Introduction
In the days of Isaiah, Ethiopia was a major world power, ruling Egypt and a chief rival to Assyria. Since Judah was caught in the middle between this conflict, it might make sense for Judah to align herself with Ethiopia against Assyria.
“In 715 B.C. an Ethiopian named Shabako gained control of Egypt as founder of the twenty-fifth dynasty. Ethiopian domination continued until 633 B.C. when a native Egyptian regained the throne.” (Wolf)
Ethiopia, the Strong Nation, vv. 1-4
A. “The land shadowing with wings”
1. “shadowing” = buzzing
2. “wings” = insects of the Nile River
B. “That sendeth ambassadors by the sea” = Ethiopian ambassadors who travel to Judah to make an alliance againsts Assyria.
C. “Go, . . . to a nation scattered and peeled, . . . whose land the rivers have spoiled” = The Ethiopian ambassadors invite Judean ambassadors to come to Ethiopia and align themselves against Assyria.
D. “The Lord said to me”
1. “I will take My rest” = God doesn’t need Ethiopia to defeat the Assyrians.
2. God is able to muster an army, raise a banner, and sound the trumpet of battle if needed.
3. Judah is not to trust in military alliances, but trust in the Lord.
Ethiopia, the Stricken Nation, vv. 5-6
A. God will prune the Ethiopians Himself.
B. God will take the Ethiopians away Himself.
C. God will leave the Ethiopians for the mountain birds of prey.
Ethiopia, the Saved Nation, v. 7
A. A day will come when Ethiopians will come to Mount Zion to the Lord.
B. See Acts 8:26-40 for the fulfillment of this prophecy.