Isaiah 20:3

Then the LORD said, "Just as My servant Isaiah has gone naked and barefoot for three years as a sign and omen against Egypt and Cush,

Study Bible

Then the LORD said
This phrase introduces a direct communication from God, emphasizing the divine authority and the importance of the message. In Hebrew, "LORD" is "YHWH," the sacred name of God, which underscores His eternal and unchanging nature. This sets the stage for a prophetic revelation, reminding us that God is actively involved in the affairs of nations and individuals.

As My servant Isaiah
The term "servant" here is significant, as it denotes a position of honor and responsibility. Isaiah, whose name means "Yahweh is salvation," is a chosen prophet, a mouthpiece for God. This highlights the intimate relationship between God and His prophets, who are called to deliver His messages faithfully, often at great personal cost.

has gone naked and barefoot
This phrase describes a symbolic act commanded by God. In the ancient Near Eastern context, going "naked and barefoot" was a sign of humiliation and mourning, often associated with captivity or slavery. Isaiah's actions serve as a living parable, a visual prophecy to convey a message of impending judgment and the vulnerability of those who rely on human strength rather than God.

for three years
The duration of "three years" is significant, as it indicates a period of completeness and divine fulfillment. In biblical numerology, the number three often symbolizes completeness or perfection. This time frame underscores the seriousness of the prophecy and the certainty of its fulfillment, urging the audience to heed the warning.

as a sign and portent
The words "sign and portent" suggest that Isaiah's actions are not merely symbolic but are meant to be a divine warning. A "sign" in biblical terms is an indicator of God's intervention, while a "portent" is a forewarning of future events. Together, they serve as a call to repentance and a reminder of God's sovereignty over history.

against Egypt and Cush
Egypt and Cush (modern-day Sudan) were powerful nations and often seen as sources of help and alliance for Israel. However, this prophecy warns against relying on them. Historically, both nations were known for their military might and cultural influence. The mention of these nations serves as a reminder that no earthly power can stand against God's will, and reliance on them instead of God leads to downfall.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD
The sovereign God of Israel, who communicates His will and purposes through His prophets.

2. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah and surrounding nations.

3. Egypt
A powerful nation in the ancient Near East, often seen as a symbol of worldly power and reliance on human strength rather than God.

4. Cush
A region south of Egypt, often associated with Ethiopia, representing another nation that Israel might be tempted to rely on instead of trusting in God.

5. Three Years
The period during which Isaiah acted out this prophetic sign, symbolizing the impending judgment and humiliation of Egypt and Cush.

Teaching Points

Prophetic Symbolism
Isaiah's actions serve as a vivid, living parable. God often uses tangible signs to communicate spiritual truths, reminding us to be attentive to His messages in our lives.

Reliance on God
The warning against Egypt and Cush underscores the danger of relying on worldly powers instead of trusting in God's sovereignty. Believers are encouraged to place their trust in God rather than in human strength or alliances.

Obedience in Uncomfortable Situations
Isaiah's willingness to obey God's command, even when it involved personal discomfort and potential humiliation, challenges us to consider our own obedience to God's calling, regardless of the cost.

Judgment and Hope
While the message is one of impending judgment, it also serves as a call to repentance and trust in God, who is ultimately in control of all nations and events.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The prophecy against Egypt and Cush highlights God's authority over all nations, reminding us that He is the ultimate ruler of history and the affairs of men.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Isaiah's obedience to God's unusual command challenge our own willingness to follow God's leading, even when it seems difficult or embarrassing?

2. In what ways do we, like the people of Judah, sometimes rely on "Egypt" or "Cush" in our lives instead of trusting in God? What are some modern-day equivalents?

3. How can we discern and respond to the "signs" God might be using in our lives to communicate His will or direction?

4. What other biblical examples of prophetic symbolism can you think of, and how do they help us understand God's messages more clearly?

5. How does understanding God's sovereignty over nations and history impact our perspective on current world events and our personal lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 7:3
This passage introduces Isaiah's son, Shear-Jashub, whose name means "a remnant shall return," highlighting the theme of judgment and hope that runs throughout Isaiah's ministry.

Isaiah 8:18
Isaiah and his children are described as signs and symbols in Israel, emphasizing the prophetic role of Isaiah's actions and family.

2 Kings 18:21
This verse warns against relying on Egypt, reinforcing the message of Isaiah 20:3 about the futility of trusting in human alliances.

Ezekiel 4:1-5
Similar to Isaiah's symbolic actions, Ezekiel is instructed to perform symbolic acts to convey God's message, illustrating the use of prophetic symbolism in the Bible.