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

the LORD had already spoken through Isaiah son of Amoz, saying
This phrase establishes the divine authority and prophetic role of Isaiah, a major prophet in the Old Testament. Isaiah, son of Amoz, is recognized for his prophecies concerning both judgment and redemption. The phrase underscores the belief that God communicates His will through chosen prophets. Isaiah's ministry occurred during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, marked by political instability and threats from powerful empires like Assyria. This context is crucial for understanding the urgency and gravity of his messages.

“Go, remove the sackcloth from your waist and the sandals from your feet.”
Sackcloth was traditionally worn as a sign of mourning or repentance, indicating a state of humility or distress. By instructing Isaiah to remove it, God is commanding him to abandon this posture, symbolizing a shift in message or action. The removal of sandals further signifies a state of vulnerability and humility, often associated with holy ground (as seen in Exodus 3:5 with Moses). This act serves as a symbolic gesture, preparing Isaiah to deliver a message of impending judgment against Egypt and Cush, nations that Judah might have been tempted to rely on for security.

And Isaiah did so, walking around naked and barefoot.
Isaiah's obedience in this dramatic act serves as a living prophecy, a visual representation of the humiliation and defeat that would befall Egypt and Cush at the hands of Assyria. Walking naked and barefoot symbolizes the complete subjugation and shame that these nations would experience. This act of prophetic symbolism is consistent with other instances in the Bible where prophets used physical actions to convey God's messages (e.g., Ezekiel 4:1-3). It also prefigures the ultimate humility and suffering of Jesus Christ, who bore the shame of humanity on the cross, fulfilling the role of the suffering servant prophesied in Isaiah 53.

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.