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 20:6KJV
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Isaiah 20:6 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 20:6 mean?

Isaiah 20:6 describes how the people living on the coastland will realize, when disaster comes, that the nation they had hoped would save them from the king of Assyria cannot help, and they will despair about how to escape. The verse shows a moment of fear and disappointment when trusted sources of rescue fail.

Isaiah is speaking about a future time when the people of a coastal region (likely Philistia or nearby areas) see the downfall of Egypt and Cush, whom they had expected to protect them from Assyria. The verse captures their reaction: they question where else they can turn for help now that their hope has been proven empty. This moment is part of Isaiah’s warning that trusting in other nations, instead of God, will not bring safety.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 20:6

  • "inhabitant" (יֹשֵׁב, yoshev): This word refers to someone settled or dwelling in a place, highlighting that the warning is for the everyday people living on the coastland, not just rulers.
  • "isle" (אִי, ’i): Often means a coastland or distant shore, not just an island; this broadens the audience to people living along the seacoast, likely in the region west of Judah.
  • "expectation" (מַבָּט, mabbat): This word means hope or something looked to for safety. The verse points out that their "expectation"—their trusted source of help—has failed.
  • "help" (עֶזְרָה, ezrah): This is practical assistance or rescue. The verse underlines that the help they sought from Egypt and Cush is now gone, leaving them vulnerable.

Why Isaiah 20:6 matters

  • Isaiah 20:6 clarifies that the people’s hope was not just in military strength but in alliances, showing the danger of relying on political solutions instead of trusting God.
  • The verse emphasizes the shock and helplessness that comes when trusted supports collapse, a theme that runs through Isaiah’s warnings to Judah and its neighbors.
  • This verse ties the local fear to the larger message of Isaiah 20, where Isaiah’s symbolic actions warn that Egypt and Cush will be defeated by Assyria, making it clear that no earthly power can guarantee safety.

Where else these words appear

“expectation” Hebrew H4007 · used in 3 verses

  • Isaiah 20:5 And they shall be afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their expectation, and of Egypt their glory.
  • Zechariah 9:5 Ashkelon shall see it, and fear; Gaza also shall see it, and be very sorrowful, and Ekron; for her expectation shall be ashamed; and the king shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited.

“such” Hebrew H3541 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 15:5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
  • Numbers 6:23 Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,
  • 1 Kings 18:45 And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel.

“help” Hebrew H5833 · used in 25 verses

  • Judges 5:23 Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.
  • Psalms 40:13 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.
  • Psalms 94:17 Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence.

“isle” Hebrew H339 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 10:5 By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.
  • Isaiah 42:4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.
  • Jeremiah 31:10 Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.