Chapter 20 - The Burden Of Egypt

Chapter 20 continues the burden of Egypt, it is about the time when Assyria first captures Egypt and not to be confused with the trouble Egypt will go through to melt their hearts in “That Day”
This happened during the reign of Hezekiah, son of Ahaz, (king of Judah from about 726- BC)
Isaiah 19:16, 18, 19, 23, 24
2Kings 18:7
Chapter 20:1
Tartan - was an Assyrian military leader.
Ashdod - a chief city of the Philistines that was assigned to the tribe of Judah by (Joshua 15:47), but Judah never conquered them. When the Philistines seized the ark they carried it to Ashdod (1Sam 5:1)
Sargon seemed to be king of Assyria somewhere between 722 to 701 BC He is only mentioned in Isa 20:1 so he could have been called by another name.

20:2-4 God had Isaiah walk for three years is a state of poverty and shame for a sign what would soon come upon Egypt and Ethiopia. Assyria would lead these nations away is disgrace and poverty, Egypt, a nation with proud and hardened hearts would be shamefully paraded for all to see. (See Isa 19:4)

20:5-6 When Assyria became the worlds dominate power all other nations were afraid of their might. When Egypt and Ethiopia were carried away in shame other nations who looked to them in wonder and fear. Their question how can we stand against Assyria if these two great nations could not. (Ezekiel 30 when Babylon reigns)

Remember the primary recipient of Isaiah’s prophesy was the nation of Judah, called The LORD’s tender plant. Under Ahaz they were lead into gross idolatry. Now under his son Hezekiah Judah begins to turn back to The Holy One Of Israel. Assyria comes against Judah Isaiah 36:1. The question is - Who can stand against the great army of Assyria? The king of Assyria sends messengers along with a great army to Hezekiah to the fullers field (where water flows and dirty cloths are washed and made clean).
The Messengers’ message you have removed all the alters in the high places how can your LORD be with you?
Don’t be deceived by your God - we have taken mightier nations
Hezekiah’s hope - Isaiah 37:14-15 - Hezekiah had broken down the false places of worship and had the priest clean up their service - he was leading Judah to clean their dirty cloths.
Who can stand against the Assyria - Isaiah 37:33-37 - The LORD, The One Who Dwells Among The Cherubims - The angel of the LORD - slaughters the great army of Assyria.

Hezekiah knew there was no standing against Assyria on their own - the only way out is the strength of the LORD - That is our only way to survive in the evil world - (John 17:15)
In “That Day” Israel will have to come to the same conclusion - The will have to turn to The LORD


Ecclesiastes 3:15, 1:9-11; Isaiah 46:9-10


Next Lesson Isaiah 21:1-1 consider
the lion
Babylon is fallen , is fallen
a woman that travaileth