Isaiah 20:5

5 "Then they will be 1dismayed and ashamed because of Cush their hope and Egypt their 2boast.

Isaiah 20:5 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 20:5

And they shall be afraid and ashamed
That is, those that trusted and depended upon the Egyptians and Ethiopians, particularly the Jews after mentioned, shall be "afraid" that it will be their turn next, that they also shall be taken and carried captive; and they shall be "ashamed" that they have put their trust and confidence in those nations, and not in the Lord: of Ethiopia their expectation;
from whom they expected assistance and protection, particularly when Tirhakah king of Ethiopia went out against the king of Assyria, that he would have been a match for him, and have overcome him, and so have freed them from such a powerful enemy: and of Egypt their glory;
who was their ally, and a very potent one, and in whom they gloried; but now should be ashamed, when both those people on whom they relied were carried captive.

Isaiah 20:5 In-Context

3 And the LORD said, "Even as My servant Isaiah has gone naked and barefoot three years as a sign and token against Egypt and Cush,
4 so the king of Assyria will lead away the captives of Egypt and the exiles of Cush, young and old, naked and barefoot with buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt.
5 "Then they will be dismayed and ashamed because of Cush their hope and Egypt their boast.
6 "So the inhabitants of this coastland will say in that day, 'Behold, such is our hope, where we fled for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria; and we, how shall we escape?' "

Cross References 2

  • 1. 2 Kings 18:21; Isaiah 30:3-5; Isaiah 31:1; Ezekiel 29:6, 7
  • 2. Jeremiah 9:23, 24; Jeremiah 17:5; 1 Corinthians 3:21
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