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 indicates divine communication, emphasizing the authority and direct involvement of God in the events described. Throughout the Bible, when the LORD speaks, it signifies the importance and certainty of the message. This is consistent with the prophetic tradition where God directly instructs His prophets.

“Just as My servant Isaiah has gone naked and barefoot for three years
Isaiah is referred to as "My servant," highlighting his role as a faithful messenger of God. The act of going "naked and barefoot" is symbolic, representing humiliation and vulnerability. In the ancient Near East, such actions were often used as prophetic signs to convey a message. The duration of "three years" suggests a period of completeness and divine timing, often seen in biblical narratives (e.g., Jonah in the belly of the fish for three days).

as a sign and omen
The terms "sign" and "omen" indicate that Isaiah's actions were meant to serve as a prophetic warning. In biblical context, signs are often used by God to communicate His intentions or to confirm His word (e.g., the rainbow as a sign to Noah). An omen, in this context, suggests a forewarning of impending judgment or events.

against Egypt and Cush
Egypt and Cush (modern-day Sudan) were powerful nations during Isaiah's time, often seen as symbols of worldly strength and reliance. Historically, these nations were involved in political alliances and conflicts with Israel and Judah. The prophecy against them signifies God's sovereignty over all nations and serves as a warning against placing trust in human power rather than in God. This aligns with other biblical prophecies where reliance on foreign powers is condemned (e.g., Isaiah 31:1).

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.