Isaiah 28
BSB1 Woe to the majestic crown of Ephraim’s drunkards, to the fading flower of his glorious splendor, set on the summit above the fertile valley, the pride of those overcome by wine. 2 Behold, the Lord has one who is strong and mighty. Like a hailstorm or destructive tempest, like a driving rain or flooding downpour, he will smash that crown to the ground. 3 The majestic crown of Ephraim’s drunkards will be trampled underfoot. 4 The fading flower of his beautiful splendor, set on the summit above the fertile valley, will be like a ripe fig before the summer harvest: Whoever sees it will take it in his hand and swallow it. 5 On that day the LORD of Hosts will be a crown of glory, a diadem of splendor to the remnant of His people, 6 a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and a strength to those who repel the onslaught at the gate. 7 These also stagger from wine and stumble from strong drink: Priests and prophets reel from strong drink and are befuddled by wine. They stumble because of strong drink, muddled in their visions and stumbling in their judgments. 8 For all their tables are covered with vomit; there is not a place without filth. 9 Whom is He trying to teach? To whom is He explaining His message? To infants just weaned from milk? To babies removed from the breast? 10 For they hear: “Order on order, order on order, line on line, line on line; a little here, a little there." 11 Indeed, with mocking lips and foreign tongues, He will speak to this people 12 to whom He has said: “This is the place of rest, let the weary rest; this is the place of repose.” But they would not listen. 13 Then the word of the LORD to them will become: “Order on order, order on order, line on line, line on line; a little here, a little there,” so that they will go stumbling backward and will be injured, ensnared, and captured. 14 Therefore hear the word of the LORD, O scoffers who rule this people in Jerusalem. 15 For you said, “We have made a covenant with death; we have fashioned an agreement with Sheol. When the overwhelming scourge passes through it will not touch us, because we have made lies our refuge and falsehood our hiding place." 16 So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken. 17 I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the level. Hail will sweep away your refuge of lies, and water will flood your hiding place. 18 Your covenant with death will be dissolved, and your agreement with Sheol will not stand. When the overwhelming scourge passes through, you will be trampled by it. 19 As often as it passes through, it will carry you away; it will sweep through morning after morning, by day and by night.” The understanding of this message will bring sheer terror. 20 Indeed, the bed is too short to stretch out on, and the blanket too small to wrap around you. 21 For the LORD will rise up as at Mount Perazim. He will rouse Himself as in the Valley of Gibeon, to do His work, His strange work, and to perform His task, His disturbing task. 22 So now, do not mock, or your shackles will become heavier. Indeed, I have heard from the Lord GOD of Hosts a decree of destruction against the whole land. 23 Listen and hear my voice. Pay attention and hear what I say. 24 Does the plowman plow for planting every day? Does he continuously loosen and harrow the soil? 25 When he has leveled its surface, does he not sow caraway and scatter cumin? He plants wheat in rows and barley in plots, and rye within its border. 26 For his God instructs and teaches him properly. 27 Surely caraway is not threshed with a sledge, and the wheel of a cart is not rolled over the cumin. But caraway is beaten out with a stick, and cumin with a rod. 28 Grain for bread must be ground, but it is not endlessly threshed. Though the wheels of the cart roll over it, the horses do not crush it. 29 This also comes from the LORD of Hosts, who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.
Study Notes — Isaiah 28
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Isaiah 28
- Themes from Isaiah 28
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Isaiah 28
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with a condemnation of the pride and drunkenness of the people of Ephraim, who have made an alliance with Egypt (Isaiah 28:1-3). God warns them that this alliance will not save them, and that He will send a powerful army to destroy them (Isaiah 28:4-6). The chapter then turns to a message of hope and redemption, as God promises to lay a foundation stone in Zion, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation (Isaiah 28:16). The chapter concludes with a warning to the people to listen to God's word and to trust in Him, rather than in their own strength or in false alliances (Isaiah 28:20-22).
Context for the Chapter
Isaiah chapter 28 is part of a larger section of the book of Isaiah that warns of the dangers of idolatry and the importance of trusting in God. The chapter is addressed to the people of Judah, who are facing the threat of invasion by the Assyrian army. The chapter promises that God will save those who trust in Him, and that He is the ultimate hope of salvation.
Heart Application
The chapter applies to our hearts by warning us of the dangers of pride and the importance of trusting in God. We must humble ourselves before God, and trust in Him for salvation. We must also be careful not to make alliances with the world, but instead to trust in God's power and wisdom.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Isaiah chapter 28 is a message of judgment and redemption to the people of Judah. The chapter warns of the dangers of pride and drunkenness, and promises that God will save those who trust in Him. The key verse is Isaiah 28:16, which promises that God will lay a foundation stone in Zion, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation. This stone is Jesus Christ, who is the Rock of salvation and the foundation of the church.
Voices from the Church
“The foundation stone which God lays in Zion is Christ, who is the Rock of salvation and the foundation of the church.”
— John Calvin
“The chapter promises that those who trust in God will be saved, and that He is the ultimate hope of salvation. Let us therefore trust in Him, and not in our own strength or in false alliances.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction: The Pride of Ephraim (Isaiah 28:1-3) — The chapter begins with a condemnation of the pride and drunkenness of the people of Ephraim.
- The Warning of Judgment (Isaiah 28:4-6) — God warns the people of Ephraim that their alliance with Egypt will not save them, and that He will send a powerful army to destroy them.
- The Promise of Salvation (Isaiah 28:16) — The chapter promises that God will lay a foundation stone in Zion, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation. This stone is Jesus Christ, who is the Rock of salvation and the foundation of the church.
- The Call to Faith (Isaiah 28:20-22) — The chapter concludes with a warning to the people to listen to God's word and to trust in Him, rather than in their own strength or in false alliances.
- Conclusion: The Dangers of Rejecting God (Isaiah 28:20-22) — The chapter warns of the consequences of rejecting God, and promises that those who do so will be destroyed.
Core Doctrines
- The Doctrine of Salvation
- The chapter teaches that salvation comes through faith in God, and that He is the ultimate hope of salvation (Isaiah 28:16).
- The Doctrine of Judgment
- The chapter teaches that God will judge those who reject Him, and that the consequences of rejection are severe (Isaiah 28:20-22).
- The Doctrine of the Church
- The chapter teaches that the church is founded on Christ, who is the Rock of salvation and the foundation of the church (Isaiah 28:16).
- The Doctrine of Faith
- The chapter teaches that faith is the means by which we receive salvation, and that it is the foundation of our relationship with God (Isaiah 28:16).
Lessons from Isaiah 28
- The Importance of Humility — The chapter teaches that humility is essential for a right relationship with God, and that pride leads to a fall.
- The Danger of False Alliances — The chapter warns of the dangers of making alliances with the world, and promises that God is the ultimate hope of salvation.
- The Power of Faith — The chapter teaches that faith is the means by which we receive salvation, and that it is the foundation of our relationship with God.
- The Consequences of Rejecting God — The chapter warns of the consequences of rejecting God, and promises that those who do so will be destroyed.
- The Promise of Eternal Life — The chapter promises that those who trust in God will have eternal life, and that He is the ultimate hope of salvation.
Themes from Isaiah 28
- Judgment and Redemption — The chapter is a message of judgment and redemption to the people of Judah, warning of the dangers of pride and promising salvation through faith in God.
- The Importance of Trusting in God — The chapter teaches that trusting in God is essential for salvation, and that He is the ultimate hope of salvation.
- The Dangers of Idolatry — The chapter warns of the dangers of idolatry, and promises that those who trust in God will be saved.
- The Power of Faith — The chapter teaches that faith is the means by which we receive salvation, and that it is the foundation of our relationship with God.
- The Promise of Eternal Life — The chapter promises that those who trust in God will have eternal life, and that He is the ultimate hope of salvation.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the central message of Isaiah chapter 28?
- What is the danger of pride, and how can we avoid it?
- What is the promise of salvation in Isaiah 28:16, and how does it apply to our lives?
- What is the consequence of rejecting God, and how can we avoid it?
- How can we trust in God, and what are the benefits of doing so?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction: The Pride of Ephraim (Isaiah 28:1-3)
| Isaiah 28:1 | The chapter begins with a condemnation of the pride and drunkenness of the people of Ephraim. |
| Isaiah 28:2 | God warns the people of Ephraim that their alliance with Egypt will not save them, and that He will send a powerful army to destroy them. |
| Isaiah 28:3 | The people of Ephraim are warned that their pride will lead to a fall, and that they will be destroyed. |
2. The Warning of Judgment (Isaiah 28:4-6)
| Isaiah 28:4 | God warns the people of Ephraim that their alliance with Egypt will not save them, and that He will send a powerful army to destroy them. |
| Isaiah 28:5 | The people of Ephraim are warned that their pride will lead to a fall, and that they will be destroyed. |
| Isaiah 28:6 | God promises that He will be a crown of glory to the people of Judah, and that He will save them from their enemies. |
3. The Promise of Salvation (Isaiah 28:16)
| Isaiah 28:16 | The chapter promises that God will lay a foundation stone in Zion, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation. This stone is Jesus Christ, who is the Rock of salvation and the foundation of the church. |
4. The Call to Faith (Isaiah 28:20-22)
| Isaiah 28:20 | The chapter concludes with a warning to the people to listen to God's word and to trust in Him, rather than in their own strength or in false alliances. |
| Isaiah 28:21 | God promises that He will save those who trust in Him, and that He is the ultimate hope of salvation. |
| Isaiah 28:22 | The people are warned that the consequences of rejecting God are severe, and that they will be destroyed. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central message of Isaiah chapter 28?
The central message of Isaiah chapter 28 is a warning of judgment and a promise of salvation to the people of Judah. The chapter warns of the dangers of pride and drunkenness, and promises that God will save those who trust in Him (Isaiah 28:16).
What is the danger of pride, and how can we avoid it?
The danger of pride is that it leads to a fall, and that it can cause us to reject God and His salvation (Isaiah 28:1-3). We can avoid pride by humbling ourselves before God, and by trusting in Him rather than in our own strength or in false alliances.
What is the promise of salvation in Isaiah 28:16, and how does it apply to our lives?
The promise of salvation in Isaiah 28:16 is that God will lay a foundation stone in Zion, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation. This stone is Jesus Christ, who is the Rock of salvation and the foundation of the church. This promise applies to our lives by offering us salvation and eternal life through faith in Christ.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 28:16 → Matthew 21:42 | The foundation stone which God lays in Zion is Christ, who is the Rock of salvation and the foundation of the church. |
| 2 | Isaiah 28:16 → 1 Peter 2:6 | The chapter promises that God will lay a foundation stone in Zion, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation. This stone is Jesus Christ, who is the Rock of salvation and the foundation of the church. |
| 3 | Isaiah 28:1-3 → Proverbs 16:18 | The chapter warns of the dangers of pride, which leads to a fall. This is a warning to all people to humble themselves before God. |
| 4 | Isaiah 28:20-22 → Hebrews 10:26-31 | The chapter warns of the consequences of rejecting God, and promises that those who do so will be destroyed. This is a warning to all people to trust in God and to avoid rejecting Him. |
| 5 | Isaiah 28:16 → Ephesians 2:20 | The chapter promises that God will lay a foundation stone in Zion, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation. This stone is Jesus Christ, who is the Rock of salvation and the foundation of the church. |
| 6 | Isaiah 28:1-3 → James 4:6 | The chapter warns of the dangers of pride, which leads to a fall. This is a warning to all people to humble themselves before God. |
| 7 | Isaiah 28:20-22 → 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 | The chapter warns of the consequences of rejecting God, and promises that those who do so will be destroyed. This is a warning to all people to trust in God and to avoid rejecting Him. |
| 8 | Isaiah 28:16 → 1 Corinthians 3:11 | The chapter promises that God will lay a foundation stone in Zion, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation. This stone is Jesus Christ, who is the Rock of salvation and the foundation of the church. |
| 9 | Isaiah 28:1-3 → Psalm 138:6 | The chapter warns of the dangers of pride, which leads to a fall. This is a warning to all people to humble themselves before God. |
| 10 | Isaiah 28:20-22 → Revelation 20:15 | The chapter warns of the consequences of rejecting God, and promises that those who do so will be destroyed. This is a warning to all people to trust in God and to avoid rejecting Him. |
Sermons on Isaiah 28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Avoiding the Storms of Life by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Paul and his companions encountering a storm while on a ship. The speaker highlights different reactions to the storm, such as dr |
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Full Time Ministry by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God's word to comfort and encourage His people, even in times of fear and insecurity. The sermon is based on Isaiah 28, where t |
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Attributes of God (Series 1): The Justice of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of a judge being caught between mercy and justice. He uses the example of a man torn between his love for a woman and his sense o |
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One Strange Stone by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept that some good things can have a negative impact on people. He gives examples of how ambulances, which save lives, can also bring |
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A Few Sighs From Hell (Reading) by John Bunyan | In this sermon transcript, the preacher warns the listeners to consider the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and not to delay in accepting it. He emphasizes the consequences of rejec |
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Attributes of God (Series 2): God's Perfect Justice by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of atonement for our sins. He explains that every moral inequity will be judged unless covered by sufficient atonement. He hi |
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Everybody's Sermon by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that even those who are not able to spend much time in nature can still learn from God's creation. He gives examples such as a baker who see |
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Watchmen, Who Are Not Watchmen by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of false watchmen in the church. He mentions previous predictions of a global economic meltdown due to embedded microchips in comput |
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To God Be Glory in the Church by Art Katz | In this sermon entitled "To God Be Glory In The Church," Arthur Katz emphasizes the importance of aligning ourselves with the perfect standard that comes from heaven. He encourages |
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Healing and Tongues by Kenneth Wuest | In this sermon, the preacher discusses three topics: divine healing, speaking in tongues, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts. The first point focuses on an exa |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Isaiah 28
The chapter is a prophetic message of judgment and redemption to the people of Judah. The people are warned of the dangers of pride and drunkenness, and are promised that God will save those who trust in Him. The chapter promises that God will lay a foundation stone in Zion, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation. This stone is Jesus Christ, who is the Rock of salvation and the foundation of the church. The chapter concludes with a warning to the people to listen to God's word and to trust in Him, rather than in their own strength or in false alliances. The practical lessons of the chapter are that we must humble ourselves before God, trust in Him, and avoid rejecting Him. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Dangers of Pride
The chapter warns of the dangers of pride, which leads to a fall (Isaiah 28:1-3). This is a warning to all people to humble themselves before God.
The Importance of Trusting in God
The chapter promises that those who trust in God will be saved, and that He is the ultimate hope of salvation (Isaiah 28:16).
The Consequences of Rejecting God
The chapter warns of the consequences of rejecting God, and promises that those who do so will be destroyed (Isaiah 28:20-22).