Isaiah 20-22

Isaiah 20

Background: Judah is tempted to rely on Egypt and Cush as allies against Assyria

• Occurs during the Assyrian campaign against Ashdod
• Assyria is expanding aggressively in the region

God commands Isaiah to give a public sign:

• Remove his sackcloth
• Walk barefoot and unclothed for three years
• The sign shows how Egypt and Cush will be led away:
  • Stripped
  • Humiliated
  • Powerless

Those who trusted Egypt and Cush are ashamed. Judah realizes there is nowhere else to turn

Isaiah 21

Isaiah describes a vision that brings him pain

• The “Wilderness of the Sea” points to Babylon
• Disaster comes suddenly, even during celebration

God appoints a watchman

• The watchman sees Babylon fall

Dumah Oracle

A voice asks, “Watchman, what of the night?”

• The answer:
  • Morning is coming (relief) 
  • But night returns (judgment) 

Arabia Oracle

• peoples flee
• Hospitality is offered to refugees

Isaiah 22

Oracle about Jerusalem “Valley of Vision”

Jerusalem celebrates instead of mourning

• Isaiah weeps while the city parties

The LORD brings confusion and siege. Enemies surround Jerusalem

Jerusalem strengthens defenses and water systems, but ignores God. 

• “You did not look to Him who did it”

God then calls for mourning

• The people choose pleasure instead
• God declares their sin will not be forgiven

Judgment on Shebna

• Shebna abuses his position (king’s chief steward)
• He builds a monument for himself
• God removes him from office

Eliakim Raised Up

• Eliakim replaces Shebna
• He is described as:
  • A father
  • A secure peg

Questions

Application

• Isaiah 20 shows us to be careful of false alliances, as they  will humiliate those who trust them
• Isaiah 21: God reveals the fall of nations before it happens
• Isaiah 22: God confronts false confidence within Jerusalem