Chapter Summary

Prophecy of the wasting of Egypt and Ethiopia by Assyria.

Discussion Questions for Isaiah, Chapter 20

1. Isaiah 20:2-4 gives the description of Isaiah stripping naked to walk around, giving a symbolic action to demonstrate the prophecies of the humiliation of Egypt. Why would God allow his prophet be humiliated by this action?
2. 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 God like this demonstrate more or less faith?
3. Isaiah 20 describes Assyrian defeating Egypt immediately after the prophecies of unity in chapter 19. What purpose is being served by having these image side by side?
4. Isaiah 20:6 how is Israel wondering what to do for help after Egypt is taking captive. What does this show about Israel's faith?
5. 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 life?
6. How does Isaiah walking around naked for three years reflect a prophet or pastor's relationship with the persons 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 be bring shame in their life in relation to the church they lead?
7. King Saul strips naked in 1 Samuel 19:24 and begins to prophesying. What are the possible symbolisms behind the act of a prophet stripping naked to preach?
8. Why did Isaiah walk around naked for three years in Isaiah 20? Could the Egyptians and Ethiopians do anything to change the judgement of God? Why or why not?
9. Egypt was going to be embarrassed and shamed by their upcoming defeat. How effective is embarrassment as a punishment? Is there any punishment that does not contain an element of shame?
10. 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 judgement of Egypt and redemption of Israel? Can you recall a time that 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.

Strong Verse(s)