Topical Bible: Pantomime by Isaiah

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Introduction:
Pantomime, as a form of non-verbal communication, is notably illustrated in the prophetic ministry of Isaiah. The prophet Isaiah, whose name means "Yahweh is salvation," served as a mouthpiece for God during a tumultuous period in Judah's history. His ministry, which spanned the reigns of several kings, was marked by vivid imagery and symbolic actions, including pantomime, to convey divine messages to the people of Israel and surrounding nations.

Isaiah's Pantomime:
One of the most striking examples of pantomime in Isaiah's ministry is found in Isaiah 20. Here, God commands Isaiah to perform a symbolic act that would serve as a prophetic sign to the nations. The Berean Standard Bible records this event as follows:

"In the year that the chief commander, sent by Sargon king of Assyria, came to Ashdod and attacked and captured it, at that time the LORD spoke through Isaiah son of Amoz, saying, 'Go, remove the sackcloth from your waist and the sandals from your feet.' So he did this, going naked and barefoot. Then the LORD said, 'Just as My servant Isaiah has gone naked and barefoot for three years as a sign and omen against Egypt and Cush, so the king of Assyria will lead away the captives of Egypt and the exiles of Cush, young and old alike, naked and barefoot, with bared buttocks—to Egypt’s shame.'" (Isaiah 20:1-4)

Purpose and Significance:
Isaiah's pantomime served as a powerful visual prophecy. By walking naked and barefoot, Isaiah embodied the impending humiliation and defeat that would befall Egypt and Cush at the hands of Assyria. This act was not merely for dramatic effect but was a divine directive intended to capture the attention of the people and convey the seriousness of God's message. The use of pantomime in this context underscores the urgency and inevitability of the prophesied events.

Theological Implications:
Isaiah's pantomime highlights several key theological themes. Firstly, it underscores the sovereignty of God over nations. Despite the political and military might of Egypt and Cush, they were not beyond the reach of God's judgment. Secondly, it serves as a reminder of the consequences of relying on human alliances rather than trusting in the Lord. The people of Judah were tempted to seek security in alliances with powerful nations, but Isaiah's pantomime warned them of the futility of such reliance.

Prophetic Methodology:
The use of pantomime by Isaiah is consistent with the broader prophetic tradition in the Old Testament, where prophets often employed symbolic actions to communicate God's messages. These actions were designed to provoke thought, elicit a response, and bring about repentance. Isaiah's obedience in performing such a challenging task demonstrates his commitment to his prophetic calling and his willingness to endure personal discomfort for the sake of God's message.

Conclusion:
Isaiah's pantomime remains a compelling example of prophetic communication. Through this non-verbal act, Isaiah conveyed a message of judgment and hope, calling the people to recognize the sovereignty of God and to place their trust in Him alone.

Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 20:2,3
At the same time spoke the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off your loins, and put off your shoe from your foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Psalm XXXIV.
... loveth a charioteer or hunter, wisheth the whole people to love with him, and exhorteth,
saying, Love with me this pantomime, love with me ... [714] Isaiah 65:24. ...
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