Isaiah 20:5 Meaning and Explanation
“And they shall be afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their expectation, and of Egypt their glory.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Nations that trusted in Ethiopia and Egypt for protection will be ashamed when those allies fall.
The Context of Isaiah 20:5
Nations lose confidence in their Egyptian and Ethiopian allies when those powers are conquered.
What Does Isaiah 20:5 Mean?
This verse shifts focus from the captives themselves to the nations—including Judah—that had pinned their hopes on Egyptian and Ethiopian military strength. Ethiopia represented expectation of help in the south; Egypt represented the glory and renown of a great empire to the southwest. Both were seen as reliable powers capable of standing against Assyria. Their defeat would shatter the confidence of all who depended on them.
The psychological and political impact would be immense. Fear and shame would replace the false confidence that had led nations to resist Assyrian domination through foreign alliances rather than through covenant faithfulness to the LORD. This served as a warning to Judah specifically: alliances are fragile; only the LORD provides true security and deliverance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 20:5
What does Isaiah 20:5 mean?
Nations that trusted in Ethiopia and Egypt for protection will be ashamed when those allies fall.
What is the context of Isaiah 20:5?
Nations lose confidence in their Egyptian and Ethiopian allies when those powers are conquered.