Isaiah 20:5

5 Then the people will be shattered and ashamed because Sudan was their hope and Egypt was their beauty.

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 Then the LORD said, "My servant Isaiah has gone barefoot and naked for three years as a sign and as an omen to Egypt and Sudan.

4 The king of Assyria will lead away both the young and the old--captives from Egypt and exiles from Sudan. They will be barefoot and naked. Their buttocks will be exposed in order to disgrace Egypt.

5 Then the people will be shattered and ashamed because Sudan was their hope and Egypt was their beauty.

6 When that day comes, those who live on this coastland will say, 'Look at what has happened to our hope. We ran [to Egypt] for help to be rescued from the king of Assyria. How can we escape?'"