Isaiah Chapter 20 Summary
Prophecy of the wasting of Egypt and Ethiopia by Assyria.
Discussion Questions for Isaiah, Chapter 20
- Isaiah 20:2-4 gives the description of Isaiah stripping naked to walk around, performing a symbolic act to demonstrate the prophecies of the humiliation of Egypt. Why would God allow His prophet to be humiliated by this action?
- How does Isaiah stripping naked at God demonstrate his faithfulness to God? How would this action be received today? Does today's reaction to a command from God like this demonstrate more or less faith?
- Isaiah 20 describes Assyria defeating Egypt immediately after the prophecies of unity in chapter 19. What purpose is being served by having these images side by side?
- Isaiah 20:6: How is Israel wondering what to do for help after Egypt is taking captives? What does this show about Israel's faith?
- Why is Egypt being taken captive to help draw Israel back to God in Isaiah 20? What lesson can this teach the believer concerning the bad events in their lives?
- How does Isaiah walking around naked for three years reflect a prophet or pastor's relationship with the people they are to lead? How much transparency should be in a church leader's life? How should a church leader handle an embarrassing moment or a moment that would bring shame to their life in relation to the church they lead?
- King Saul strips naked in 1 Samuel 19:24 and begins prophesying. What are the possible symbolisms behind the act of a prophet stripping naked to preach?
- Why did Isaiah walk around naked for three years in Isaiah 20? Could the Egyptians and Ethiopians do anything to change the judgment of God? Why or why not?
- Egypt was going to be embarrassed and shamed by its upcoming defeat. How effective is embarrassment as a punishment? Is there any punishment that does not contain an element of shame?
- God promises in Isaiah 20 to make known Egypt's shame because of their persecution of Israel. How does Egypt's defeat by Assyria in Isaiah 20 reflect God's judgment of Egypt and redemption of Israel? Can you recall a time when God defeated an enemy for you or took care of an impossible situation? How did He accomplish it? What did you have to do in the situation? How does this reflect God's grace and mercy?
Key Words/Phrase
Shame, v. 5.
Characters
God, Isaiah, Tartan, Sargon.
