Overview
In this chapter, Isaiah carries out a symbolic act by walking naked and barefoot for three years as a sign against Egypt and Cush. This act foretells the impending defeat of these nations by the king of Assyria, symbolizing the humiliation and captivity their people will face. The chapter serves as a warning to Judah not to rely on Egypt and Cush for military support against Assyria. It illustrates the futility and danger of placing trust in these nations instead of in God. The prophecy underscores the theme of God’s sovereignty over nations and the consequences of political alliances that disregard divine guidance.
Isaiah 20
1 In the year that Tartan came unto Ashdod, (when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him,) and fought against Ashdod, and took it;
2 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.
3 And the LORD said, Like as my servant Isaiah hath walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and wonder upon Egypt and upon Ethiopia;
4 So shall the king of Assyria 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.
5 And they shall be afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their expectation, and of Egypt their glory.
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?
End of Isaiah 20
1 Year Plan: Sept 15 - Isa 20, Isa 21, 1 Th 2
2 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.
3 And the LORD said, Like as my servant Isaiah hath walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and wonder upon Egypt and upon Ethiopia;
4 So shall the king of Assyria 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.
5 And they shall be afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their expectation, and of Egypt their glory.
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?
End of Isaiah 20
1 Year Plan: Sept 15 - Isa 20, Isa 21, 1 Th 2
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