Isaiah 20:2

the LORD had already spoken through Isaiah son of Amoz, saying, "Go, remove the sackcloth from your waist and the sandals from your feet." And Isaiah did so, walking around naked and barefoot.

Study Bible

at that time
This phrase situates the events within a specific historical context. The period referred to is during the reign of King Sargon of Assyria, around 711 BC. This was a time of great political upheaval and threat for the nations surrounding Assyria, including Judah. Understanding the historical backdrop is crucial as it highlights the urgency and gravity of the prophetic message. The phrase underscores God's sovereignty over time and history, reminding us that He acts purposefully within the timeline of human events.

the LORD spoke
This emphasizes the divine origin of the message. The Hebrew word for "LORD" is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, which signifies His eternal presence and faithfulness. The phrase assures us that the message is not from human origin but from God Himself, who is actively involved in guiding and correcting His people. It is a reminder of the authority and reliability of God's word, which demands our attention and obedience.

through Isaiah son of Amoz
Isaiah, whose name means "Yahweh is salvation," is identified as the prophet through whom God communicates. The mention of his father, Amoz, roots Isaiah in a specific lineage, affirming his historical and prophetic credibility. Isaiah's role as a prophet is to be a mouthpiece for God, conveying messages that often challenge and convict. This highlights the importance of prophetic voices in guiding God's people and calling them back to faithfulness.

saying, 'Go, remove the sackcloth from your waist
The instruction to remove sackcloth is significant. Sackcloth was typically worn as a sign of mourning or repentance. By instructing Isaiah to remove it, God is symbolically indicating a shift from mourning to a new message or action. This act serves as a visual prophecy, a living parable that communicates God's message in a tangible way. It challenges us to consider how God might call us to embody His message in our own lives.

and take off your sandals from your feet.'
Removing sandals is an act of humility and vulnerability. In ancient Near Eastern culture, it could signify entering holy ground, as seen in Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush. Here, it may symbolize a stripping away of comfort and protection, illustrating the coming judgment and humiliation of Egypt and Cush. This act serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of disobedience and the call to walk humbly before God.

And he did so, walking around naked and barefoot
Isaiah's obedience to this difficult command demonstrates his commitment to God's will, regardless of personal cost or public perception. The act of walking naked and barefoot is a prophetic sign of the impending shame and defeat that will befall Egypt and Cush at the hands of Assyria. It serves as a stark warning to Judah not to rely on these nations for security. This challenges us to consider where we place our trust and to heed God's warnings with seriousness and faith.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD
The sovereign God who commands Isaiah to act as a sign to the people.

2. Isaiah
The prophet, son of Amoz, who is instructed by God to perform a symbolic act.

3. Sackcloth
A garment made of coarse material, often worn as a sign of mourning or repentance.

4. Naked and Barefoot
Isaiah's state as a prophetic sign, symbolizing impending judgment and humiliation.

5. Egypt and Cush
Nations that are the focus of the prophecy, representing reliance on worldly powers instead of God.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
Isaiah's willingness to obey God's unusual command demonstrates the importance of obedience, even when it seems difficult or embarrassing.

Symbolism in Prophecy
Understanding the use of symbolic acts in prophecy helps us grasp the depth of God's messages and their implications for the people.

Reliance on God vs. Human Alliances
The prophecy warns against placing trust in worldly powers instead of God, a lesson applicable to our personal and communal lives.

The Cost of Discipleship
Isaiah's actions remind us that following God may require personal sacrifice and discomfort, but it serves a greater purpose.

Public Witness
Isaiah's public act serves as a reminder of our role as witnesses to God's truth in the world, even when it challenges societal norms.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Isaiah's obedience in this passage teach us about responding to God's commands, even when they are difficult?

2. How does the symbolic act of going naked and barefoot relate to the broader message of trusting in God rather than human alliances?

3. In what ways can we apply the lesson of reliance on God in our personal lives today?

4. How do the symbolic acts of prophets like Isaiah and Ezekiel enhance our understanding of God's messages in Scripture?

5. What are some modern-day examples of being a public witness for God, and how can we prepare ourselves for the challenges that may come with it?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 20:3-4
These verses explain the purpose of Isaiah's actions, symbolizing the coming captivity of Egypt and Cush by Assyria, illustrating the futility of relying on human alliances.

2 Kings 18:21
This verse highlights the unreliability of Egypt as an ally, reinforcing the message of Isaiah 20.

Ezekiel 4:1-5
Similar to Isaiah, Ezekiel performs symbolic acts to convey God's message, showing the use of prophetic symbolism in Scripture.

Matthew 5:13-16
Jesus calls His followers to be the light of the world, which can be related to Isaiah's role as a visible sign to the people.