Isaiah 28:13
Isaiah 28:13 in Multiple Translations
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.
But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
Therefore shall the word of Jehovah be unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, there a little; that they may go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
For this cause the word of the Lord will be to them rule after rule, line after line, here a little, there a little; so that they may go on their way, and falling back may be broken, and taken in the net.
Therefore the Lord's message to them will become, “This blah and that blah, blah upon blah, and again blah and blah, and even more blah and blah, a bit here and a bit there,” so that they'll fall over backwards, and they'll be wounded, trapped, and captured.
Therefore shall the worde of the Lord be vnto them precept vpon precept, precept vpon precept, line vnto line, line vnto line, there a litle and there a litle, that they may goe, and fall backward, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.
And to whom a word of Jehovah hath been, Rule on rule, rule on rule, line on line, line on line, A little here, a little there, So that they go and have stumbled backward, And been broken, and snared, and captured.
Therefore the LORD’s word will be to them precept on precept, precept on precept; line on line, line on line; here a little, there a little; that they may go, fall backward, be broken, be snared, and be taken.
But the word of the LORD was to them, precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
And the word of the Lord shall be to them: Command, command again; command, command again: expect, expect again; expect, expect again: a little there, a little there: that they may go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
So Yahweh continues to tell the people of Samaria, one line at a time, “Do this, do that,” first one rule and then another rule. But because of their ignoring what God said, they will be attacked and defeated; they will be wounded and snared and captured.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 28:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 28:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָיָ֨ה
לָ/הֶ֜ם
דְּבַר
יְהוָ֗ה
צַ֣ו
לָ/צָ֞ו
צַ֤ו
לָ/צָו֙
קַ֤ו
לָ/קָו֙
קַ֣ו
לָ/קָ֔ו
זְעֵ֥יר
שָׁ֖ם
זְעֵ֣יר
שָׁ֑ם
לְמַ֨עַן
יֵלְכ֜וּ
וְ/כָשְׁל֤וּ
אָחוֹר֙
וְ/נִשְׁבָּ֔רוּ
וְ/נוֹקְשׁ֖וּ
וְ/נִלְכָּֽדוּ
וְ/הָיָ֨ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
לָ/הֶ֜ם
Prep | Suff
דְּבַר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
צַ֣ו
tsav
H6673
command
N-ms
לָ/צָ֞ו
tsav
H6673
command
Prep | N-ms
צַ֤ו
tsav
H6673
command
N-ms
לָ/צָו֙
tsav
H6673
command
Prep | N-ms
קַ֤ו
qav
H6957
cord
N-ms
לָ/קָו֙
qav
H6957
cord
Prep | N-ms
קַ֣ו
qav
H6957
cord
N-ms
לָ/קָ֔ו
qav
H6957
cord
Prep | N-ms
זְעֵ֥יר
zᵉʻêyr
H2191
little
N-ms
שָׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
זְעֵ֣יר
zᵉʻêyr
H2191
little
N-ms
שָׁ֑ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
לְמַ֨עַן
maʻan
H4616
because
Prep
יֵלְכ֜וּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ/כָשְׁל֤וּ
kâshal
H3782
to stumble
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
אָחוֹר֙
ʼâchôwr
H268
back
N-ms
וְ/נִשְׁבָּ֔רוּ
shâbar
H7665
to break
Conj | V-Niphal-3cp
וְ/נוֹקְשׁ֖וּ
yâqôsh
H3369
to snare
Conj | V-Niphal-3cp
וְ/נִלְכָּֽדוּ
lâkad
H3920
to capture
Conj | V-Niphal-3cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 28:13
וְ/הָיָ֨ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לָ/הֶ֜ם
""
Prep | Suff
דְּבַר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
צַ֣ו
tsav
H6673
"command"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a command or ordinance, often used to describe God's instructions to the Israelites. It can also refer to a precept or rule, as seen in the writings of prophets like Isaiah.
Definition: 1) command, ordinance, oracle (meaning uncertain) 1a) used in mocking mimicry of Isaiah's words and thus not a true divine command
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: commandment, precept. See also: Isaiah 28:10; Isaiah 28:13; Hosea 5:11.
לָ/צָ֞ו
tsav
H6673
"command"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a command or ordinance, often used to describe God's instructions to the Israelites. It can also refer to a precept or rule, as seen in the writings of prophets like Isaiah.
Definition: 1) command, ordinance, oracle (meaning uncertain) 1a) used in mocking mimicry of Isaiah's words and thus not a true divine command
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: commandment, precept. See also: Isaiah 28:10; Isaiah 28:13; Hosea 5:11.
צַ֤ו
tsav
H6673
"command"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a command or ordinance, often used to describe God's instructions to the Israelites. It can also refer to a precept or rule, as seen in the writings of prophets like Isaiah.
Definition: 1) command, ordinance, oracle (meaning uncertain) 1a) used in mocking mimicry of Isaiah's words and thus not a true divine command
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: commandment, precept. See also: Isaiah 28:10; Isaiah 28:13; Hosea 5:11.
לָ/צָו֙
tsav
H6673
"command"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a command or ordinance, often used to describe God's instructions to the Israelites. It can also refer to a precept or rule, as seen in the writings of prophets like Isaiah.
Definition: 1) command, ordinance, oracle (meaning uncertain) 1a) used in mocking mimicry of Isaiah's words and thus not a true divine command
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: commandment, precept. See also: Isaiah 28:10; Isaiah 28:13; Hosea 5:11.
קַ֤ו
qav
H6957
"cord"
N-ms
This word means a cord or line, used for measuring or as a musical string. It can also mean a rule or a rim, and is translated as line in the Bible.
Definition: 1) line, measuring-line 2) (BDB) onomatapoetic mimicry of Isaiah's words, perhaps senseless
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: line. Compare H6978 (קַו־קַו)lemma קַו־קַי yod, corrected to קַו־קַו. See also: 2 Kings 21:13; Isaiah 34:11; Psalms 19:5.
לָ/קָו֙
qav
H6957
"cord"
Prep | N-ms
This word means a cord or line, used for measuring or as a musical string. It can also mean a rule or a rim, and is translated as line in the Bible.
Definition: 1) line, measuring-line 2) (BDB) onomatapoetic mimicry of Isaiah's words, perhaps senseless
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: line. Compare H6978 (קַו־קַו)lemma קַו־קַי yod, corrected to קַו־קַו. See also: 2 Kings 21:13; Isaiah 34:11; Psalms 19:5.
קַ֣ו
qav
H6957
"cord"
N-ms
This word means a cord or line, used for measuring or as a musical string. It can also mean a rule or a rim, and is translated as line in the Bible.
Definition: 1) line, measuring-line 2) (BDB) onomatapoetic mimicry of Isaiah's words, perhaps senseless
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: line. Compare H6978 (קַו־קַו)lemma קַו־קַי yod, corrected to קַו־קַו. See also: 2 Kings 21:13; Isaiah 34:11; Psalms 19:5.
לָ/קָ֔ו
qav
H6957
"cord"
Prep | N-ms
This word means a cord or line, used for measuring or as a musical string. It can also mean a rule or a rim, and is translated as line in the Bible.
Definition: 1) line, measuring-line 2) (BDB) onomatapoetic mimicry of Isaiah's words, perhaps senseless
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: line. Compare H6978 (קַו־קַו)lemma קַו־קַי yod, corrected to קַו־קַו. See also: 2 Kings 21:13; Isaiah 34:11; Psalms 19:5.
זְעֵ֥יר
zᵉʻêyr
H2191
"little"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means something or someone that is small or little in quantity or time. It's used in the Bible to describe something that is limited or not very large. It conveys a sense of fewness or brevity.
Definition: 1) a little 1a) of quantity 1b) of time Aramaic equivalent: ze.er (זְעֵיר "little" H2192)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: little. See also: Job 36:2; Isaiah 28:10; Isaiah 28:13.
שָׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
זְעֵ֣יר
zᵉʻêyr
H2191
"little"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means something or someone that is small or little in quantity or time. It's used in the Bible to describe something that is limited or not very large. It conveys a sense of fewness or brevity.
Definition: 1) a little 1a) of quantity 1b) of time Aramaic equivalent: ze.er (זְעֵיר "little" H2192)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: little. See also: Job 36:2; Isaiah 28:10; Isaiah 28:13.
שָׁ֑ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
לְמַ֨עַן
maʻan
H4616
"because"
Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
יֵלְכ֜וּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
וְ/כָשְׁל֤וּ
kâshal
H3782
"to stumble"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
To stumble means to lose your balance and almost fall, often because of weakness. In the Bible, it can also mean to falter or fail spiritually. This word is used in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to stumble, stagger, totter 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stumble 1a2) to totter 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to stumble 1b2) to be tottering, be feeble 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to stumble, bring injury or ruin to, overthrow 1c2) to make feeble, make weak 1d) (Hophal) to be made to stumble 1e) (Piel) bereave
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: bereave (from the margin), cast down, be decayed, (cause to) fail, (cause, make to) fall (down, -ing), feeble, be (the) ruin(-ed, of), (be) overthrown, (cause to) stumble, [idiom] utterly, be weak. See also: Leviticus 26:37; Jeremiah 6:15; Psalms 9:4.
אָחוֹר֙
ʼâchôwr
H268
"back"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means the back or rear side of something. It can also refer to a location or direction, like the West. In Genesis, it describes the back of the Tabernacle.
Definition: 1) the back side, the rear 1a) backwards 1b) hereafter (of time) 1c) behind
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: after(-ward), back (part, -side, -ward), hereafter, (be-) hind(-er part), time to come, without. See also: Genesis 49:17; Psalms 129:5; Psalms 9:4.
וְ/נִשְׁבָּ֔רוּ
shâbar
H7665
"to break"
Conj | V-Niphal-3cp
This word means to break or shatter something, either physically or emotionally. It can also mean to burst or rupture, and is often used to describe intense violence or destruction. In the Bible, it's translated as break or crush.
Definition: 1) to break, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) break, break in or down, rend violently, wreck, crush, quench 1a2) to break, rupture (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be broken, be maimed, be crippled, be wrecked 1b2) to be broken, be crushed (fig) 1c) (Piel) to shatter, break 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to break out, bring to the birth 1e) (Hophal) to be broken, be shattered Aramaic equivalent: te.var (תְּבַר "to break" H8406)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: break (down, off, in pieces, up), broken (-hearted), bring to the birth, crush, destroy, hurt, quench, [idiom] quite, tear, view (by mistake for H7663 (שָׂבַר)). See also: Genesis 19:9; Isaiah 27:11; Psalms 3:8.
וְ/נוֹקְשׁ֖וּ
yâqôsh
H3369
"to snare"
Conj | V-Niphal-3cp
This verb means to trap or snare someone, either literally or figuratively, and is used to describe the actions of fowlers or the devices of the wicked.
Definition: 1) to lure, entice, snare, lay a snare or lure, set a trap 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lay snares (fig. of devices of wicked) 1a2) fowlers (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be ensnared, be caught by a bait 1c) (Pual) to be entrapped
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: fowler (lay a) snare. See also: Deuteronomy 7:25; Ecclesiastes 9:12; Psalms 124:7.
וְ/נִלְכָּֽדוּ
lâkad
H3920
"to capture"
Conj | V-Niphal-3cp
This verb means to capture or seize, often using a net or trap. In the Bible, it is used to describe taking control of something or someone, and is also used figuratively to describe being caught or stuck in a situation.
Definition: 1) to capture, take, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to capture, seize 1a2) to capture (of men) (fig.) 1a3) to take (by lot) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be caught (of men in trap, snare) (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) to grasp each other
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, catch (self), be frozen, be holden, stick together, take. See also: Numbers 21:32; 2 Kings 18:10; Psalms 9:16.
Study Notes — Isaiah 28:13
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- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 28:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
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- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 28:13
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- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 28:13
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- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 28:13
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 28:13
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 28:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 28:13
- Sermons on Isaiah 28:13
Context — The Captivity of Ephraim
11Indeed, with mocking lips and foreign tongues, He will speak to this people
12to 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.
13Then 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.
14Therefore hear the word of the LORD, O scoffers who rule this people in Jerusalem. 15For 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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 13:14 | In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. |
| 2 | Isaiah 6:9–10 | And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed. ” |
| 3 | 2 Peter 3:16 | He writes this way in all his letters, speaking in them about such matters. Some parts of his letters are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 23:36–38 | But refer no more to the burden of the LORD, for each man’s word becomes the burden, so that you pervert the words of the living God, the LORD of Hosts, our God. Thus you are to say to the prophet: ‘What has the LORD answered you?’ and ‘What has the LORD spoken?’ But if you claim, ‘This is the burden of the LORD,’ then this is what the LORD says: Because you have said, ‘This is the burden of the LORD,’ and I specifically told you not to make this claim, |
| 5 | Isaiah 8:14–15 | And He will be a sanctuary— but to both houses of Israel a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, to the dwellers of Jerusalem a trap and a snare. Many will stumble over these; they will fall and be broken; they will be ensnared and captured.” |
| 6 | Psalms 69:22 | May their table become a snare; may it be a retribution and a trap. |
| 7 | Matthew 21:44 | He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed. ” |
| 8 | 1 Peter 2:7–8 | To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word—and to this they were appointed. |
| 9 | Isaiah 28:10 | For they hear: “Order on order, order on order, line on line, line on line; a little here, a little there.” |
| 10 | Hosea 6:5 | Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of My mouth, and My judgments go forth like lightning. |
Isaiah 28:13 Summary
This verse is saying that when people refuse to listen to God's message, He will keep repeating it to them, line by line, until they understand, but if they still refuse, they will stumble and fall. It's like when a parent tries to teach a child something, but the child won't listen, and eventually, they get into trouble. This is a reminder to us to listen to God's word and obey it, just like it says in Psalm 119:105, where it says that God's word is a lamp to our feet, guiding us on the right path. By listening to and obeying God's word, we can avoid the consequences of disobedience and walk in the light of His guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the word of the Lord to become 'order on order, line on line'?
This phrase suggests that God's message will be repeated and emphasized, line by line, until it is clear and unmistakable, much like the way a parent teaches a child, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:7, where God commands parents to teach their children diligently.
Why will the people 'go stumbling backward and be injured, ensnared, and captured'?
This is a consequence of rejecting God's message and refusing to listen, as stated in verse 12, and is reminiscent of the warning in Proverbs 29:1, where it says that those who refuse correction will eventually be destroyed.
Is this verse talking about a specific event or time period?
While the verse does not specify a particular event, its context within Isaiah 28 suggests that it is addressing the spiritual complacency and rebellion of God's people, similar to the situation described in Isaiah 1:4, where the people have rebelled against God's holy law.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to and obeying God's word, as seen in Jeremiah 7:23, where God says 'Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people', and the consequences of rejecting it, which can be seen in the lives of those around us and in our own experiences.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have been given 'order on order, line on line' in my own life, and how have I responded to God's message?
- In what areas of my life am I at risk of 'stumbling backward' and being 'injured, ensnared, and captured' due to my own disobedience or complacency?
- How can I ensure that I am listening to and obeying God's word, rather than rejecting it and suffering the consequences?
- What role does humility and a willingness to learn play in avoiding the pitfalls described in this verse, as seen in Proverbs 22:4, where it says that humility comes before honor?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 28:13
But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept,.... Was despised and derided by them; they took the prophet's words out of his mouth, and in a scoffing manner repeated them; which, in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 28:13
In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people, -The prophet now turns to Judah, a gracious promise to the remnant
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 28:13
The sense of the words thus rendered may be this, They spake of God’ s word with scorn and contempt, repeating the prophet’ s words in a scoffing manner, and with a stammering and ridiculous tone, saying, Precept upon precept, &c.; as if they had said, It seems the prophet takes us to be mere children, that need to be taught our first rudiments, and that but slowly. That these were scornful men. and mockers is affirmed, ,22; and as scoffers frequently catch the words out of other men’ s mouths, and use them in way of derision, so it may be thought they did with the prophet’ s words. But the words may be, and by divers learned men are, rendered a little otherwise; And the word of the Lord shall be unto them precept upon precept, &c. As this method hath been used by them, and was altogether necessary for them; so it still is, and for the future shall be. As they were children in understanding, they shall still continue to be such; they shall be ever learning, and never come to the knowledge of the truth; as they formerly would not, so now they shall not, profit by the word; and their sin shall be their punishment. And this seems to suit with the following clause, which notes the dreadful design and effect of that judicial blindness, that they may or might go and fall backward, & c. That they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken: according to the former, which is our translation, this clause notes only the event or consequent of their sin; according to the latter, it notes the judgment of God designed and inflicted for it; that God’ s word being so horribly abused by them, might be an occasion at which they might stumble and fall, and that backward, which is the worst and most dangerous way of falling; and so be broken to pieces, or by which they might be snared and taken.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 28:13
Isaiah 28:13 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, [and] there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.Ver. 13. But the word of God was unto them precept upon precept, &c., ] i.e., A derision, therefore henceforth; hearing they shall hear and not understand: Sic Sanniones Deus punit. That they may go, and fall backward.] Ut vadant et cadant retrorsum, tanquam turpiter ab hoste superati et resuperati, laid flat on their backs, brought to remediless ruin. This came of their obstinace; though not intentionally, yet eventually.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 28:13
(13) That they might go, and fall backward . . .—The words are an echo of those in Isaiah 8:14-15. The preaching which might have led to “rest and refreshing” would become to those who scorned it a “stumbling stone” on which they would fall, a “net” in which they, who boasted of their freedom, would be entangled.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 28:13
13. But the word of the Lord was] Render: And (so) the word of Jehovah shall be—all that they had scoffingly said about Isaiah’s message (Isaiah 28:10), a monotonous, intolerable, yet unavoidable, succession of judgments (cf. Isaiah 28:19). that they might … backward] that they may go and stumble backwards (cf. ch. Isaiah 6:11-12). and be broken … taken] as in ch. Isaiah 8:15.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 28:13
But the word of the Lord was unto them - Or, rather, but the word of Yahweh “shall be” unto them. This refers to the mode in which God said He would instruct them in a foreign land.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 28:13
13. Word… unto them precept — God’s method of training this people is described, namely, by the most patient, ploddingly-repeated, lessons. That — Two things are meant by this word. 1.
Sermons on Isaiah 28:13
| Sermon | Description | |
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Four Deaths, and Life by Robert B. Thompson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of death and its benefits in the context of the word of God. They explain that there are four deaths that believers go through, ea |
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6. the Priority of the Word by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the Word of God in preaching, advocating for a systematic approach to teaching the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation. He |
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(In the Word) 02 - Spiritual Warfare and the Covenant by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of receiving revelation from the Word of God. He encourages the listeners to let go of old traditions and teachings that may c |
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The Holiness of God by James White | In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a personal anecdote about giving away most of his clothes. He then expresses his humility as a preacher and acknowledges that there ar |
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Holl-08 Israel's Death and Resurrection by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the unpredictable nature of the prophetic destiny that believers have. He highlights the importance of understanding and embracing this desti |
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The Last Farthing by George MacDonald | George MacDonald preaches about the profound and often misunderstood nature of parables, emphasizing that they are meant to stir the conscience and will, not just the intellect. He |
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The Voice of Isaiah (Continued) by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the Prophet Isaiah's voice in the New Testament, noting that his prophecies are often linked to Israel's rejection of God's messenge |