Bible Commentaries
Isaiah 28

Verses 1-4

ISAIAH - CHAPTER 28

PROPHETIC WARNINGS AGAINST MISPLACED TRUST

(28:1 - 31:24)

THE WOE OF EPHRAIM - A WARNING TO JUDAH

Vs. 1-4: AGAINST EPHRAIM AND SAMARIA

1. Samaria, built by Omry as the capitol of the northern kingdom (1 Kings 16:24), was Ephraim’s "crown of pride" - standing as a flower at the head of several fertile valleys, (vs. 1).

2. The men of Ephraim were literally drunkards in addition to being spiritually intoxicated by the strong wine of idolatrous pride, (Amos 6:1-14; Hosea 4:1-19; Micah 1:5-7).

a. The scriptures frequently condemn strong drink and drunkenness, (Proverbs 20:1; Proverbs 23:29-35; Isaiah 5:11; Habakkuk 2:15; Luke 21:34; Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 6:10; Ephesians 5:18).

b. Never is it regarded as a "weakness" to be pitied, or a "disease" to be treated; it is a SIN - to be condemned, repudiated and abandoned!

3. Very descriptive terms are used to describe the "strong one" whom the Lord is about to send against the drunkards of Ephraim, (vs. 2). Sennacherib (the near agent) is likened unto:

a. A tempest of hail and a destroying storm.

b. A powerful flood whose waters will overwhelm them.

4. Both Samaria and the drunken leaders of Ephraim will be trampled under the feet of the Assyrian army, (vs. 3, 18).

5. The beauty of their "crown of pride" will quickly fade, and, like early figs that are delightful, but few, it will soon be plucked and consumed by the invading army, (vs. 4; Hosea 9:10-11; Micah 7:1; comp. Nahum 3:12).

Verses 5-6

Vs. 5-6: A SMALL RAY OF HOPE

1. There is coming a day wherein Messiah, "the Lord of hosts" Himself, will be both "a crown of glory" (Isaiah 4:2; Isaiah 41:16; Isaiah 45:25; Isaiah 60:1; Isaiah 60:19) and "diadem of beauty" to the remnant of His people, and they will be a crown of glory unto Him, (vs. 5; Isaiah 62:3).

2. To such as loyally yield themselves to Christ, the messiah, He will grant both wisdom and strength sufficient for every trying hour, (vs. 6; Isaiah 11:2; Isaiah 25:4; 2 Chronicles 32:6-8).

Verses 7-13

Vs. 7-13: A WARNING TO JUDAH

1. Here Isaiah pictures the filth and tragedy of drunkenness on the part of the leaders in Jerusalem (vs. 7-8; Isaiah 22:12-13; Jeremiah 48:26)-drunken priests perverting judgment (Isaiah 24:2; Isaiah 24:5; Habakkuk 2:15-16; Isaiah 59:11-14), and drunken prophets perverting the word they were responsible to proclaim in purity, (Isaiah 9:15; Isaiah 30:9-10; Isaiah 59:3-4; Jeremiah 23:14).

2. Rebuffed by Isaiah’s admonition, the people of Jerusalem resent and mock his method - saying that he is treating them like babes just weaned from their mother’s breasts, (vs. 9-10; Hebrews 5:12-13; 1 Peter 2:2; Psalms 131:1-3).

3. But, the prophet assures them that, if they will not be admonished in plain, simple and understandable language, then God will instruct them in the language of the Chaldeans which they do not understand! (vs. 11; comp. 1 Corinthians 14:21).

4. The Lord offered them true rest and refreshment through trust in His Word; but they refused to hear; thus, they would stumble and fall backward - to be broken, snared and taken captive, (vs. 12-13; Isaiah 30:15; Jeremiah 6:16; Matthew 11:28-29; Isaiah 8:13-15; Matthew 21:43-44).

Verses 14-22

Vs. 14-22: THE FOLLY OF SCOFFING,AT GOD’S WORD

1. The rulers of Judah scoff at the prophet’s warning, boasting that they have fashioned fraudulent, protective treaties with both Egypt and Assyria; thus, making falsehood their trust, (vs. 14-15; Isaiah 44:20; Ezekiel 13:22; Isaiah 29:15).

2. But God, through the prophet, declares that the only sure, safe and trustworthy foundation for their trust is in the Stone that He lays in Zion - tried (by sin, Satan, men and God), precious and sure, (vs. 16a; Isaiah 8:14-15; Matthew 21:42; Ephesians 2:20).

a. This is clearly a Messianic prophecy whether Isaiah recognized it or not; it offers Christ as man’s only hope, (Acts 4:11-12).

b. It would be most profitable to study all the biblical references to Christ as a rock or stone, (Psalms 118:22; comp. 1 Peter 2:6; Ephesians 2:20-22; also note Isaiah 26:4; Isaiah 32:2; Daniel 2:32; Daniel 2:35; Daniel 2:45; Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:9-11; 1 Corinthians 10:4).

3. The person who really trusts in Him will not be hurried - either to hide from trouble, or to form alliances of protection contrary to His will.

4. The only thing that will spare them from the purposed judgment is righteousness and justice, (vs. 17; Isaiah 5:16; Isaiah 30:18; Isaiah 61:8; Amos 7:7-9).

5. Once the instrument of God’s wrath is turned loose upon them it will: sweep away their refuge of lies, flood their hiding-place, cancel and annul the treaties in which they are trusting, (vs. 18: Isaiah 7:7; Isaiah 8:10).

6. When the Assyrian army passes through. like a scourge, they will be trampled by it; they will live in constant terror as they learn the lesson the prophet has tried to teach them in simple terms, (vs. 19; Job 6:4; Job 24:17; Psalms 88:14-17; Jeremiah 15:8).

7. Like a bed that is too short, and cover that is too narrow, there will be no real comfort in their scheming devices, (vs. 20; Isaiah 59:6; Isaiah 57:12).

8. The Lord will move against Judah as He has previously done against their enemies at Perazim and Gibeon (Joshua 10:10; 2 Samuel 5:20); but, to move against His own people is a strange and unwanted task, (vs. 21; La 2:15; 3:33; Luke 19:41-44).

9. Unless they cease their scorning and mockery their bondage will become more intense (vs. 22x); the Lord has decreed destruction upon the whole land, (vs. 22b; Isaiah 10:22-23).

Verses 23-29

Vs. 23-29: GOD’S ACTIONS ARE PURPOSEFUL AND BENEFICIENT

1. Isaiah calls for the attention of those who are suffering because of their loyalty to the Lord, Who surely has not forgotten His covenant or promise, (vs. 23; Psalms 49:1-2; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 89:34).

2. He illustrates the wisdom of God’s action by likening the covenant people to farm land, and a threshing-floor, (vs. 24-29).

a. Harrow and plowshare stand for God’s judgments upon His people.

b. Just as the farmer does not go on plowing and harrowing after the soil is smooth, neither does the Lord indefinitely stretch out His hand against them.

c. There is a holy purpose in every act of divine discipline.

d. As the farmer plants various seed in prepared soil - the methods of each differing in both planting and harvesting - so, the Lord deals with his people as is necessary to gain the highest yield from their lives, (vs. 24-28, Hebrews 12:5-12).

3. All may safely entrust the direction of their lives unto Him who is "wonderful in counsel" and "excellent" in the wisdom of His effectual working, (vs. 29b; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 31:2; Romans 11:33).