same time spake the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying,":** This opening clause firmly establishes the divine origin and prophetic authority of the message. The phrase "At the same time" links this specific prophetic act to the contemporary historical events mentioned in [Isaiah 20:1](/isaiah/20-1 "Isaiah 20:1 - The Capture of Ashdod"), underscoring its immediate relevance to Judah's political situation. The Lord is the speaker, and Isaiah is His chosen vessel, emphasizing that the prophet's subsequent actions are not personal eccentricities but divinely mandated communications.
* **"Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot.":** This is the direct divine command to Isaiah. "Loose the sackcloth from off thy loins" signifies the removal of garments associated with mourning, repentance, or prophetic attire, symbolizing a shift from a state of lament to one of profound public exposure. "Put off thy shoe from thy foot" further emphasizes vulnerability and destitution, as walking barefoot was a sign of slavery or extreme poverty in the ancient world. This dual command sets the stage for the shocking visual prophecy.
* **"And he did so, walking naked and barefoot.":** This final clause highlights Isaiah's immediate and complete obedience to the divine, albeit humiliating, instruction. His willingness to publicly strip himself of his outer garments and walk without shoes demonstrates his absolute submission to God's will. This act of "walking naked and barefoot" is the core of the sign-act, visually embodying the future humiliation and captivity of Egypt and Ethiopia, thereby delivering a powerful, unforgettable message to Judah about the folly of trusting in human strength.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 20:2 is a prime example of a **Prophetic Sign-Act** or **Symbolic Action**, a common literary and prophetic device in the Old Testament. Instead of merely speaking a message, the prophet embodies it, turning his own body and actions into a living parable. This technique is highly effective because it is visually striking, memorable, and emotionally impactful, conveying the severity and certainty of God's message in a way words alone might not. The act itself is a **Metaphor** for the future state of Egypt and Ethiopia, with Isaiah's stripped and vulnerable state directly symbolizing their impending humiliation and captivity. There is also an element of **Irony**, as Isaiah, a respected prophet, is commanded to adopt the appearance of a defeated, captive slave, turning societal norms on their head to deliver a divine truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly underscores the biblical principle that true security and wisdom lie in absolute dependence on God, not in human alliances or military might. Isaiah's humiliating sign-act serves as a stark reminder that all earthly powers, no matter how formidable, are ultimately subject to the sovereign will of the LORD. God's message through Isaiah was a call for Judah to repent of its misplaced trust and to return to a posture of faith in Him alone, for He is the only reliable refuge. The humiliation of Egypt and Ethiopia at Assyria's hand, foretold by Isaiah's public display, would serve as a concrete object lesson against the folly of trusting in the "arm of flesh," a theme consistently woven throughout the prophetic literature.

* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trusting in the Name of the Lord")
* [Jeremiah 17:5](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5 - Cursed is the Man Who Trusts in Man")
* [Psalm 146:3](/psalms/146-3 "Psalm 146:3 - Do Not Put Your Trust in Princes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 20:2 presents a challenging yet vital message for believers today. In a world that constantly encourages us to place our confidence in financial stability, political systems, technological advancements, or personal achievements, this passage calls us back to radical trust in God alone. Isaiah's willingness to endure public humiliation for the sake of God's message forces us to examine our own obedience. Are we willing to step outside our comfort zones, to appear foolish or counter-cultural, if it means faithfully proclaiming or embodying God's truth? The sign-act serves as a timeless warning: any foundation built on human strength or worldly alliances is ultimately fragile and destined for collapse. Our ultimate security, dignity, and hope are found only in the unwavering sovereignty and faithfulness of the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I tend to place my ultimate trust and security in life? Is it truly in God alone, or in worldly systems and resources?**
* **What "sackcloth" (comfort zones, social norms, personal pride) might God be asking me to "loose" in order to more fully obey His call or embody His message?**
* **How does Isaiah's radical obedience challenge my own willingness to follow God's commands, especially when they seem illogical, difficult, or personally embarrassing?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command Isaiah to perform such a strange and humiliating act?**

Answer: God commanded Isaiah to perform this unusual sign-act to deliver a powerful, unforgettable, and tangible prophetic message to the people of Judah. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, prophets often used symbolic actions, not just words, to convey divine truths. By walking "naked and barefoot," Isaiah was visually demonstrating the future humiliation, destitution, and captivity that would befall Egypt and Ethiopia at the hands of Assyria. This served as a stark warning to Judah, who was contemplating forming an alliance with these nations against the formidable Assyrian Empire. The act was designed to show the futility of trusting in human powers that would themselves become helpless captives, thereby urging Judah to place their trust solely in the Lord, as emphasized in [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help").

**What does "naked" mean in this biblical context? Does it imply complete nudity?**

Answer: In biblical and ancient Near Eastern contexts, the Hebrew word for "naked" (`ʻârôwm`, H6174) does not necessarily imply complete nudity. It often refers to being stripped of one's outer garments, such as a cloak or tunic, leaving one in undergarments or a state of partial undress. This state symbolized destitution, humiliation, slavery, or captivity, as prisoners of war were often paraded in such a manner. For example, [Micah 1:8](/micah/1-8 "Micah 1:8 - Micah walks stripped and wailing") describes Micah walking "stripped and naked" as a sign of mourning and impending judgment. Similarly, [Job 1:21](/job/1-21 "Job 1:21 - Job acknowledges his birth state") speaks of being "naked" from the womb, referring to a state of having nothing. Isaiah's act was a public display of extreme vulnerability and disgrace, mirroring the fate of the nations Judah was tempted to trust.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah's humiliating sign-act, undertaken in radical obedience to God's command, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate act of divine obedience and self-emptying found in Jesus Christ. Just as Isaiah willingly shed his garments and dignity to embody a message of judgment and warning, Christ "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). He, who was God, laid aside His divine prerogatives and endured the ultimate humiliation, becoming "naked" on the cross, stripped of His garments and exposed to public shame, to bear the sin of humanity ([John 19:23-24](/john/19-23 "John 19:23-24 - Soldiers divide Jesus' garments")). Isaiah's prophetic drama warned against trusting in earthly powers; Christ's sacrifice demonstrates that true salvation and security come not from human alliances or strength, but from the divine Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His perfect obedience and suffering, Jesus fulfilled the deepest meaning of Isaiah's sign-act, becoming the ultimate embodiment of God's message of judgment against sin and His provision of redemption for all who trust in Him alone, offering a security far greater than any earthly alliance ([Hebrews 5:8-9](/hebrews/5-8 "Hebrews 5:8-9 - Christ Learned Obedience Through Suffering")).

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

1 Samuel 19:24

And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, [Is] Saul also among the prophets?

Matthew 3:4

And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

Micah 1:8

¶ Therefore I will wail and howl, I will go stripped and naked: I will make a wailing like the dragons, and mourning as the owls.

Ezekiel 24:17

Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead, bind the tire of thine head upon thee, and put on thy shoes upon thy feet, and cover not [thy] lips, and eat not the bread of men.

Zechariah 13:4

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he hath prophesied; neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive:

Ezekiel 24:23

And your tires [shall be] upon your heads, and your shoes upon your feet: ye shall not mourn nor weep; but ye shall pine away for your iniquities, and mourn one toward another.

Isaiah 13:1

¶ The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see.