1. The LORD spoke through Isaiah (1-5)

Ashdod, a city on the route from Assyria to Egypt, was captured. At that time Lord spoke to his people through Isaiah, a "sign and symbol" (8:18), by having him go stripped and barefoot for three years. Isaiah obeyed, knowing God's heart to help his people by illustrating truth to them. It revealed that Cush and Egypt, whom many trusted to defeat Assyria, would be taken as captives. Those who trusted in them would also be put to shame.

2. "See what has happened to those we relied on..." (6)

In that day revelation will come to the people, as they see the Egyptians and Cushites led naked before them: "If this happened to those we trusted to overcome Assyria, how then can we escape?" It is the right question. The answer is the Lord alone. When King Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, Jerusalem was spared from Assyria's reign.