Isaiah 20:5

KJV

And they shall be afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their expectation, and of Egypt their glory.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall be afraid {H2865} and ashamed {H954} of Ethiopia {H3568} their expectation {H4007}, and of Egypt {H4714} their glory {H8597}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will be dismayed and ashamed because of Ethiopia their hope and Egypt their pride.

Berean Standard Bible

Those who made Cush their hope and Egypt their boast will be dismayed and ashamed.

American Standard Version

And they shall be dismayed and confounded, because of Ethiopia their expectation, and of Egypt their glory.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 20:5 powerfully encapsulates the profound disillusionment and humiliation awaiting those who place their trust in human alliances and worldly powers rather than in the sovereign God. It describes the future fear and shame of the people of Judah, who had looked to the formidable nations of Ethiopia and Egypt as their source of hope and strength against the encroaching Assyrian Empire. This verse serves as a stark prophetic warning that reliance on anything other than the Lord inevitably leads to disappointment and disgrace when those perceived supports inevitably fail.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 20:5 stands as the climactic emotional consequence of the preceding prophetic action and declaration within the chapter. The narrative opens with a precise historical setting, "In the year that Tartan came unto Ashdod" [Isaiah 20:1](/isaiah/20-1 "Isaiah 20:1 - The Assyrian Siege of Ashdod"), indicating a specific moment during the Assyrian expansion. The prophet Isaiah is commanded by the Lord to perform a deeply unsettling symbolic act: to walk naked and barefoot for three years [Isaiah 20:2](/isaiah/20-2 "Isaiah 20:2 - Isaiah's Symbolic Act"), signifying the impending captivity and humiliation of Egypt and Ethiopia by the king of Assyria [Isaiah 20:3](/isaiah/20-3 "Isaiah 20:3 - The Sign of Egypt's and Cush's Captivity"). Verse 4 explicitly details the shame of these nations, "the king of Assyria shall 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." This vivid portrayal of their future subjugation directly sets the stage for the despair and shame of those who had relied on them, as expressed in verse 5. The entire chapter functions as a dramatic object lesson against misplaced geopolitical trust.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Isaiah 20 is situated within the tumultuous geopolitical landscape of the late 8th century BCE. The dominant superpower of the era was the Neo-Assyrian Empire, under kings like Sargon II and later Sennacherib, who were relentlessly expanding their dominion across the Near East. Smaller nations, including Judah, were caught between the Assyrian juggernaut and the ancient powers of Egypt and Ethiopia (Cush). Many in Judah's leadership, particularly during the reign of King Hezekiah, were tempted to form defensive alliances with Egypt and Ethiopia, viewing them as powerful bulwarks against Assyrian aggression. Egypt, with its long history of military might and strategic location, and Ethiopia, known for its formidable warriors, represented significant perceived strength. The cultural norm was to seek security through such political and military pacts. Isaiah's prophecy directly confronts this prevailing geopolitical strategy, asserting that these human alliances would prove utterly futile and lead to national humiliation, as seen in the broader prophetic messages against foreign alliances found throughout [Isaiah 30](/isaiah/30 "Isaiah 30 - Woe to Rebellious Children") and [Isaiah 31](/isaiah/31 "Isaiah 31 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Misplaced Trust**, highlighting the folly and ultimate futility of relying on human strength, political alliances, or material resources rather than on the living God. Judah's "expectation" in Ethiopia and "glory" in Egypt represent a fundamental theological error—seeking security apart from the Lord, a theme echoed throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the wisdom literature (e.g., [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")). Secondly, the prophecy demonstrates **Divine Sovereignty** over the nations. God is depicted as the ultimate orchestrator of history, using even pagan empires like Assyria as instruments of His judgment and to accomplish His purposes, thereby proving that no human power can thwart His plans or protect those who defy Him. Finally, the terms "afraid and ashamed" introduce the theme of **Shame and Disappointment**, which is the inevitable consequence of misplaced trust. When the objects of human reliance fall, those who depended on them are left exposed, vulnerable, and deeply humiliated, serving as a stark warning against seeking security apart from God, a message consistently found in prophetic condemnations of idolatry and unfaithfulness (e.g., [Jeremiah 2:36-37](/jeremiah/2-36-37 "Jeremiah 2:36-37 - Why Do You Go About So Much?")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **afraid (Hebrew, _châthath'_):** A primitive root meaning "to prostrate," implying a breaking down, either literally by violence or figuratively by confusion and fear. It conveys a sense of being terrified, dismayed, or discouraged to the point of collapse. In this context, it speaks to the deep psychological impact of the collapse of their perceived protectors, leading to utter panic and a loss of composure.
* **ashamed (Hebrew, _bûwsh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to pale," and by implication, "to be ashamed." It also carries the sense of being disappointed or delayed, highlighting the frustration and humiliation that accompanies the failure of one's hopes. The shame here is not merely embarrassment but a profound disgrace resulting from the exposure of their folly and the futility of their chosen path.
* **expectation (Hebrew, _mabbâṭ'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to look" or "to gaze," this term refers to something one looks to for hope, reliance, or anticipation. It signifies the object of one's hopeful gaze, the source from which one expects help or deliverance. For Judah, Ethiopia was their "expectation," the nation they hoped would deliver them from Assyria.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall be afraid":** This clause describes the immediate, visceral reaction of those who had placed their trust in Ethiopia and Egypt. The news of their allies' defeat and humiliation by Assyria would strike terror into their hearts, causing a profound sense of dread and panic. Their confidence would shatter, replaced by paralyzing fear as their perceived shield against the Assyrian threat vanished.
* **"and ashamed":** Following fear, shame is the inevitable emotional consequence. This shame stems from the public exposure of their misguided reliance. Their boast in these nations, their political maneuvering, and their rejection of God's counsel would be revealed as utterly foolish. The disgrace would be palpable, a deep humiliation for having put their faith in fallible human power.
* **"of Ethiopia their expectation":** Ethiopia (Cush) was seen as a powerful, distant ally, a source of military strength and a potential counterweight to Assyria. Judah had "expected" help, deliverance, and security from this nation. The fall of Ethiopia would mean the complete dashing of this hope, turning their expectation into bitter disappointment.
* **"and of Egypt their glory":** Egypt, with its ancient civilization, vast resources, and historical military prowess, was Judah's "glory"—the nation they admired, boasted in, and considered a source of their own reflected honor and strength. The defeat and humiliation of Egypt would strip Judah of this perceived glory, leaving them exposed and utterly disgraced, demonstrating the emptiness of relying on human might.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 20:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Parallelism** is evident in the balanced structure of "afraid and ashamed" mirroring "Ethiopia their expectation, and of Egypt their glory," emphasizing the dual emotional and relational consequences. There is strong **Symbolism**, where Ethiopia and Egypt are not merely geopolitical entities but represent any human power, alliance, or resource that one might rely upon apart from God. Their fall thus symbolizes the inevitable failure of all misplaced trust. The verse also contains a profound **Irony**: what was once "expectation" and "glory" becomes the very source of "fear and shame." The perceived strength and hope turn into the cause of profound disappointment and humiliation, highlighting the deceptive nature of worldly security.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 20:5 is a profound theological statement on the nature of true security and the dangers of idolatry in its political form. It asserts that any reliance placed on human power, whether military alliances, economic stability, or political leaders, is ultimately futile and will lead to disappointment. God alone is the true source of strength and salvation. To seek refuge in nations like Egypt and Ethiopia was, for Judah, a form of spiritual infidelity, a turning away from the covenant Lord who had promised to be their protector. This prophetic warning transcends its immediate historical context, serving as a timeless reminder that human systems are inherently limited and fallible. True peace and security are found not in the strength of armies or the wisdom of politicians, but in unwavering trust in the sovereign God who controls the affairs of all nations.

* [Psalm 118:8-9](/psalm/118-8-9 "Psalm 118:8-9 - Trusting in the Lord") – "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes."
* [Jeremiah 17:5](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5 - The Curse of Trusting in Man") – "Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord."
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Some Trust in Chariots") – "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 20:5 speaks powerfully to the human tendency to seek security and significance in external sources rather than in God. In our contemporary world, this can manifest in various ways: an over-reliance on financial stability, political systems, technological advancements, social status, or even personal achievements. When we place our ultimate hope and "glory" in these transient things, we set ourselves up for the very "fear and shame" described in the verse. Economic downturns can bring financial fear, political upheavals can cause societal shame, and personal failures can lead to deep disillusionment. This verse challenges us to critically examine where our true confidence lies. It calls us to shift our gaze from the fleeting promises of the world to the unchanging faithfulness of God. When our expectation is in the Lord, and our glory is found in His name, we are anchored in an unshakeable reality, regardless of the storms around us. This passage encourages a radical reorientation of our trust, reminding us that only God is truly dependable, and only in Him can we find lasting peace and security that transcends all earthly circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "Ethiopias" and "Egypts" in my own life—the things or people I tend to rely on for security, status, or hope apart from God?**
* **How does the fear of losing these earthly "expectations" and "glories" manifest in my thoughts or actions?**
* **In what practical ways can I intentionally shift my trust from worldly supports to God alone this week?**
* **What does it truly mean for God to be my "expectation" and "glory" in a world that constantly offers alternatives?**

### FAQ
**What was the specific historical context that led Judah to rely on Egypt and Ethiopia?**

Answer: The specific historical context was the aggressive expansion of the Neo-Assyrian Empire in the late 8th century BCE. Assyria, under kings like Sargon II, was a formidable military power that had conquered many nations in the Near East. Judah, a smaller kingdom, feared Assyrian invasion and sought to form alliances with other powerful nations, particularly Egypt and Ethiopia (Cush), which were seen as strong military forces capable of resisting Assyria. This reliance was a geopolitical strategy to secure their borders and maintain their independence, despite prophetic warnings against such alliances, as seen in [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1-7 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to the Rebellious Children").

**What was the significance of Isaiah's symbolic act of walking naked and barefoot?**

Answer: Isaiah's symbolic act, described in [Isaiah 20:2-3](/isaiah/20-2-3 "Isaiah 20:2-3 - Isaiah's Symbolic Act"), was a powerful visual prophecy. Walking naked and barefoot was a common sign of humiliation and captivity in the ancient Near East, often forced upon prisoners of war. By performing this act for three years, Isaiah was vividly demonstrating the future fate of Egypt and Ethiopia: they would be stripped of their dignity and led away as captives by the Assyrians. This dramatic sign was meant to shock Judah into understanding the futility of relying on these nations, as their "expectation" and "glory" would themselves suffer ultimate disgrace.

**Does this prophecy only apply to ancient nations, or does it have relevance for today?**

Answer: While the prophecy was specifically directed at ancient Judah's misplaced trust in Egypt and Ethiopia, its core message is timeless and universally applicable. The principle that placing ultimate trust in human systems, wealth, power, or any created thing rather than in God will inevitably lead to disappointment, fear, and shame remains profoundly relevant. Modern "Ethiopias" and "Egypts" can represent anything we rely on for security, identity, or hope apart from the Lord—be it financial markets, political leaders, technological solutions, personal achievements, or even human relationships. The verse serves as a perpetual warning against idolatry in all its forms and a call to place our ultimate confidence in God alone, as highlighted in [Psalm 146:3-5](/psalm/146-3-5 "Psalm 146:3-5 - Do Not Put Your Trust in Princes").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 20:5, with its stark portrayal of misplaced trust leading to fear and shame, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The nations of Ethiopia and Egypt, once the "expectation" and "glory" of Judah, proved to be broken reeds, incapable of delivering true salvation or security. This failure of human and national strength points to the profound truth that humanity's deepest need cannot be met by any earthly power or alliance. Instead, our true "expectation" and "glory" are found exclusively in Christ. He is the ultimate deliverer, the one in whom all the promises of God are "Yes" and "Amen" [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ"). Unlike fallible human leaders or transient empires, Jesus Christ is the King who reigns eternally, the Lamb of God who truly takes away the sin of the world [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and the cornerstone upon whom we can build our lives without fear of shame [1 Peter 2:6](/1_peter/2-6 "1 Peter 2:6 - Christ, the Cornerstone"). When we place our faith in Him, we are not left "afraid and ashamed," but are given an unshakable hope [Hebrews 6:19](/hebrews/6-19 "Hebrews 6:19 - A Sure and Steadfast Anchor") and a glory that is eternal, for Christ Himself is "the hope of glory" within us [Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory"). He is the only one who can truly deliver us from the fear of sin, death, and judgment, offering a security that no earthly power can provide or take away.

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

Isaiah 30:5

They were all ashamed of a people [that] could not profit them, nor be an help nor profit, but a shame, and also a reproach.

Isaiah 30:3

Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt [your] confusion.

Ezekiel 29:6

And all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that I [am] the LORD, because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel.

Ezekiel 29:7

When they took hold of thee by thy hand, thou didst break, and rend all their shoulder: and when they leaned upon thee, thou brakest, and madest all their loins to be at a stand.

Jeremiah 9:23

¶ Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches:

Jeremiah 9:24

But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I [am] the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these [things] I delight, saith the LORD.

1 Corinthians 3:21

¶ Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;