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Isaiah 20

Isaiah 20 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Isaiah 20 is a short but striking chapter in which God uses Isaiah's actions as a public sign. It warns against placing confidence in Egypt or Cush for rescue from Assyria and shows the shame that comes when human alliances fail.

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What happens in Isaiah 20?

The LORD commands Isaiah to remove his sackcloth and sandals and walk naked and barefoot as a sign for several years. This acted-out message points to the coming humiliation of Egypt and Cush when Assyria leads their captives away in shame. Those who had trusted these nations for help will be dismayed when their hope collapses. The chapter ends with people asking how they can escape when the very source of their confidence has failed.

Isaiah 20 follows announcements about the nations in the surrounding chapters and narrows the focus to Egypt and Cush. It fits into this section of Isaiah where God exposes the weakness of political alliances and calls His people to trust Him rather than foreign powers.

Themes to notice

  • Prophetic SignIsaiah's unusual behavior is a visible message from God about coming judgment.
  • False SecurityThe chapter warns against treating Egypt and Cush as reliable sources of rescue.
  • Shame and CollapseWhat seemed strong and dependable will be exposed as powerless before Assyria.

Questions for Isaiah 20

  • Why did God use Isaiah's actions as a sign in this chapter?
  • What does Isaiah 20 warn against trusting for safety and deliverance?
  • How does this passage challenge the way people look for security today?

Read the full text of Isaiah 20 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Isaiah 20

A Sign against Egypt and Cush

1Before the year that the chief commander, sent by Sargon king of Assyria, came to Ashdod and attacked and captured it,2the 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.3Then 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,4so the king of Assyria will lead away the captives of Egypt and the exiles of Cush, young and old alike, naked and barefoot, with bared buttocks—to Egypt’s shame.5Those who made Cush their hope and Egypt their boast will be dismayed and ashamed.6And on that day the dwellers of this coastland will say, ‘See what has happened to our source of hope, those to whom we fled for help and deliverance from the king of Assyria! How then can we escape?’”

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