Biblical Reference: Isaiah 20:1-6

Context and Background:
The prophecy concerning Egypt and Cush (modern-day Ethiopia) is found in the book of Isaiah, specifically in chapter 20. This chapter is set during the reign of King Sargon II of Assyria, who reigned from 722 to 705 BC. The historical context involves the geopolitical dynamics of the Near East, where Assyria was the dominant power, and smaller nations like Egypt and Cush were often involved in alliances against Assyrian expansion.

Isaiah's Prophetic Act:
In Isaiah 20, the prophet Isaiah is instructed by the LORD to perform a symbolic act as a sign against Egypt and Cush. The LORD commands Isaiah to remove the sackcloth from his body and the sandals from his feet, causing him to walk naked and barefoot for three years. This act serves as a prophetic sign and warning to the nations of Egypt and Cush.

Purpose of the Sign:
The symbolic act of Isaiah walking naked and barefoot is meant to illustrate the impending humiliation and defeat of Egypt and Cush at the hands of the Assyrians. The LORD declares through Isaiah that just as the prophet has walked naked and barefoot, so too will the Egyptians and Cushites be led away as captives and exiles, stripped and humiliated by the Assyrian forces.

Biblical Text (Isaiah 20:1-6):
1. "In the year that the chief commander, sent by Sargon king of Assyria, came to Ashdod and attacked and captured it,
2. at that time the LORD had spoken through Isaiah son of Amoz, saying, 'Go, remove the sackcloth from your waist and the sandals from your feet.' So he did so, walking around naked and barefoot.
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,
4. so the king of Assyria will lead away the captives of Egypt and the exiles of Cush, young and old alike, naked and barefoot, with bared buttocks—to Egypt’s shame.
5. Those who made Cush their hope and Egypt their boast will be dismayed and ashamed.
6. And on that day the dwellers of this coastland will say, "See what has happened to our source of hope, to whom we fled for help and deliverance from the king of Assyria! How then can we escape?"'"

Theological Implications:
The prophecy serves as a stark reminder of the futility of relying on human alliances and strength rather than trusting in the LORD. The nations of Judah and others who looked to Egypt and Cush for military support against Assyria are warned of the impending disaster that will befall these supposed allies. The sign underscores the sovereignty of God over the nations and His ability to bring about His purposes through the rise and fall of empires.

Historical Fulfillment:
The prophecy was fulfilled when the Assyrian Empire, under the leadership of kings like Sargon II and his successors, exerted dominance over the region, including Egypt and Cush. The historical records and archaeological findings corroborate the Assyrian campaigns in these areas, leading to the subjugation and humiliation of these nations as foretold by Isaiah.

Symbolism and Imagery:
Isaiah's act of walking naked and barefoot is a powerful symbol of vulnerability and disgrace. In the ancient Near Eastern context, being stripped of clothing was associated with defeat and subjugation. The imagery used in this prophecy is intended to convey the totality of the impending judgment and the helplessness of those who rely on human power rather than divine intervention.