Isaiah 20:6

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

And the inhabitant {H3427} of this isle {H339} shall say {H559} in that day {H3117}, Behold, such {H3541} is our expectation {H4007}, whither we flee {H5127} for help {H5833} to be delivered {H5337} from {H6440} the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804}: and how shall we escape {H4422}?

Complete Jewish Bible

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?'"

Berean Standard Bible

And on that day the dwellers of this coastland will say, ‘See what has happened to our source of hope, those to whom we fled for help and deliverance from the king of Assyria! How then can we escape?’”

American Standard Version

And the inhabitant of this coast-land shall say in that day, Behold, such is our expectation, whither we fled for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria: and we, how shall we escape?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 20:6 powerfully articulates the profound despair and shattered hope of those who had placed their trust in human alliances rather than divine protection. It records the bitter lament of the coastal inhabitants, particularly the Philistines and potentially Judah, as they witness the utter humiliation and defeat of Egypt and Ethiopia by the formidable Assyrian Empire. Their desperate cry, "Behold, such is our expectation, whither we flee for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria: and how shall we escape?", reveals the agonizing realization that their chosen saviors are themselves helpless, leaving them with no perceived refuge from the impending Assyrian threat.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic and interpretive conclusion to the prophetic sign of Isaiah 20:1-5. The Lord commanded Isaiah to walk naked and barefoot for three years, a profoundly shocking and vivid act designed to symbolize the impending humiliation, defeat, and captivity of Egypt and Ethiopia (Cush) by the Assyrian Empire under King Sargon II. The preceding verses vividly describe the shame of these once-proud nations, led away as captives. Verse 6 then shifts the perspective to the observers—the "inhabitant of this isle"—who had been relying on these very nations for military aid. The verse functions as the direct application and emotional climax of Isaiah's symbolic prophecy, demonstrating the futility and tragic consequences of trusting in worldly powers over the sovereign God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 8th century BCE was dominated by the relentless expansion of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, which was the preeminent superpower of the ancient Near East. Many smaller nations, including Judah, Philistia, and other coastal states, found themselves precariously positioned between Assyrian aggression and the traditional regional powers of Egypt and Ethiopia. King Sargon II of Assyria had indeed conquered Ashdod (a significant Philistine city) in 711 BCE, an event explicitly mentioned in [Isaiah 20:1](/isaiah/20-1 "Isaiah 20:1 - Sargon's Conquest of Ashdod"). This conquest served as a stark and terrifying warning to other nations in the region. The cultural practice of parading captured enemies naked was a common and deeply humiliating display of subjugation by conquering empires like Assyria, making Isaiah's prophetic act profoundly impactful and easily understood by his audience. The "isle" or "coastland" refers to the maritime regions, particularly Philistia, which had close economic and political ties with Egypt and would have keenly felt the impact of Egypt's downfall.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 20:6 powerfully reinforces several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it underscores the **futility of human alliances**, particularly when such alliances are pursued as alternatives to trusting in God. The despairing cry of the inhabitants highlights the shattering of false hope when reliance is placed on fallible human strength rather than divine sovereignty, a theme echoed in [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1-7 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help"). Secondly, the passage emphasizes **God's absolute sovereignty** over all nations and historical events. The Assyrian Empire, despite its formidable might, is merely an instrument in God's hand to execute His judgment and expose misplaced trust, as powerfully articulated in [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5-7 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Rod of Judgment"). Finally, the rhetorical question, "and how shall we escape?", highlights the **inescapability of God's judgment** and the dire consequences of rejecting His warnings and seeking refuge in worldly powers. This theme of divine judgment and the urgent call for repentance is central to Isaiah's overarching message, as articulated in passages like [Isaiah 1:18-20](/isaiah/1-18-20 "Isaiah 1:18-20 - Invitation to Repentance and Forgiveness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **inhabitant (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to sit down," this word broadly implies dwelling, abiding, or settling. In this context, it refers to those who reside in the "isle" or coastland, emphasizing their rootedness in a particular place and their reliance on its perceived security or strategic alliances. Their established, settled existence is now directly threatened by an overwhelming and unstoppable force.
* **expectation (Hebrew, _mabbâṭ'_):** From a root meaning "to look," this noun signifies "something expected" or, more profoundly, "hope." The phrase "our expectation" in the verse reveals the specific object of their hope—Egypt and Ethiopia—which has now been utterly dashed. It speaks to the deep psychological and spiritual impact of their misplaced trust and the resulting profound disillusionment and despair.
* **escape (Hebrew, _mâlaṭ'_):** This primitive root means "to be smooth," and by implication, "to escape (as if by slipperiness)," or causatively, "to release or rescue." The rhetorical question "how shall we escape?" powerfully conveys a sense of utter hopelessness and the perceived impossibility of finding deliverance once their human sources of help have failed, leaving them exposed and vulnerable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the inhabitant of this isle shall say in that day":** This clause establishes the speaker as the people residing in the coastal regions (primarily Philistia) and specifies the timing of their lament—"in that day"—which refers to the immediate aftermath of Egypt and Ethiopia's prophesied defeat by Assyria. It marks a moment of stark, painful realization and profound despair.
* **"Behold, such [is] our expectation":** This is a bitter exclamation of profound disillusionment and shattered hope. "Such" refers to the humiliating fate of Egypt and Ethiopia, whom they had looked to for help. Their "expectation" (their hope, their trust) was placed in these once-powerful nations, and now witnessing their allies conquered, they realize the utter futility and emptiness of that misplaced hope.
* **"whither we flee for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria":** This phrase explicitly states the object of their failed trust and the overwhelming threat they faced. They had sought refuge and deliverance from the relentless advance of the Assyrian Empire by aligning with or relying on Egypt and Ethiopia. This highlights their strategic miscalculation and the inherent vulnerability of human-centered security arrangements.
* **"and how shall we escape?":** This is a desperate rhetorical question, implying that there is no escape. It underscores the profound sense of entrapment, vulnerability, and utter hopelessness that grips those who have exhausted all human options and find themselves facing an unstoppable force, without any perceived divine refuge.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 20:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The entire chapter functions as a **Prophecy** and an **Allegory**, where Isaiah's personal humiliation (walking naked and barefoot) serves as a vivid **Symbolism** for the impending shame and captivity of Egypt and Ethiopia. The verse itself contains a deep sense of **Irony**, as the very nations the coastal inhabitants "flee for help to be delivered" are themselves delivered into captivity, making their hope a cruel and bitter deception. The concluding phrase, "and how shall we escape?", is a potent **Rhetorical Question**, designed not to elicit an answer but to powerfully emphasize the utter hopelessness and perceived lack of alternative refuge felt by those who have placed their trust in fallible human powers. This device effectively amplifies the despair and the inescapable nature of God's judgment when human solutions ultimately fail.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 20:6 serves as a stark theological commentary on the profound futility of placing ultimate trust in human power, political alliances, or any created thing rather than in the sovereign God. The despairing cry of the "inhabitant of this isle" reveals the shattering consequence of misplaced hope, demonstrating that human strength, no matter how formidable, is ultimately vulnerable and unreliable in the face of divine purpose. This passage underscores God's absolute control over history and nations, using even mighty empires like Assyria as instruments of His will to humble the proud and expose the emptiness of worldly security. True deliverance and lasting refuge are found only in Him, highlighting the critical importance of seeking divine wisdom and protection above all else.

* [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord")
* [Jeremiah 17:5-8](/jeremiah/17-5-8 "Jeremiah 17:5-8 - The Curse of Trusting in Man, The Blessing of Trusting in God")
* [Psalm 146:3-5](/psalm/146-3-5 "Psalm 146:3-5 - Do Not Trust in Princes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 20:6 offers a timeless and piercing challenge for contemporary believers. It compels us to honestly examine the objects of our deepest trust and "expectation." In a world filled with political instability, economic uncertainties, technological advancements, and personal anxieties, it is tempting to place our hope in powerful leaders, robust financial portfolios, cutting-edge technologies, or even our own ingenuity and self-reliance. This verse serves as a sobering reminder that all human systems and strengths are ultimately finite and fallible. When these earthly foundations inevitably falter, as they often do, where will our hope be found? The despairing question, "how shall we escape?", echoes in the heart of anyone who realizes their chosen refuges are crumbling. The application is clear: true and lasting security, deliverance, and peace are found only in a steadfast reliance on the unchanging power and faithfulness of God. Our ultimate "expectation" must be anchored in Him alone, for He is the only One who never fails and whose promises are eternally secure.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "Egypts" or "Ethiopias" in my life—the human institutions, systems, or relationships—in which I am tempted to place my ultimate trust for security and deliverance?**
* **How does the "shattered expectation" of the coastal inhabitants resonate with any past experiences where my trust in human solutions ultimately failed?**
* **In what specific ways can I practically demonstrate a deeper, more consistent reliance on God as my ultimate refuge, rather than on worldly resources or human wisdom?**

### FAQ
**What does "inhabitant of this isle" refer to in Isaiah 20:6?**

Answer: The phrase "inhabitant of this isle" (Hebrew: *ʼîy*) refers not necessarily to a literal island, but more broadly to the people of the coastal regions or maritime lands. In the context of Isaiah's prophecy, it primarily points to the Philistine cities along the Mediterranean coast, such as Ashdod (mentioned in [Isaiah 20:1](/isaiah/20-1 "Isaiah 20:1 - Sargon's Conquest of Ashdod")), and potentially also includes the people of Judah. These nations often looked to powerful neighbors like Egypt and Ethiopia (Cush) for military alliances and protection against the formidable Assyrian Empire. The verse captures their reaction as they witness the humiliation and defeat of their hoped-for allies.

**Why were Egypt and Ethiopia considered a source of "help" against Assyria?**

Answer: Egypt and Ethiopia (Cush) were significant regional powers in the ancient Near East, known for their military strength, vast resources, and historical influence. Many smaller nations, including Judah and Philistia, often sought alliances with them as a strategic counterbalance to the growing and aggressive threat of the Assyrian Empire. It was a common geopolitical strategy to align with a major power to deter or resist another. The people of the "isle" (coastlands) would have viewed Egypt and Ethiopia as formidable protectors, capable of delivering them from Assyrian aggression. However, Isaiah's prophecy, culminating in [Isaiah 20:6](/isaiah/20-6 "Isaiah 20:6 - The Despair of Misplaced Hope"), revealed the utter futility of such human alliances when God's sovereign judgment was at hand.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 20:6, with its depiction of shattered human expectation and the desperate cry for escape, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "king of Assyria" in this passage represents the overwhelming, inescapable power of sin, death, and the fallen world that humanity, in its own strength, cannot overcome. Just as the ancient peoples sought futile refuge in earthly alliances, humanity continually seeks deliverance from its deepest fears and spiritual bondage in worldly systems, philosophies, or self-effort. However, the New Testament reveals that true "help" and ultimate "deliverance" come not from human kings or powerful nations, but from the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus is the one who truly provides an escape from the dominion of darkness and the judgment to come, fulfilling the longing for a deliverer that the people of Isaiah's day so desperately sought. He is our [sure and steadfast anchor](/hebrews/6-19 "Hebrews 6:19 - Hope as an Anchor"), the only one in whom our "expectation" will never be put to shame. Through His atoning sacrifice and glorious resurrection, Christ offers not merely a temporary political reprieve, but eternal salvation and genuine freedom, inviting all who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him, for He is the [way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life"), the only true escape from the ultimate enemy.

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 Thessalonians 5:3

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

Matthew 23:33

[Ye] serpents, [ye] generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

Hebrews 2:3

How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard [him];

Job 6:20

They were confounded because they had hoped; they came thither, and were ashamed.

Isaiah 31:1

¶ Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

Isaiah 31:3

Now the Egyptians [are] men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together.

Isaiah 30:1

¶ Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: