Hope Crumbles, Beauty Fades

Next, Jehovah prophetically describes the response of his people as they realize that Egypt and Ethiopia, their hoped-for refuge, has proved powerless before the Assyrians.  "They will certainly be terrified and be ashamed of Ethiopia their looked-for hope and of Egypt their beauty.  And the inhabitant of this coastland will be certain to say in that day, 'There is how our looked-for hope is, to which we fled for assistance, in order to be delivered because of the king of Assyria!  And how shall we ourselves escape?' " -Isaiah 20:5, 6.

Judah seems like a mere strip of coastland when compared  with the powers of Egypt and Ethiopia.  Perhaps some of the inhabitants of "this coastland" are enamored with Egypt's beauty-its impressive pyramids, its towering temples, and its spacious villas with their surrounding gardens, orchards, and ponds.   The magnificent architecture of Egypt seems to be evidence of stability and permanence.  Surely this land cannot be devastated!   Likely, the Jews are also impressed by the archers, chariots, and horsemen of Ethiopia.

In view of the acted-out warning of Isaiah and the prophetic words of Jehovah, any of God's professed people are inclined to trust Egypt and Ethiopia have some serious thinking to do.  How much better to put their trust in Jehovah rather that in earthling man! (Amen to that!)  (Psalm 25:2; 40:4) As things work out, Judah suffers terribly at the hand of the king of Assyria, and later, she sees her temple and capital city destroyed  by Babylon.  Yet,  "a tenth," "a holy seed," is left, like the stump of a massive tree.  (Isaiah 6:13) When the time comes, Isaiah's message will greatly strengthen the faith of that small group who continue to trust in Jehovah!

Next time: Put Your Trust in Jehovah

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000