Isaiah – Chapter 20

Old Testament • 6 Verses

Chapter Summary

Isaiah 20 opens with the words: "In the year that Tharthan entered into Azotus, when Sargon the king of the Assyrians had sent him, and he had fought against Azotus, and…" The chapter centers on Isaiah and Amos. Across its 6 verses, two threads run through the text: God's kingdom and kingship and hope in God's promises. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1In the year that Tharthan entered into Azotus, when Sargon the king of the Assyrians had sent him, and he had fought against Azotus, and had taken it:

2At that same time the Lord spoke by the hand of Isaiah the son of Amos, saying Go, and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and take off thy shoes from thy feet. And he did so, and went naked, and barefoot.

3And the Lord said: As my servant Isaiah hath walked, naked and barefoot, it shall be a sign and a wonder of three years upon Egypt, and upon Ethiopia,

4So shall the king of the Assyrians lead away the prisoners of Egypt, and the captivity of Ethiopia, young and old, naked and barefoot, with their buttocks uncovered to the shame of Egypt.

5And they shall be afraid, and ashamed of Ethiopia their hope, and of Egypt their glory.

6And the inhabitants of this isle shall say in that day: Lo this was our hope, to whom we fled for help, to deliver us from the face of the king of the Assyrians: and how shall we be able to escape?

Important Verses in Isaiah 20

“In the year that Tharthan entered into Azotus, when Sargon the king of the Assyrians had sent him, and he had fought against Azotus, and had taken it:”

Isaiah 20:1

“And they shall be afraid, and ashamed of Ethiopia their hope, and of Egypt their glory.”

Isaiah 20:5

Historical Context

Isaiah belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for judah in crisis, the exiles in Babylon, and all who await the Messiah. Chapter 20 of 66 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 6 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Isaiah and Amos appear at the center of the events recorded here. It opens with the line: "In the year that Tharthan entered into Azotus, when Sargon the king of the Assyrians had sent him, and he had fought…" The chapter ends with: "And the inhabitants of this isle shall say in that day: Lo this was our hope, to whom we fled for help, to deliver us…" The wider setting of Isaiah is this: Isaiah prophesied in Jerusalem during the Assyrian crisis, calling kings to trust God rather than alliances. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Isaiah's ministry about 740-700 BC; the book's later chapters address the exile and return (6th century BC).

Who Wrote It

The prophet Isaiah of Jerusalem; chapters 40-66 continue his message through inspired disciples

When It Was Written

Isaiah's ministry about 740-700 BC; the book's later chapters address the exile and return (6th century BC)

Catholic Commentary

The literal sense of Isaiah 20 presents a concrete episode in the history of judgment, comfort, and messianic hope. A pivotal line is verse 1: "In the year that Tharthan entered into Azotus, when Sargon the king of the Assyrians had sent him, and he had fought against Azotus, and had taken it:" The passage repeatedly touches on God's kingdom and kingship.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of judgment, comfort, and messianic hope. Isaiah's prophecies are fulfilled in Christ, especially the Suffering Servant (CIC 601). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 721).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • ✓God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • ✓Christian hope rests not on circumstances but on the unfailing promises of God.
  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.

People in This Chapter

Isaiah2 mentionsAmos1 mention

Reflection for Today

When the Church proclaims Isaiah Chapter 20 at Mass or in the Liturgy of the Hours, she treats this text as the living voice of God.

In the four senses of Scripture—literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical—the Church finds rich meaning in Isaiah Chapter 20. At the moral level, the unity of Scripture and the Magisterium challenges us to examine conscience and amend our lives (CIC 2772).

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 133).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Isaiah Chapter 20 about?

Isaiah 20 contains 6 verses. It opens with "In the year that Tharthan entered into Azotus, when Sargon the king of the Assyrians had sent him, and he had fought…" and closes with "And the inhabitants of this isle shall say in that day: Lo this was our hope, to whom we fled for help, to deliver us…". The book as a whole is prophetic oracles and poetry.

What is a key verse in Isaiah 20?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "In the year that Tharthan entered into Azotus, when Sargon the king of the Assyrians had sent him, and he had fought against Azotus, and had taken it:" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Isaiah Chapter 20?

This chapter mentions Isaiah, Amos.

Who wrote Isaiah and when?

The prophet Isaiah of Jerusalem; chapters 40-66 continue his message through inspired disciples. Isaiah's ministry about 740-700 BC; the book's later chapters address the exile and return (6th century BC).

Related Chapters

2 Kings 19Shares people and themes with this chapter2 Chronicles 26Shares people and themes with this chapterRomans 15Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏The Our Father🙏Novena to Christ the King🙏The Memorare🙏Hail Holy Queen

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