Isaiah 20:4
So shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians prisoners, and the Ethiopians captives, young and old, naked and barefoot, even with their buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Assyrian records confirm such deportations occurred. Esarhaddon's annals (7th century BCE) describe conquering Egypt: 'I tore up the root of Kush...I brought back to Assyria, the people, young and old, male and female.' Ashurbanipal's records describe similar campaigns with graphic details matching prophetic descriptions. Palace reliefs show exactly what Isaiah depicted—naked bound captives being led away. This archaeological confirmation validates the prophecy's accuracy. The comprehensive nature (young and old) was fulfilled—entire populations deported, not just soldiers. This demonstrated that alliances with Egypt provided no security; only trusting God protected Judah. The historical validation served multiple purposes: warning future generations, demonstrating prophetic reliability, and revealing God's sovereign control over history.
Questions for Reflection
- What does comprehensive deportation (young and old) teach about judgment affecting entire societies?
- How does archaeological confirmation of prophetic details validate Scripture's divine origin?
- Why do God's warnings include vivid descriptions of judgment's horror?
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Analysis & Commentary
'So shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians prisoners, and the Ethiopians captives, young and old, naked and barefoot, even with their buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt.' The prophecy's fulfillment explained: Assyria will deport Egyptians and Ethiopians exactly as Isaiah depicted—naked, barefoot, buttocks exposed (ultimate humiliation in honor/shame culture). 'Young and old' indicates comprehensive judgment—all ages affected, none spared. This would be 'the shame of Egypt'—proud civilization experiencing total humiliation. The vivid imagery emphasizes judgment's horror—not abstract theological pronouncement but concrete physical suffering. God's warnings are serious; His judgments are real. This should drive hearers to repentance and trust in God rather than false securities. Reformed theology emphasizes both God's love and His wrath—minimizing either produces distorted gospel.