Isaiah 20: Group Study Handout

Overview

In the year that Tartan captured Ashdod, the Assyrian king Sargon sent him to conquer the city (v. 1). Yahweh spoke to Isaiah, instructing him to remove his sackcloth and shoes, leading Isaiah to walk naked and barefoot for three years (v. 2). This act served as a sign concerning Egypt and Ethiopia (v. 3). Yahweh declared that the king of Assyria would lead away captives from these nations, exposing them in shame (v. 4). The people would be dismayed because their expectations from Ethiopia and Egypt would fail them (vv. 5-6).

Key verse

“Yahweh said, “As my servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and a wonder concerning Egypt and concerning Ethiopia,”

Isaiah 20:3 (WEB)

Outline

1. Isaiah 20:1 The Assyrian Conquest of Ashdod
2. Isaiah 20:2 Isaiah's Symbolic Act
3. Isaiah 20:3–6 Impending Judgment on Egypt and Cush

Discussion questions

1. In v2, what instructions does Yahweh give to Isaiah regarding his clothing?
2. What does Isaiah do in v2 when he is commanded to walk without clothing?
3. In v3, why is Isaiah's act of walking 'naked and barefoot' significant for Egypt and Ethiopia?
4. In v5, what does it mean that the people of Egypt will be 'dismayed and confounded'?
5. When have you felt shame due to misplaced trust, as seen in v5?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Isaiah 20: Isaiah 30, Micah 1, Isaiah 19.

Before next time: read Isaiah 21.