Monday, December 2 – Isaiah 20, 21

1. What message was conveyed by the prophet walking naked and barefoot? (Isaiah 20:2-4)

2. Who is prophesied to destroy Babylon? (Isaiah 21:2)

3. What announcement does Isaiah prophetically make about Babylon? (Isaiah 21:9)

Commentary and Reflection:

The prophecy in Isaiah 20 is once again directed against Egypt and Ethiopia. The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary provides insight on the purpose of these prophecies: “This section includes chs. 13–23. These messages were borne, not primarily to the nations mentioned in them, but to God’s own people, Israel, in order that they might understand God’s dealings with the nations about them.” (SDA Bible Commentary, Isaiah 13:1)

God had sent messages to Hezekiah and Judah about the futility of forming alliances with their southern neighbors—the Philistines, Egyptians, and Ethiopians—to protect themselves from Assyria. To communicate this same message graphically, Isaiah dressed as a prisoner of war, demonstrating to Judah what would happen if they placed their trust in these alliances rather than in the LORD.

In verse 2, the word “sackcloth” or “rough cloth” refers to the same material, traditionally worn as a sign of mourning.

The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary adds context: “Sackcloth is usually worn in mourning, and to loose the sackcloth is therefore a figure of joy (Ps. 30:11). But in this instance sackcloth seems to have been the distinctive dress of Isaiah as a camel’s-hair garment was of John the Baptist (Matt. 3:4) and the leather girdle was of Elijah (2 Kings 1:8).” (SDA Bible Commentary, Isaiah 20:2)

Regarding the phrase in verse 2, “And he did so, walking naked and barefoot,” the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary further clarifies: “The word ‘arom, “naked,” may mean either completely naked or only half clad. Here, as in Isa. 58:7; Eze. 18:7, 16; Micah 1:8, the latter meaning is indicated. Isaiah laid aside his outer garment and wore only his inner garments, a common practice in the Orient even today, particularly with laboring men. The act was to betoken humiliation, deprivation, and shame.” (SDA Bible Commentary, Isaiah 20:2)

The Assyrians captured the Philistine city of Ashdod and then invaded Egypt and Ethiopia, taking many captives and fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy.

In the first prophecy of chapter 21, God speaks to Judah regarding Babylon. The prophet predicts Babylon’s conquest by the Medes and Persians, an event that would occur over a century later.

The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary offers insight on “the wilderness of the sea”: “The nation against which this solemn message is directed, though not expressly named in the title, is obviously Babylon (see vs. 2, 9; PK 531; cf. v. 4). The LXX omits “of the sea.” Isaiah seems to compare the endless wastes of the wilderness to the sea. Some have translated this expression as ‘sandy wastes.’” (SDA Bible Commentary, Isaiah 21:1)

In verse 2, the prophecy specifically names the conquering power, Elam. Cyrus was initially known as the “king of Anshan,” a region within Elam, while Media was the land of the Medes.

The climax of the prophet’s vision comes in verse 9: “And he answered and said, ‘Babylon is fallen, is fallen! And all the carved images of her gods He has broken to the ground.’” (Isaiah 21:9, NKJV)

This message parallels the one John saw prophetically announced by two powerful angels in Revelation: “And another angel followed, saying, ‘Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.’” (Revelation 14:8, NKJV)

And again, in Revelation 18: “After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, ‘Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.’” (Revelation 18:1-3, NKJV)

The ancient Babylon founded by Nimrod, known for the Tower of Babel, and later ruled by Nebuchadnezzar—the same Babylon that took Judah captive—represents the city that opposes Jerusalem, the city of God. It is a symbol of the enemy’s power and of the historical and prophetic persecution that the enemy orchestrates against God’s people.

Just as Isaiah prophetically foresaw the fall of ancient Babylon, John envisions the fall of spiritual Babylon. All three manifestations of Babylon fall under the judgments of the LORD.

Further down in chapter 21, there is a prophecy about Edom (referred to as Dumah) and another prophecy concerning Arabia. Dedan, Tema, and Kedar were tribes of Arabia. Assyria would eventually conquer both Edom and Arabia.

May God grant you a very blessed day.