In the year
This phrase sets a specific historical context, anchoring the events in a particular time. The Hebrew word for "year" is "שָׁנָה" (shanah), which often signifies a complete cycle of seasons. This indicates that the events described are not just historical but are part of God's divine timeline, reminding us that God is sovereign over history and time itself.

that Tartan came
"Tartan" is a title, not a personal name, referring to a high-ranking Assyrian military officer. The Hebrew term "תַּרְתָּן" (Tartan) suggests a position of authority and power. This highlights the might of the Assyrian empire, which God used as an instrument of judgment. It serves as a reminder of the temporal nature of earthly power compared to God's eternal authority.

to Ashdod
Ashdod was one of the major Philistine cities, known for its strategic location and fortified strength. The Hebrew "אַשְׁדּוֹד" (Ashdod) signifies a place of worldly power and resistance against God's people. The mention of Ashdod underscores the theme of God's judgment against nations that oppose His will, illustrating that no earthly stronghold can withstand His purposes.

when Sargon king of Assyria sent him
Sargon II was a prominent Assyrian king known for his military conquests and expansion of the Assyrian empire. The Hebrew "סַרְגוֹן" (Sargon) reflects a historical figure whose reign was marked by significant geopolitical shifts. This phrase emphasizes the fulfillment of God's prophetic word through historical events, showing that God orchestrates the rise and fall of leaders to accomplish His divine plans.

and he fought against Ashdod
The act of fighting, "נִלְחַם" (nilcham) in Hebrew, indicates a struggle or battle. This reflects the spiritual and physical conflicts that occur when nations defy God's commands. The battle against Ashdod symbolizes the inevitable clash between human rebellion and divine sovereignty, reminding believers of the spiritual warfare that continues in the world today.

and captured it
The Hebrew word "וַיִּלְכְּדָהּ" (vayilkedah) means to seize or take possession. This signifies the complete subjugation of Ashdod, illustrating the futility of resisting God's will. The capture of Ashdod serves as a powerful reminder that God's purposes will prevail, and His judgments are sure. It encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate victory over all forms of opposition.

at that time
This phrase situates the events within a specific historical context. The period referred to is during the reign of King Sargon of Assyria, around 711 BC. This was a time of great political upheaval and threat for the nations surrounding Assyria, including Judah. Understanding the historical backdrop is crucial as it highlights the urgency and gravity of the prophetic message. The phrase underscores God's sovereignty over time and history, reminding us that He acts purposefully within the timeline of human events.

the LORD spoke
This emphasizes the divine origin of the message. The Hebrew word for "LORD" is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, which signifies His eternal presence and faithfulness. The phrase assures us that the message is not from human origin but from God Himself, who is actively involved in guiding and correcting His people. It is a reminder of the authority and reliability of God's word, which demands our attention and obedience.

through Isaiah son of Amoz
Isaiah, whose name means "Yahweh is salvation," is identified as the prophet through whom God communicates. The mention of his father, Amoz, roots Isaiah in a specific lineage, affirming his historical and prophetic credibility. Isaiah's role as a prophet is to be a mouthpiece for God, conveying messages that often challenge and convict. This highlights the importance of prophetic voices in guiding God's people and calling them back to faithfulness.

saying, 'Go, remove the sackcloth from your waist
The instruction to remove sackcloth is significant. Sackcloth was typically worn as a sign of mourning or repentance. By instructing Isaiah to remove it, God is symbolically indicating a shift from mourning to a new message or action. This act serves as a visual prophecy, a living parable that communicates God's message in a tangible way. It challenges us to consider how God might call us to embody His message in our own lives.

and take off your sandals from your feet.'
Removing sandals is an act of humility and vulnerability. In ancient Near Eastern culture, it could signify entering holy ground, as seen in Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush. Here, it may symbolize a stripping away of comfort and protection, illustrating the coming judgment and humiliation of Egypt and Cush. This act serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of disobedience and the call to walk humbly before God.

And he did so, walking around naked and barefoot
Isaiah's obedience to this difficult command demonstrates his commitment to God's will, regardless of personal cost or public perception. The act of walking naked and barefoot is a prophetic sign of the impending shame and defeat that will befall Egypt and Cush at the hands of Assyria. It serves as a stark warning to Judah not to rely on these nations for security. This challenges us to consider where we place our trust and to heed God's warnings with seriousness and faith.

Then the LORD said
This phrase introduces a direct communication from God, emphasizing the divine authority and the importance of the message. In Hebrew, "LORD" is "YHWH," the sacred name of God, which underscores His eternal and unchanging nature. This sets the stage for a prophetic revelation, reminding us that God is actively involved in the affairs of nations and individuals.

As My servant Isaiah
The term "servant" here is significant, as it denotes a position of honor and responsibility. Isaiah, whose name means "Yahweh is salvation," is a chosen prophet, a mouthpiece for God. This highlights the intimate relationship between God and His prophets, who are called to deliver His messages faithfully, often at great personal cost.

has gone naked and barefoot
This phrase describes a symbolic act commanded by God. In the ancient Near Eastern context, going "naked and barefoot" was a sign of humiliation and mourning, often associated with captivity or slavery. Isaiah's actions serve as a living parable, a visual prophecy to convey a message of impending judgment and the vulnerability of those who rely on human strength rather than God.

for three years
The duration of "three years" is significant, as it indicates a period of completeness and divine fulfillment. In biblical numerology, the number three often symbolizes completeness or perfection. This time frame underscores the seriousness of the prophecy and the certainty of its fulfillment, urging the audience to heed the warning.

as a sign and portent
The words "sign and portent" suggest that Isaiah's actions are not merely symbolic but are meant to be a divine warning. A "sign" in biblical terms is an indicator of God's intervention, while a "portent" is a forewarning of future events. Together, they serve as a call to repentance and a reminder of God's sovereignty over history.

against Egypt and Cush
Egypt and Cush (modern-day Sudan) were powerful nations and often seen as sources of help and alliance for Israel. However, this prophecy warns against relying on them. Historically, both nations were known for their military might and cultural influence. The mention of these nations serves as a reminder that no earthly power can stand against God's will, and reliance on them instead of God leads to downfall.

so the king of Assyria
The phrase refers to the Assyrian monarch, a powerful ruler during the time of Isaiah. Historically, Assyria was a dominant empire known for its military prowess and expansionist policies. The Hebrew root for "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melek) signifies a sovereign authority, emphasizing the Assyrian king's control and influence. This context highlights the geopolitical dynamics of the ancient Near East, where Assyria was a formidable force, often used by God as an instrument of judgment against nations, including Israel and its neighbors.

will lead away the captives
This phrase indicates the forced relocation of people, a common practice in ancient conquests. The Hebrew verb "lead away" (יָלַךְ, yalak) conveys movement, often with a sense of compulsion or exile. Captivity was a tool for subjugation and assimilation, stripping the conquered of their identity and autonomy. This reflects the broader biblical theme of exile as both a physical and spiritual condition, often resulting from disobedience to God.

of Egypt and the exiles of Cush
Egypt and Cush (modern-day Sudan) were significant African powers, often allied against Assyrian aggression. The mention of these nations underscores the reach of Assyrian dominance. Historically, Egypt was a symbol of worldly power and idolatry, frequently at odds with Israel. Cush, known for its warriors, represents the farthest reaches of the known world, emphasizing the totality of Assyrian conquest. This serves as a reminder of the futility of relying on human alliances instead of trusting in God.

young and old alike
This phrase highlights the indiscriminate nature of the Assyrian conquest. The Hebrew words for "young" (נַעַר, na'ar) and "old" (זָקֵן, zaqen) encompass all ages, indicating that no one was spared from the humiliation of captivity. This reflects the comprehensive nature of divine judgment, where all are accountable, and the consequences of sin affect entire communities.

naked and barefoot
The imagery of being "naked and barefoot" signifies utter humiliation and vulnerability. In the ancient Near East, clothing was a sign of dignity and status. The Hebrew word for "naked" (עָרוֹם, arom) implies exposure and shame. This condition symbolizes the stripping away of pride and self-reliance, a common biblical motif where God humbles the proud to bring about repentance and reliance on Him.

with bared buttocks
This phrase intensifies the shame and disgrace experienced by the captives. In ancient cultures, exposing one's buttocks was a profound humiliation, often used to mock and degrade. The Hebrew context suggests a complete loss of honor and respect. This serves as a stark warning against arrogance and the consequences of turning away from God.

to the shame of Egypt
The ultimate purpose of this humiliation is to bring "shame" upon Egypt, a nation often seen as a symbol of human pride and opposition to God. The Hebrew word for "shame" (בּוּשׁ, bush) conveys disgrace and confusion. This prophetic declaration serves as a reminder that all earthly powers are subject to God's sovereign will, and those who oppose Him will ultimately face dishonor. It calls believers to place their trust in God alone, who is the true source of strength and deliverance.

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.

In that day
This phrase often signifies a specific time of divine intervention or judgment in biblical prophecy. In the context of Isaiah, "that day" refers to a future moment when God's plans and purposes will be revealed and fulfilled. The Hebrew root for "day" is "yom," which can mean a literal day or an extended period. Here, it emphasizes the certainty and imminence of God's action. Historically, this points to the time when the prophecy concerning Egypt and Cush (modern-day Ethiopia) would be realized, demonstrating God's sovereignty over nations.

the dwellers of this coastland
The term "dwellers" refers to the inhabitants of a specific region, emphasizing their connection to the land and their shared fate. "Coastland" indicates a geographical area along the sea, likely referring to the regions of Philistia or the broader Mediterranean coast. This highlights the interconnectedness of nations and how the events concerning Egypt and Cush would impact surrounding areas. The Hebrew word "iy" for "coastland" can also mean "island," suggesting isolation or vulnerability, which is significant in the context of impending judgment.

will say
This phrase introduces a response or realization from the people. The Hebrew root "amar" for "say" implies not just speaking but also expressing a deep-seated understanding or acknowledgment. It suggests a moment of clarity or revelation where the people recognize the truth of God's warnings and the futility of their previous reliance on foreign powers.

See, this is what has happened
The word "see" is a call to attention, urging the audience to observe and understand the significance of the events. It is an invitation to witness the fulfillment of prophecy. The phrase "this is what has happened" underscores the reality and completion of God's word. It serves as a testament to the accuracy of prophetic warnings and the inevitability of divine judgment.

to those we relied on
This phrase highlights misplaced trust and dependence. The Hebrew root "batach" for "relied on" conveys a sense of security or confidence. The people had placed their trust in Egypt and Cush for protection and alliance, rather than in God. This serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers of relying on human strength and alliances instead of divine providence.

to flee to for help
The act of fleeing for help indicates desperation and vulnerability. The Hebrew word "nus" for "flee" suggests a hurried escape or seeking refuge. This reflects the political and military alliances that Judah sought with Egypt and Cush, hoping for deliverance from Assyrian aggression. It underscores the futility of seeking salvation from sources other than God.

from the king of Assyria
The mention of the "king of Assyria" identifies the immediate threat and oppressor. Assyria was a dominant empire known for its military prowess and expansionist policies. Historically, Assyria posed a significant threat to the smaller nations of the Near East, including Judah. This reference serves to contextualize the geopolitical landscape of the time and the pressures faced by the people of Judah.

How then can we escape?
This rhetorical question captures the despair and hopelessness of the people. It reflects a moment of realization that their strategies and alliances have failed. The Hebrew root "malat" for "escape" implies deliverance or being saved. This question points to the ultimate need for divine intervention and the recognition that true deliverance comes only from God. It serves as a call to repentance and a return to faith in God's promises and power.