Isaiah 20:5

Those who made Cush their hope and Egypt their boast will be dismayed and ashamed.

Study Bible

Those who made Cush their hope
The term "Cush" refers to the ancient kingdom located in what is now Sudan, south of Egypt. In the Hebrew text, "Cush" is "כּוּשׁ" (Kush), which is often associated with strength and military prowess. Historically, Cush was known for its powerful warriors and was considered a formidable ally. The phrase "made Cush their hope" suggests reliance on human strength and alliances rather than on God. This reflects a broader biblical theme where reliance on worldly powers is contrasted with faith in God. Theologically, this serves as a reminder that true hope should be placed in God alone, as human alliances are ultimately fallible.

and Egypt their boast
Egypt, in Hebrew "מִצְרַיִם" (Mitzrayim), was a dominant power in the ancient Near East, known for its wealth, culture, and military might. To "boast" in Egypt implies pride and confidence in its power and protection. Historically, Israel and Judah often looked to Egypt for support against other empires like Assyria and Babylon. However, the Bible frequently warns against such reliance, as seen in Isaiah 31:1, which cautions against seeking help from Egypt. This phrase underscores the futility of boasting in earthly powers, as true security and identity should be found in God.

will be dismayed and ashamed
The words "dismayed" and "ashamed" convey a sense of profound disappointment and humiliation. In Hebrew, "dismayed" is "חָתַת" (chathath), meaning to be shattered or broken, while "ashamed" is "בּוֹשׁ" (bosh), indicating a sense of disgrace or failure. This outcome is a direct consequence of misplaced trust. Historically, when the expected support from Cush and Egypt failed to materialize, those who relied on them faced defeat and disgrace. Spiritually, this serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of placing trust in anything other than God. It highlights the biblical principle that reliance on God leads to security and honor, while reliance on human strength leads to disappointment and shame.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Cush
An ancient kingdom located in what is now Sudan, often associated with strength and military prowess. In the context of Isaiah, Cush represents a source of false hope for Israel.

2. Egypt
A powerful nation in the ancient Near East, known for its wealth and military might. Israel often looked to Egypt for political alliances and security.

3. Israel
The people of God who are being warned through the prophet Isaiah not to place their trust in foreign powers instead of God.

4. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament who conveyed God's messages to the people of Judah and Jerusalem, warning them of the consequences of their actions.

5. Prophecy of Judgment
The event where Isaiah warns of the impending judgment on those who rely on Cush and Egypt instead of God.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Misplaced Trust
Trusting in worldly powers and alliances can lead to disappointment and shame. True security is found in God alone.

The Consequences of Idolatry
Placing hope in anything other than God is a form of idolatry. It leads to spiritual blindness and eventual downfall.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God is sovereign over all nations and their destinies. His plans will prevail regardless of human alliances and strategies.

The Call to Repentance
This passage serves as a call to repentance for those who have placed their trust in worldly powers. It is an invitation to return to God and rely on His strength.

Faith in God's Promises
Believers are encouraged to have faith in God's promises and His ability to deliver and protect, rather than seeking security in human institutions.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern-day equivalents of "Cush" and "Egypt" that people might place their trust in today?

2. How does Isaiah 20:5 challenge us to evaluate where we place our hope and security?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our trust remains in God rather than in human strength or alliances?

4. How do the warnings in Isaiah 20:5 relate to the broader theme of idolatry in the Bible?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced dismay or shame due to misplaced trust. How did that experience shape your faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 31:1
This verse warns against seeking help from Egypt and relying on horses and chariots instead of looking to the Holy One of Israel.

Jeremiah 17:5-8
These verses contrast the curse of trusting in man with the blessing of trusting in the Lord, highlighting the futility of relying on human strength.

Psalm 20:7
This verse emphasizes trusting in the name of the Lord rather than in chariots and horses, similar to the warning in Isaiah 20:5.