Isaiah 20:6

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?

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}?

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?'"

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?’”

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?

Isaiah 20:6 (KJV) captures the profound despair and realization of those who had placed their hope in human alliances rather than divine protection. The verse reads: "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?"

Context

This verse concludes a vivid prophetic sign given by the prophet Isaiah. In Isaiah 20:1-5, the Lord commanded Isaiah to walk naked and barefoot for three years, symbolizing the impending humiliation and captivity of Egypt and Ethiopia (Cush) by the formidable Assyrian Empire under King Sargon II. Many nations in the region, including Judah and the Philistine cities, had looked to these powerful African nations for military aid and deliverance from Assyria's relentless expansion. The "inhabitant of this isle" refers to the people of the coastlands, particularly Philistia and possibly Judah, who were observing the unfolding events. They had pinned their hopes on Egypt and Ethiopia as their saviors from the Assyrian threat.

Key Themes

  • The Futility of Human Alliances: The primary message is the utter unreliability of trusting in human power or political alliances over God's divine sovereignty. The despairing cry, "Behold, such is our expectation," reflects the shattering of false hope when their chosen protectors are themselves defeated and led away captive.
  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: God uses the Assyrian Empire as His instrument of judgment, not only against Egypt and Ethiopia but also to expose the misplaced trust of other nations. This demonstrates God's ultimate control over world events and His ability to humble the proud, reminding all that true security comes only from Him.
  • The Inescapability of God's Plan: The concluding question, "and how shall we escape?", highlights the realization that there is no alternative refuge once human solutions fail. It underscores the severity of God's judgment and the inescapable consequences of ignoring His warnings and relying on worldly strength.

Linguistic Insights

The term "isle" (Hebrew: 'iy) in this context is better understood as "coastland" or "region." It refers to the inhabitants of the coastal areas, such as the Philistine cities, who would have had significant trade and political ties with Egypt and Ethiopia and would have keenly observed their downfall as a sign of their own vulnerability against the Assyrian advance. This term broadens the scope beyond a literal island, encompassing all who looked to these powers for safety.

Practical Application

Isaiah 20:6 serves as a timeless warning against placing ultimate trust in anything other than God. In our modern world, people often seek security in financial assets, political systems, powerful leaders, or even personal strength. This verse challenges us to consider where our true "expectation" lies. Just as the ancient peoples learned the hard way, human institutions and powers are fallible and can ultimately fail. The proper response to life's challenges, especially in the face of overwhelming threats, is to turn to God for help and deliverance. As Psalm 20:7 declares, "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God." Our ultimate escape and true security are found only in Him, not in the fleeting strength of man, as Jeremiah 17:5 warns against trusting in man.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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:

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