Back in the Old Testament days, God would command obedience from His prophets and have them act in unusual ways to get His point across to His people. It was not uncommon for Him to tell them to change their attire to prophesy His intentions. For instance, Elijah wore animal skins, as did John the Baptist. The prophets were not about comfort; they were to show their mortification and commitment to God, even when it was embarrassing for them. Isaiah was no different. God commanded him to remove his clothing, which was already sackcloth, which was clothing the mourners wore, and to remove his shoes. He was to walk around naked for three years to show how long Egypt and Ethiopia would have before they were taken captive by Syria. Some commentators think it was only three days, one day for each year, but that’s not how it was described in scripture.
And the LORD said, Like as my servant Isaiah hath walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and wonder upon Egypt and upon Ethiopia; So shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians prisoners, and the Ethiopians captives, young and old, naked and barefoot, even with their buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt. Isaiah 20:3-4
Imagine living a luxurious lifestyle, then being stripped naked and carried away in shame. That’s what the Egyptians and Ethiopians were facing at the hands of Syria.
As Americans, this lesson is good for us to remember because most of us live more lavishly than others in more remote areas of the world, and we are confident in our ability to sustain that lifestyle that keeps us comfortable. If we don’t keep our eyes on God and give Him the glory for sustaining our wealth and lifestyle, we could also be humbled like Egypt and Ethiopia. Individually, we must praise, worship, and most of all thank God for all that He has given us, and not believe we got it because of our own ability. Everything we have is a gift.
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