In Isaiah's time, Assyria was a powerful nation. The Assyrians were bent on conquest. In fear, some surrounding nations, including Israel, allied themselves with Egypt and Cush hoping that Egypt and Cush could keep Assyria at bay.

Sargon, the king of Assyria, sent his armies and attacked and captured Ashdod. Ashdod had depended on Egypt. Egypt could not save Ashdod. Then the LORD told Isaiah to take off his sackcloth and sandals and to go around stripped and naked. The prophet surely felt humiliated by going around like this for three years, but God had a purpose. Isaiah served as a sign. As Isaiah went about stripped and barefoot, so the king of Assyria would lead Egyptian captives and Cushite exiles away stripped and barefoot-to Egypt's great shame! People would realize that relying on the Egyptians, even though they seemed able, would not save them from Assyria. This was a warning to the people of Israel and Judah that depending on others could not save them. Only the LORD their God could save them.

We are tempted to rely on other people, things, or even ourselves. But no matter what our present situation, may we depend on God today.


Application: Father, thank you that we can depend on you for victory in all circumstances.
One Word: Trust in God more than people.