Isaiah 20

Isaiah 20:1

In the yeare] The time when this Prophecie was delivered.

that Tartan] One of the three that Sennacherib sent to Ezekiah, 2 Kings XVIII. 17.

came to Ashdod] Of Ashdod, see the Annotations on Amos III. 9.

When Sargon] Of him, see the Observations on 2 Kings XV. 19.

and took it] Some say, in the twelfth year of Ezekiah: some in the fourteenth, some in the fourth. But most likely, about the eight, or ninth year of Ezekiah after Shalmanezers decease. And the Egyptians, and Ethiopians coming to the relief of Ashdod, were by the Assyrians defeated, and carried captives, in such scornful and despiteful manner; as is described, ver. 4.

Isaiah 20:2

the sackcloth] Not here a mourning weed: but such an upper garment, made of course and hairy stuff, as the Prophets ordinarily were wont to weare, 2 King. I. 8. Zech. XIII. 4. Mat. III 4.

naked] Not stark naked. But stript of his Prophetical mantle. As, 1 Sam. XIX. 24. Joh. XXI. 7. Mic. I. 8. Act. XIX. 16. As captives are wont to be led.

Isaiah 20:3

three yeares] And well might the siege of Ashdod continue three yeares, as well as that of Samariah; most likely the Prophet went so three dayes, so fourty dayes, for fourty years, Num. XIV. 33, 34. Ezek. IV. 4, 5, 6.

upon Egypt, and upon Ethiopia] Judgements denounced upon them before, severally; upon Ethiopia, Chap. XVIII. upon Egypt, Chap. XIX. Here now upon them joyntly.

Isaiah 20:4

so shall] The explication of the signe. It shall be so at the end of three yeares, from the beginning of the siege of Ashdod.

Isaiah 20:5

And they shall be afraid] both the Ashdodites, and Jews, that relied so much upon their aid.

Isaiah 20:6

Isle] See the Observations on, Gen. X. 6.