Isaiah Chapter 20 — A Sign Against Egypt and Ethiopia
Isaiah is commanded to walk barefoot and thinly clad for three years as a prophetic sign of the coming captivity of Egypt and Ethiopia.
1In the year that Tartan came to Ashdod, when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him, and he fought against Ashdod and took it;
2at that time the LORD spoke by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, “Go, and loosen the sackcloth from off your waist, and take your sandals from off your feet.” He did so, walking naked and barefoot.
3The LORD said, “As my servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and a wonder concerning Egypt and concerning Ethiopia,
4so the king of Assyria will lead away the captives of Egypt and the exiles of Ethiopia, young and old, naked and barefoot, and with buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt.
5They will be dismayed and confounded, because of Ethiopia their expectation, and of Egypt their glory.
6The inhabitants of this coast land will say in that day, ‘Behold, this is our expectation, where we fled for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria. And we, how will we escape?’ ”
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Isaiah 20:3
“The LORD said, “As my servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and a wonder concerning Egypt and concerning Ethiopia,””
This verse explains the symbolic purpose behind Isaiah's unusual and lengthy prophetic action.
Isaiah 20:6
“The inhabitants of this coast land will say in that day, ‘Behold, this is our expectation, where we fled for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria. And we, how will we escape?’”
It illustrates the realization of those who put their trust in earthly alliances rather than in divine protection.
Chapter Summary
In Isaiah chapter 20, the narrative focuses on a specific prophetic sign performed by Isaiah during the reign of Sargon, the king of Assyria. After the Assyrian commander captures the city of Ashdod, the Lord instructs Isaiah to remove his sackcloth and sandals. Isaiah obeys, walking barefoot and minimally dressed for three years. This dramatic act serves as a visual 'sign and wonder' regarding the future of Egypt and Ethiopia. The text explains that just as Isaiah walked in this manner, the king of Assyria would lead away captives from Egypt and exiles from Ethiopia in a state of shame and exposure. The prophecy highlights that those who relied on these nations for protection against the Assyrian threat would be dismayed and confounded. The inhabitants of the region are left to wonder how they will escape if their primary sources of help and expectation are themselves taken into exile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Isaiah did this as a physical sign from God to illustrate the future humiliation and captivity of Egypt and Ethiopia. It served as a visual warning to the people of Judah not to rely on those nations for military support against Assyria.
Sargon II was the king of Assyria who reigned during the late 8th century BC. His military campaigns, including the capture of Ashdod mentioned in this chapter, formed the historical backdrop for Isaiah's prophecy.
The chapter illustrates the danger of putting confidence in foreign powers for security. When Egypt and Ethiopia were defeated, those who relied on them were left without help, suggesting that trust should be placed in God rather than political alliances.
Study Note
The mention of Sargon in verse 1 is the only time this Assyrian king is named in the Bible, a detail that was historically verified by the discovery of his palace in Khorsabad.
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