What does Isaiah chapter 20 mean?

Answer 1

The Philistine kingdom of Ashdod had been seized by Iatna or Imani, who sought help from kings in all of Philistia, as well as Edom, Judah and Moab (all of which were Assyrian vassals) in a rebellion against Sargon, king of Assyria. Hezekiah wanted to join, but Isaiah walked about Jerusalem naked (Isaiah 20:2), dramatising the disaster that awaited if they participated.

Hezekiah did not join the rebellion and, when the rebels were defeated by Sargon, Judah was spared.

Answer 2

The Book of Isaiah, as we know it today, is a composite work created by three different authors over a period of more than a hundred years. Isaiah, son of Amaz, was the first author, writing during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, and is now also known as First Isaiah (I Isaiah). A second, anonymous author wrote during the Babylonian Exile and is now known as Second Isaiah. Third Isaiah wrote after the Return from Exile.

Chapter 40 was written by II Isaiah during the Babylonian Exile. It is a message of hope and encouragement, exhorting the Jews to remember their God, whom they worship as creator of the world.

Verse 1 introduces the theme for the passage: "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God."

Verse 2 accepts responsibility for the punishment that God is presumably meting out for their sins, and expresses hope that there will be pardon: "Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD's hand double for all her sins."

Verses 3-5 give hope that the Lord has a plan for deliverance.

Verses 6-8 return to despnndency, saying that all flesh is grass, and the grass wilts. But then the message of hope is resumed, followed by the greatness of God.

The author of Mark's Gospel transcribed Isaiah 40:3, as Mark verse 1:3, providing a powerful image for John the Baptist. This image was taken up by Matthew and Luke, with Luke adding to that image from Isaiah 40:4.

Answer 3

In brief, Isaiah is prophesying about the future time in which the righteousness of the Israelites and Israel will be recognized. The Holy Land will be settled by its people and happy as a bride, and God will be happy with her; and He will be the Guardian of Jerusalem.

The prophet calls upon his people to pray constantly to God until this is fulfilled.

Israel's produce will no longer go to its enemies (see also Judges ch.6), but will be enjoyed by its people, who will come to the (Third) Temple.

Answer 4

He strives after ashes, a deceived heart has turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say: ''Is there not a lie in my right hand''?

In order to understand this properly, you should read the preceding verses. It's talking about the worthlessness and folly of idolatry.