- 1In the year that Tartan came unto Ashdod, (when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him,) and fought against Ashdod, and took it;
- 2At the same time spake the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot.
- 3And the LORD said, Like as my servant Isaiah hath walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and wonder upon Egypt and upon Ethiopia;
- 4So 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.
- 5And they shall be afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their expectation, and of Egypt their glory.
- 6And the inhabitant of this isle shall say in that day, Behold, such is our expectation, whither we flee for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria: and how shall we escape?
KING JAMES VERSION
ISAIAH 20
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CHAPTER VISUAL
Isaiah 20 — Isaiah’s three-year sign warns that trust in Egypt and Cush will end in captivity and shame.
About this illustration
Isaiah is clothed in a minimal period-appropriate undergarment to preserve modesty while conveying the sign. Captives remain distant, covered, and non-graphic.
Scripture basis: Isaiah 20:1–6King James Version · Standardized 1769 text with Strong’s numbering · Public domain outside the United Kingdom
EXPLORE THE MESSAGE
Related Watchman 33 Resources
Archaeological Evidence
ARCHAEOLOGY EVIDENCEArchaeological site
Late eighth century BC
Ashdod and the Assyrian Conquest of 712/711 BC
Excavated Ashdod, fragments of Sargon II’s victory stele, and Assyrian royal texts converge on the revolt named in Isaiah 20, while disputed stratigraphy cautions against assigning every destruction deposit to 711 BC.
Isaiah 20:1–6
ARCHAEOLOGY EVIDENCEFortification
Late eighth century BC
Ashdod-Yam Iron Age Fortifications
A massive horseshoe-shaped mudbrick enclosure at Ashdod-Yam documents organized coastal construction during Assyria's domination of Philistia and provides material context for the Ashdod crisis named in Isaiah 20, although its patron remains disputed.
Isaiah 20:1–6 · Amos 1:6–8
ARCHAEOLOGY EVIDENCEInscription
late 8th century BC
Kition Stele of Sargon II
A Neo-Assyrian royal stele found at Kition on Cyprus and now in Berlin. Materially anchors Sargon II's reach to Cyprus/Kittim during the same imperial age reflected in Isaiah and elsewhere in the prophets.
Isaiah 20:1 · Isaiah 23:1–12
ARCHAEOLOGY EVIDENCEInscription
approximately 706 BC, recounting the 711 BC Ashdod crisis
Sargon II's Tang-i Var Rock Inscription
Sargon II's rock inscription at Tang-i Var in western Iran recounts imperial campaigns and places Judah, Edom, Moab, and Philistia within the political crisis surrounding Ashdod's revolt and appeals to Egypt. It independently illuminates Isaiah 20 while remaining a triumphal Assyrian retrospective.
Isaiah 20:1–6 · 2 Kings 18:17–24
Sermons
Apologetics #2 - The Divine Inspiration of the Bible (Part 1)
In “Apologetics #2 - The Divine Inspiration of the Bible (Part 1),” Pastor Dean Odle presents a Scripture-centered message about the authority of Scripture, Bible prophecy, faith. Drawing especially from 1 Peter 3:15, Luke 60, Ephesians 60, Philippians 61, the teaching emphasizes that Scripture is presented as the standard for doctrine, discernment, and daily obedience. Odle connects that foundation with the conviction that prophecy should produce discernment, readiness, and faithfulness rather than speculation alone.
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View sermon The Day of Wrath, the Marriage Supper & the Millennial Reign
In “The Day of Wrath, the Marriage Supper & the Millennial Reign,” Pastor Dean Odle presents a Scripture-centered message about divine judgment, faith, eternal life and hope. Drawing especially from Amos 9, John 17, Revelation 6, Matthew 24, the teaching emphasizes that God’s judgment is treated as righteous, certain, and a reason to repent while mercy is offered. Odle connects that foundation with the conviction that biblical faith trusts God’s character and acts upon His promises.
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View sermon Politics, Religion & Division
In “Politics, Religion & Division,” Pastor Dean Odle presents a Scripture-centered message about prayer, Bible prophecy, the condition of the church. Drawing especially from 1 Corinthians 12, Proverbs 29, Isaiah 60, Isaiah 13, the teaching emphasizes that prayer expresses dependence on God and prepares believers to hear and obey Him. Odle connects that foundation with the conviction that prophecy should produce discernment, readiness, and faithfulness rather than speculation alone.
Bible ProphecyScripture AloneIsrael and JerusalemSpiritual Warfare
View sermon