Isaiah 20:6
And the inhabitant of this isle shall say in that day, Behold, such is our expectation, whither we flee for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria: and how shall we escape?
Isaiah 20:6 · King James Version
Meaning
In this particular verse from the book of Isaiah, the inhabitants of the isle are expressing their distress and hopelessness in the face of the powerful Assyrian king. They acknowledge that their expectation and hope for deliverance rest in seeking help from alliances with other nations, rather than relying on their own strength or turning to God for aid. The verse reflects a common struggle faced by many throughout history - the temptation to place trust in earthly powers or human strategies for deliverance, rather than putting faith in God. The verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and seeking worldly solutions to spiritual problems. It emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance and trusting in His ultimate power and protection, rather than relying on fleeting alliances or the strength of mortal rulers.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the theme of human reliance on earthly powers for deliverance instead of turning to God. The inhabitants of the isle are depicted as seeking help from the king of Assyria, a powerful ruler of the time, instead of trusting in God for salvation. This highlights the consequences of placing one's hope in worldly sources rather than in the Almighty. The word "expectation" in this context reflects the people’s misplaced confidence in seeking help from Assyria. The verse challenges believers to examine where they place their trust and to turn to God for ultimate deliverance. The word "escape" symbolizes the futile attempts to avoid calamity without turning to God for guidance and protection. Ultimately, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of faith in God and the potential pitfalls of relying on human strength alone for deliverance.
Isaiah 20:6 in other translations
American Standard Version
And the inhabitant of this coast-land shall say in that day, Behold, such is our expectation, whither we fled for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria: and we, how shall we escape?
World English Bible
The inhabitants of this coast land will say in that day, ‘Behold, this is our expectation, where we fled for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria. And we, how will we escape?’”
Douay-Rheims
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 from the face of the king of the Assyrians: and how shall we be able to escape?
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then shall the inhabitant of this yle say in that day, Behold, such is our expectation, whither we fledde for helpe to be deliuered from the King of Asshur, and howe shall we be deliuered?