Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley, [1754-65], at sacred-texts.com
Isaiah 20:1
isa 20:1
Sargon - Sennacherib, who, before he came to Jerusalem, came up against and took all the walled cities of Judah, of which Ashdod might be reckoned one, as being in the tribe of Judah.
Isaiah 20:2
isa 20:2
Sackcloth - Which he wore in token of his grief for the calamities that were already come upon Israel, and were coming upon Judah. Naked - Not wholly naked, but without his upper garment, as slaves and prisoners used to do, whose posture he was to represent. Bare - foot - After the manner of mourners and captives.
Isaiah 20:3
isa 20:3
Three years - Not constantly, but when he went abroad among the people, to whom this was appointed for a sign. A sign - When this judgment should come, namely, three years after this prophecy.
Isaiah 20:4
isa 20:4
Uncovered - Having their garments cut off by the middle.
Isaiah 20:5
isa 20:5
They - All that shall trust to them. But under this general expression the Israelites, seem to be principally intended.
Isaiah 20:6
isa 20:6
Of the country - Of this land, in which the prophet was, and to whose inhabitants, these words were uttered. Such - So vain is our hope placed upon such a people as are unable to deliver themselves.