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Overview

Isaiah is commissioned by God to do a physical sign, to walk around naked and barefoot, warning the nations of Egypt and Cush that Assyria is coming. 

Isaiah 20:1-4

In the year that the commander in chief, who was sent by Sargon the king of Assyria, came to Ashdod and fought against it and captured it—at that time the Lord spoke by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, “Go, and loose the sackcloth from your waist and take off your sandals from your feet,” and he did so, walking naked and barefoot. Then the Lord said, “As my servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot for three years as a sign and a portent against Egypt and Cush, so shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptian captives and the Cushite exiles, both the young and the old, naked and barefoot, with buttocks uncovered, the nakedness of Egypt.

No doubt this is a strange approach by God—but not unprecedented. The prophet Ezekiel was commanded by God to do similar things. A physical, visual prophetic sign reminds me of those individuals who flip or dance with signs on street corners, promoting some particular business. 

It is important to remember that it is unnecessary to take walking naked—in a wooden, literal sense. Isaiah probably did not walk around naked, rather he walked around with just his undergarment. Basically, his underwear. The point was not nudity, it was to convey brokenness, poverty and humiliation. Furthermore, Isaiah probably didn’t do this 24 hours a day. It is likely he walked around at some point every day, talking with the people, warning them to not trust in man, but trust in God. 

Isaiah 20:5

Then they shall be dismayed and ashamed because of Cush their hope and of Egypt their boast.

This was God’s point. Judah was living in fear. Assyria was coming for Egypt and Cush. Assyria might be coming for them next. Trusting in Egypt or Cush for help is foolish, since they themselves will be taken in captivity. 

Are you waiting for a sign? Or do you know what God is trying to tell you? Isaiah 20 shows us that the all-powerful God of the Universe is willing to accommodate to His creation. He is willing to use different methods to get our attention, even though He has shown us His will many times. 

God is so patient with us. Listen. Trust. Obey.