Isaiah 20
by Pastor David Groendyk

There are a number of reasons that I’m thankful for not having been born during ancient biblical times, especially being a pastor. This chapter is one of them. It was not uncommon for prophets to physically live out their messages as object lessons for the people. The saying is trustworthy, that a picture is worth a thousand words. Hosea had to marry a prostitute; Ezekiel had to eat a scroll and later shave his head and beard; Ezekiel also had to not mourn when his wife died; Isaiah himself has already been commanded to name his two children very bizarre names. Now, Isaiah is commanded to walk around naked and barefoot for three years. Of course, this raises many questions for us, and while we can’t say for certain in what manner this was carried out, the message being communicated is clear: shame and humiliation.

At some future time, Egypt and Cush will both be led away into exile by Assyria (v. 4). The reason for this exile is because Egypt and Cush have placed their hope and their boasting in themselves. They saw no need to turn to the God of Israel for their strength and salvation, and they continued to rely on the works of their own hands. But all those who put their hope in political nations,  militaries, leaders, and men find themselves in an utterly vulnerable and exposed position, and they will find themselves utterly humiliated and ashamed. Not only will they be objectively brought low and proven to be powerless, but they will subjectively experience the pain and disappointment of having been so wrong and so foolish.

So it goes for all people, not just Egypt and Cush. And this marks a very severe warning for Israel. The very final sentence of this short chapter is instructive for us: “And we, how shall we escape?” Isaiah is pleading with Israel for them to see that this is not just an “Ah ha!” moment for Israel where God is finally getting back at Israel’s enemies. This is a plea for God’s people, though they themselves stray and wander from God dangerously, to find all of their hope and security in him. It is not for God’s people to taunt and gloat and look down on those who do not know God and face judgment. We must ourselves remember that we also cannot possibly escape from God’s wrath apart from God himself stepping in to save us. What are some ways you are tempted to put your confidence in man or earthly institutions? What does this chapter say about the work Christ does for us?