Isaiah 20:1-6 Isaiah goes Naked and Barefoot

In this chapter, which concludes the block of material concerning Egypt (chapters 18-20) we are returned yet again to the concrete historical realities of Isaiah’s own day. Isaiah graphically reminds Judah that they should not count on foreign alliances to protect them. Isaiah had gone about stripped and barefoot like a disgraced captive (v.3). He may have been completely naked or more likely, barefooted and stripped of his outer clothing. His feet were certainly bare, and so, probably were his buttocks (v.4). It is highly improbable that he remained stripped around the clock. More likely he appeared this way in public at least once each day over the three-year period.

Isaiah’s intention in miming the plight of the captives was to expose the futility of trusting Egypt. When this fate came upon Egypt before his audience’s very eyes (vv. 5-6) they would realize the hopelessness of the policy they have adopted. Such was the historical setting of Isaiah’s acted oracle. He visibly committed himself to the veracity of the Word given to him and they would see it fulfilled.

But why does Isaiah include it here in his collective works? He has been outlining a world-wide hope (19:16-25) in which three nations of his own day have figured: his own people, the imperial Assyria and the would-be imperial Egypt. His vision for them has been astounding – the two superpowers would be joined to tiny Judah as one people in one world under one God (19: 23-25). Is this incredible? To prove that it is, Isaiah records an incident showing that precisely these world empires – in the heyday of their power – are subject to the Word of the Lord. Nothing therefore, is impossible. What is of significance is not a human estimate of what can happen but that the Lord has spoken.

This chapter then, is a fitting climax to the complete block of material concerning Egypt in chapters 18-20. It underlines the basic message of the entire section in a most vivid manner; and it is a message the church needs to hear afresh today. The crises we face will not be solved by looking to the world for solutions.”The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever (1 John 2:17).

 Isaiah 20:1-6 Reflection Questions:

At times God may ask us to take steps we don’t understand. Will you obey God in complete faith?

What is God asking you to be transparent (being naked and barefoot) about?

How committed are you obeying God’s Word?

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