Compiled by WD Kemner January 2024
CHAPTER 20
Dependence on aid in war with Assyrians
Back to current events. Isaiah had been talking about the future history. Now he goes back to address the current day (his time).
God is sending them a warning not to go and depend upon support from Egypt or Ethiopia in the oncoming attack by Assyria. 2 Kings chapters 16-18. They need to trust and depend upon God.
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Isaiah Chapter 20 verse 1 |
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In the year that Tartan came unto Ashdod, (when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him,) and fought against Ashdod, and took it;
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As a transition, he now tells us that he is referring to events at the time when Tartan came.
Tartan = General for Assyria. Story of event can be found in 2 Kings 18:17.
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Isaiah Chapter 20 verse 2-3 |
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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.
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;
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Much like having other prophets do “Visual signs” to make the lesson easier to learn, he now has Isaiah do the same.
This was probably not “nude” but the removal of the outer robe. Exposed to the “linen cloth” below.
Laying aside of the “prophetic robes” like Saul (1 Samuel 19:24), David (2 Samuel 6:14-21). Peter in John 21 did so while fishing.
HOWEVER, Isaiah did this for three years!
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Isaiah Chapter 20 verse 4-6 |
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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.
And they shall be afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their expectation, and of Egypt their glory.
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?
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“Isle” = usually refers to a coastal or maritime country. Here referring to Palestine.
How would they escape? They would learn that escape was with the aid of God.
This would happen later in chapter 37 with an angel killing the army of Assyria!