◄ Isaiah 28 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
The Captivity of Ephraim 1Woe to the majestic crown of Ephraim’sa drunkards, to the fading flower of his glorious splendor, set on the summit above the fertile valley, the pride of those overcome by wine. 2Behold, 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. 3The majestic crown of Ephraim’s drunkards will be trampled underfoot. 4The 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. 5On that day the LORD of Hosts will be a crown of glory, a diadem of splendor to the remnant of His people, 6a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and a strength to those who repel the onslaught at the gate. 7These 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. 8For all their tables are covered with vomit; there is not a place without filth. 9Whom is He trying to teach? To whom is He explaining His message? To infants just weaned from milk? To babies removed from the breast? 10For they hear:b “Order on order, order on order, line on line, line on line;c a little here, a little there.” 11Indeed, with mocking lips and foreign tongues, He will speak to this peopled 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. A Cornerstone in Zion (1 Corinthians 3:10–15; Ephesians 2:19–22; 1 Peter 2:1–8) 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 falsehoode our hiding place.” 16So 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.f 17I 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. 18Your 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. 19As 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. 20Indeed, the bed is too short to stretch out on, and the blanket too small to wrap around you. 21For 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. 22So 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. Listen and Hear 23Listen and hear my voice. Pay attention and hear what I say. 24Does the plowman plow for planting every day? Does he continuously loosen and harrow the soil? 25When 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. 26For his God instructs and teaches him properly. 27Surely 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. 28Grain 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. 29This also comes from the LORD of Hosts, who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom. Footnotes: 1 a That is, the northern kingdom of Israel; also in verse 3 10 b Or For He says or For it is; literally For 10 c Or Do this, do that, a rule for this, a rule for that; Hebrew sav lasav sav lasav kav lakav kav lakav (possibly meaningless sounds to demonstrate an inability to understand); also in verse 13 11 d Cited in 1 Corinthians 14:21 15 e Or false gods 16 f LXX will never be put to shame; cited in Romans 9:33, Romans 10:11, and 1 Peter 2:6 Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Isaiah 28 Summary A Cornerstone in Zion Verses 1–4 – Woe to the Proud Crown of Ephraim Isaiah cries out against the northern kingdom (Ephraim), picturing its capital Samaria as a fading wreath on a fertile hill. The people’s pride and drunkenness are about to be swept away by “a mighty, overwhelming flood” – the Assyrian army. Their beauty will be like a blossom snatched before it ripens. Verses 5–6 – The LORD’s Glorious Crown When judgment falls, the LORD Himself will be “a crown of glory” for the remnant who trust Him. He will give wisdom for judgment and strength for battle. Verses 7–8 – Drunken Leadership in Judah Even Judah’s priests and prophets stagger with wine, mangling their messages. Every table is covered with vomit; nothing is clean. Verses 9–13 – Mocking the Message Leaders sneer that Isaiah’s words are childish: “Line upon line, precept upon precept.” God answers that if they will not listen in plain Hebrew, they will hear foreign tongues (Assyrian). The same simple words that could have given rest will become a trap, causing them to fall. Verses 14–15 – Covenant with Death Exposed Jerusalem’s leaders boast that their treaty (probably with Egypt) is a “covenant with death,” sheltering them from disaster. Isaiah unmasks it as empty bragging. Verses 16–17 – The Precious Cornerstone in Zion God announces a sure foundation: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone… Whoever believes will not act hastily” (v. 16). Righteousness will measure, justice will plumb; lies will be swept away. Verses 18–22 – Overthrow of the False Refuge The covenant with death will be annulled. Hail and flood will wipe away every hiding place. Judgment will be “strange” and “alien,” yet certain; scoffers are urged to stop before the chains tighten. Verses 23–29 – Parable of the Farmer: Divine Wisdom Isaiah ends with a farming lesson: the plow, the harrow, the threshing sledge, and the cart wheel are each used at the right time and in the right way. Likewise, the LORD’s judgments are measured and wise: “This also comes from the LORD of Hosts, who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom” (v. 29). Isaiah 28 presents a strong prophetic message to the tribes of Ephraim and the leaders of Jerusalem. The chapter begins with a divine judgment against Ephraim, then progresses to address the spiritual drunkenness and complacency of Israel's leaders. God's message of wisdom and a promise of a cornerstone in Zion permeate the chapter, finally leading to an assurance of redemption and restoration. Historical Background: Ephraim’s Last Days • Samaria fell to Assyria in 722 BC, only a few years after Isaiah’s warning. Archaeological layers at Samaria show burn marks and collapsed walls matching Assyrian siege tactics recorded on Sargon II’s palace reliefs. • Wine jars and drinking bowls unearthed in the region echo Isaiah’s charge of drunkenness. Assyrian records mock Israelite kings as “hirelings” and “revelers,” underscoring the prophet’s words. Jerusalem at a Crossroads Judah’s rulers flirted with Egypt (cf. Isaiah 30:1-7; 31:1). Inking a treaty was their human hedge against Assyria, but Isaiah says it is a “refuge of lies.” Within a generation, Sennacherib’s army surrounded Jerusalem (701 BC). Only God’s intervention (Isaiah 37:36-38) saved the city, proving Isaiah right. Themes and Threads 1 Pride vs. Humility – Proud crowns fade; God’s crown endures (Proverbs 16:18; 1 Peter 5:5). 2 True Rest – “This is the place of rest” (v. 12). Jesus later echoes, “Come to Me…and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). 3 Cornerstone – Applied to Christ in Romans 9:33; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:6-7. Trust in Him ends panic. 4 Measured Judgment – God’s “line” and “plumb” (v. 17) recall Amos 7:7-8 and point to God’s precise justice. 5 Word Rejected, Word Confirmed – Refusal to hear simple truth leads to harsher lessons (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12). Archaeological Insights • Lachish Reliefs in the British Museum depict Assyrian siege ramps, like the “overwhelming flood” image. • Weights and measures marked with ancient Hebrew script show stone plumb lines, matching Isaiah’s metaphor. • Threshing sledges fitted with basalt teeth, found at Megiddo, illustrate vv. 27-28: gentle herbs crushed lightly, hard grain threshed firmly. Links to Other Scriptures • Foreign tongues as judgment: Deuteronomy 28:49; 1 Corinthians 14:21 cites Isaiah 28:11-12. • “Hail will sweep away the refuge of lies” (v. 17) ties to Revelation 16:21, the final storm of judgment. • The farmer parable parallels James 5:7 – “The farmer waits for the precious fruit.” God’s timing is patient and purposeful. • The annulment of the covenant echoes Daniel 9:27, where a false pact is broken mid-course. Messianic Foreshadowing The “tested stone” foretells Jesus: proven through temptation (Matthew 4), suffering (Hebrews 2:10), and resurrection (Acts 2:24). Belief in Him removes haste, panic, and shame (Romans 10:11). His teaching model of simple, repeated truth (“precept upon precept”) is seen in the Sermon on the Mount. Practical Lessons for Today • Religious titles cannot replace a clear mind and sober heart; leadership can fail when clouded by indulgence. • Human agreements, even political alliances, cannot shield from God’s purposes. • God’s Word may sound repetitive, yet it is life-giving; mocking it leads to bondage. • God’s discipline, like farming methods, is tailored. He knows when to plow, when to thresh, and when to stop. Language and Structure Notes • “Line upon line” (tsav la-tsav) sounds like baby talk in Hebrew; Isaiah mimics the leaders’ sneer. • “Covenant with death” is legal language, hinting at a formal treaty. • “Strange work…alien task” (v. 21) pairs verbs meaning foreign or unexpected, highlighting God’s reluctance yet resolve to judge. Closing Reflection Isaiah 28 shows a God who confronts pride, rescues a remnant, exposes false security, and plants an unshakable foundation in Zion. The chapter calls every generation to trade fragile crowns for the lasting crown found in the Cornerstone. Connections to Additional Scriptures 1 Peter 2:6-7 This passage references Isaiah 28:16, affirming Christ as the cornerstone and the foundation of our faith. Matthew 7:24-27 Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders echoes the theme of building on a solid foundation. Proverbs 3:5-6 Encourages trust in the Lord rather than relying on our own understanding, aligning with the call to humility in Isaiah 28. Teaching Points Pride and Complacency Isaiah 28:1-4 warns against the pride and complacency of Ephraim's leaders, symbolized by a fading flower. This serves as a reminder of the dangers of self-reliance and neglecting God's guidance. God's Judgment Verses 5-13 describe God's judgment as a necessary response to the people's disobedience. The imagery of a storm and flood illustrates the overwhelming nature of divine judgment. The Cornerstone of Hope In verses 16-17, God promises a cornerstone in Zion, a foundation of justice and righteousness. This cornerstone is a prophetic reference to Christ, the ultimate foundation of our faith. The Futility of Human Schemes Verses 18-22 highlight the futility of human plans that are not aligned with God's will. The covenant with death and the agreement with Sheol symbolize false security. God's Sovereignty and Wisdom The chapter concludes with a parable about farming (verses 23-29), illustrating God's wisdom and sovereignty in His dealings with humanity. Practical Applications Examine Your Foundations Reflect on what you are building your life upon. Is it the solid foundation of Christ, or the shifting sands of worldly values? Heed God's Warnings Be attentive to the warnings God provides through Scripture and the Holy Spirit. They are meant to guide us back to Him. Embrace Humility Avoid the pitfalls of pride and self-reliance. Acknowledge your need for God's guidance and strength. Trust in God's Plan Even when His ways are not immediately clear, trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty over your life. People 1. Ephraim This refers to the northern kingdom of Israel, often represented by the tribe of Ephraim. In Isaiah 28:1, Ephraim is described as being proud and drunk, symbolizing their spiritual and moral decay. The Hebrew root for Ephraim (אֶפְרָיִם) often signifies fruitfulness, which contrasts with their current state of judgment. 2. The Drunkards of Ephraim Specifically mentioned in Isaiah 28:1, these are the leaders and people of Ephraim who are indulging in excess and are spiritually blind. Their drunkenness is both literal and metaphorical, indicating a lack of spiritual discernment. 3. The Lord (Yahweh) Throughout Isaiah 28, the Lord is the one who pronounces judgment and offers instruction. He is depicted as both a judge and a teacher, emphasizing His sovereignty and righteousness. 4. The Priests and Prophets In Isaiah 28:7, these religious leaders are criticized for their drunkenness and failure to lead the people correctly. Their inability to provide true guidance is a significant theme, highlighting the corruption within the spiritual leadership. 5. The Scoffers Mentioned in Isaiah 28:14, these are the leaders in Jerusalem who mock and dismiss the warnings of the prophet. They are characterized by their arrogance and false sense of security. 6. The Cornerstone In Isaiah 28:16, the cornerstone is a prophetic reference to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, from a Christian perspective. This cornerstone is described as a sure foundation, emphasizing stability and trustworthiness. The Hebrew term for cornerstone (פִּנָּה) signifies the essential stone in a building's foundation. 7. The People of Jerusalem While not always directly mentioned, the inhabitants of Jerusalem are the audience of the prophecy, receiving both warnings and promises from God. Places 1. Ephraim Description Ephraim is often used to refer to the northern kingdom of Israel, named after one of the tribes descended from Joseph. In Isaiah 28:1, it is described as a place of pride and indulgence, symbolized by a "crown of pride" and "drunkards of Ephraim." The Hebrew root for Ephraim (אֶפְרַיִם, Ephrayim) can mean "fruitful," reflecting the tribe's historical significance and prosperity. 2. Samaria Description Although not explicitly named in Isaiah 28, Samaria is implied as the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, associated with Ephraim. The "glorious beauty" mentioned in Isaiah 28:1 is often interpreted as referring to Samaria, which was known for its strategic location and beauty. The Hebrew root for Samaria (שֹׁמְרוֹן, Shomron) means "watch mountain" or "watchtower," indicating its elevated position. 3. Jerusalem Description While not directly named in the early verses, Jerusalem is the implied location of the "covenant with death" mentioned in Isaiah 28:15. It is the capital of the southern kingdom of Judah and a central place of worship and political power. The Hebrew root for Jerusalem (יְרוּשָׁלַיִם, Yerushalayim) means "foundation of peace," highlighting its intended role as a city of peace and divine presence. Events 1. Woe to Ephraim's Drunkards The chapter begins with a pronouncement of woe upon the proud crown of the drunkards of Ephraim. The prophet Isaiah condemns the leaders of Ephraim for their pride and indulgence in wine, which has led to their downfall. The Hebrew word "הוֹי" (hoy) is used to express this woe, indicating a lament or warning. 2. The Lord's Judgment Isaiah describes the coming judgment from the Lord, likening it to a mighty and strong storm that will cast down the proud crown of Ephraim. This imagery emphasizes the power and inevitability of God's judgment. 3. A Remnant Will Be Saved Despite the judgment, a remnant will be preserved. Isaiah speaks of a future time when the Lord of Hosts will be a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty to the remnant of His people. This reflects the Hebrew concept of a faithful remnant that remains true to God. 4. The Priests and Prophets Stumble The priests and prophets, who should be leading the people, are described as staggering and reeling from wine. Their inability to lead is a result of their own spiritual and moral corruption, as they are "confused by wine" and "stagger from strong drink." 5. The Covenant with Death The leaders of Jerusalem have made a covenant with death, believing they can escape judgment. Isaiah rebukes this false sense of security, warning that their agreement will not stand. The Hebrew term "כָּרַת" (karat) is used for "covenant," indicating a binding agreement that they mistakenly believe will protect them. 6. The Cornerstone in Zion God promises to lay a precious cornerstone in Zion, a sure foundation for those who believe. This cornerstone is a symbol of stability and salvation, contrasting with the false security of the leaders' covenant with death. The Hebrew word "אֶבֶן" (even) is used for "stone," emphasizing its foundational role. 7. The Overwhelming Scourge Isaiah warns that the overwhelming scourge will pass through and bring destruction, and the leaders' refuge of lies will be swept away. This serves as a warning that their false security will not protect them from God's judgment. 8. God's Strange Work The Lord will perform His strange work and His alien task, which refers to the unexpected and unusual nature of His judgment. This highlights the seriousness of the situation and the need for repentance. 9. A Call to Listen and Understand The chapter concludes with a call for the people to listen and understand the message of the Lord. Isaiah uses agricultural metaphors to illustrate God's wisdom and the importance of heeding His word. The Hebrew root "שָׁמַע" (shama) is used for "listen," emphasizing the need for attentive hearing and obedience. Lessons from Isaiah 28 1. The Importance of a Firm Foundation Isaiah 28:16 reminds us, "Behold, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken." This verse emphasizes the necessity of building our lives on a solid foundation. Just as a house needs a strong base to withstand storms, our lives require the unshakeable foundation of faith in Christ. By anchoring ourselves in Him, we ensure stability and resilience in the face of life's challenges. 2. The Danger of Pride and Complacency The chapter opens with a warning against the pride of Ephraim, whose "glorious beauty is a fading flower" (Isaiah 28:1). Pride can lead to complacency, causing us to rely on our own strength rather than God's. This serves as a reminder to remain humble and dependent on the Lord, recognizing that all we have is a gift from Him. 3. The Consequences of Ignoring God's Word Isaiah 28:13 warns that those who ignore God's instructions will find themselves ensnared and captured. This highlights the importance of heeding God's Word and applying it to our lives. Scripture is not just a collection of ancient texts but a living guide that directs us toward righteousness and away from pitfalls. 4. The Value of Rest and Refreshment In Isaiah 28:12, God offers rest and refreshment, saying, "This is the place of rest, let the weary rest; this is the place of repose." Yet, the people would not listen. This teaches us the value of taking time to rest in God's presence, allowing Him to renew our strength and refresh our spirits. In a world that glorifies busyness, we must prioritize spiritual rest. 5. The Role of Discipline in Growth Isaiah 28:26-29 speaks of the farmer who knows when to plow, sow, and harvest, guided by God's wisdom. Discipline and timing are crucial in our spiritual growth. Just as a farmer follows a process to yield a harvest, we must embrace God's discipline and timing in our lives, trusting that He knows what is best for us. 6. The Futility of False Security The chapter warns against seeking security in falsehoods, stating, "Your covenant with death will be annulled" (Isaiah 28:18). This serves as a caution against placing our trust in anything other than God. True security comes from a relationship with Him, not from worldly assurances or deceptive promises. 7. The Necessity of Understanding and Knowledge Isaiah 28:9-10 emphasizes the need for understanding, as knowledge is built "precept upon precept, line upon line." This encourages us to continually seek wisdom and understanding through diligent study of Scripture. By doing so, we grow in our faith and become better equipped to navigate life's complexities. 8. The Call to Listen and Respond The chapter repeatedly calls the people to listen to God's voice. Isaiah 28:23 urges, "Listen and hear my voice; pay attention and hear what I say." This is a reminder that God is always speaking to us, and we must be attentive and responsive to His guidance. Active listening leads to a deeper relationship with Him. 9. The Assurance of God's Justice Isaiah 28:17 declares, "I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line." God's justice is unwavering and serves as a standard for our lives. We can take comfort in knowing that He is a just God who will ultimately set things right, even when the world seems unjust. 10. The Promise of Redemption Finally, Isaiah 28 points to the hope of redemption through the coming Messiah. The cornerstone laid in Zion is a foreshadowing of Christ, our Redeemer. This chapter reassures us of God's plan for salvation and the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus. It is a call to embrace this hope and share it with others. Topics 1. Woe to Ephraim Isaiah 28:1-4 addresses the pride and downfall of Ephraim, symbolized by a fading flower. The Hebrew word for "woe" (הוֹי, hoy) is an expression of lamentation and impending judgment. The passage highlights the consequences of pride and indulgence. 2. The Lord's Strength and Beauty In Isaiah 28:5-6, the Lord is described as a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty for the remnant of His people. The Hebrew word for "crown" (עֲטֶרֶת, ateret) signifies honor and authority, emphasizing God's role as the true source of strength and justice. 3. Judgment on the Drunkards Isaiah 28:7-8 condemns the priests and prophets who are led astray by wine, leading to poor judgment. The Hebrew term for "stagger" (שָׁגָה, shagah) indicates a loss of direction, both physically and spiritually, due to intoxication. 4. The Need for Instruction Verses 9-10 discuss the need for proper teaching, using the phrase "precept upon precept, line upon line." The repetition in Hebrew (צַו לָצָו, קַו לָקָו) suggests a methodical and foundational approach to learning God's word. 5. The Stammering Lips Isaiah 28:11-13 speaks of God communicating through foreign tongues as a form of judgment. The Hebrew word for "stammering" (לַעֲגֵי, la'agei) implies mockery, indicating that the people will hear God's message in a way that seems foreign and confusing. 6. The Covenant with Death In verses 14-15, the leaders of Jerusalem are accused of making a covenant with death, believing they can escape judgment. The Hebrew word for "covenant" (בְּרִית, berit) is significant, as it contrasts their false security with God's true covenant. 7. The Cornerstone in Zion Isaiah 28:16 introduces the prophecy of the cornerstone, a foundation laid by God. The Hebrew term for "cornerstone" (פִּנָּה, pinnah) symbolizes stability and reliability, pointing to the Messiah as the ultimate foundation of faith. 8. God's Justice and Righteousness Verses 17-19 describe God's justice as a measuring line and righteousness as a plumb line. The Hebrew words for "justice" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) and "righteousness" (צְדָקָה, tzedakah) emphasize the divine standards by which all will be judged. 9. The Parable of the Farmer Isaiah 28:23-29 uses agricultural imagery to illustrate God's wisdom and purpose in His actions. The Hebrew word for "instruction" (מוּסָר, musar) in verse 26 highlights the importance of divine guidance in understanding God's ways. Themes 1. Judgment on Ephraim Isaiah 28 begins with a pronouncement of woe upon the "proud crown of the drunkards of Ephraim" (Isaiah 28:1). This theme highlights God's impending judgment on the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) due to their pride and indulgence. The Hebrew word for "woe" (הוֹי, hoy) is often used to signal impending doom or lamentation. 2. The Fading Glory of Human Pride The imagery of a "fading flower" (Isaiah 28:1) symbolizes the transient nature of human pride and glory. This theme underscores the futility of relying on earthly status and achievements, which are temporary and will be brought low by God's judgment. 3. God as a Source of Strength and Beauty In contrast to the fading glory of Ephraim, God is described as a "crown of glory" and a "diadem of beauty" for the remnant of His people (Isaiah 28:5). This theme emphasizes that true honor and strength come from God, not from human accomplishments. 4. The Role of Leaders and Prophets Isaiah criticizes the leaders and prophets of Israel, who are described as being "confused by wine" and "staggering from strong drink" (Isaiah 28:7). This theme highlights the failure of spiritual and political leaders to guide the people rightly, leading to moral and spiritual decay. 5. The Need for Spiritual Maturity The passage speaks of teaching "precept upon precept, line upon line" (Isaiah 28:10), which can be seen as a call for spiritual maturity and understanding. The Hebrew words "tsav latsav, kav lakav" suggest a methodical and disciplined approach to learning God's ways. 6. The Cornerstone of Zion A significant theme is the prophecy of the "precious cornerstone" laid in Zion (Isaiah 28:16). This cornerstone is a foundation of faith and trust, ultimately pointing to Christ in Christian theology. The Hebrew word for cornerstone (פִּנָּה, pinnah) signifies strength and stability. 7. The Covenant with Death The leaders of Jerusalem are accused of making a "covenant with death" (Isaiah 28:15), symbolizing their reliance on false security and alliances rather than trusting in God. This theme warns against placing trust in anything other than God's promises. 8. God's Strange Work The chapter refers to God's "strange work" and "alien task" (Isaiah 28:21), indicating that His judgment may seem unusual or unexpected. This theme reflects the idea that God's ways and purposes are beyond human understanding, yet they are ultimately just and righteous. 9. The Parable of the Farmer The chapter concludes with a parable about a farmer who knows the right time to plow, sow, and harvest (Isaiah 28:23-29). This theme illustrates God's wisdom and timing in His dealings with humanity, suggesting that His judgments and actions are purposeful and measured. Prayer Points Pray for Humility Ask God to reveal areas of pride in your life and to cultivate a spirit of humility and dependence on Him. Seek God's Guidance Pray for discernment to recognize and heed God's warnings in your life. Foundation in Christ Thank God for the cornerstone of Christ and pray for strength to build your life upon Him. Trust in God's Sovereignty Pray for faith to trust in God's wisdom and plan, even when it is not immediately clear. May this study of Isaiah 28 inspire you to build your life on the unshakeable foundation of Christ and to trust in God's perfect wisdom and plan. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Isaiah 28:1–4, how can we verify historically that the drunkenness and downfall of Ephraim occurred exactly as described? 2. In Isaiah 28:7–8, does the portrayal of priests and prophets being overcome by alcohol conflict with other passages that commend upright spiritual leaders? 3. In Isaiah 28:9–10, is the idea of teaching “line upon line, precept upon precept” contradicted by other biblical texts that emphasize understanding and wisdom over rote instruction? 4. How does Isaiah 28:16's "precious cornerstone" align with historical or scientific evidence of its existence or symbolic meaning? 5. In Isaiah 28:21–22, does the notion of God performing a “strange work” and bringing swift judgment raise questions about the consistency of divine justice elsewhere in the Bible? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What are the consequences of pride and arrogance as depicted in the fall of Ephraim? How can you apply this lesson to your life? 2. What does the fading flower symbolize in Isaiah 28:1-4? 3. How does God contrast the drunk leaders of Jerusalem with His divine wisdom? 4. In the context of your life, how would you interpret the promise of God becoming a "crown of glory" and "garland of joy" to the remnant of His people? 5. How can we identify spiritual drunkenness in today's society, and what are the ways to overcome it? 6. Why do you think the leaders of Jerusalem scoffed at the prophetic messages? How do you respond when God’s messages are challenging? 7. What does the Cornerstone represent, and how is this prophecy fulfilled in the New Testament? 8. How can the warning to Jerusalem's leaders in verses 14-22 be related to contemporary society's dealings with truth and justice? 9. In what ways do you see people today making "covenants with death," i.e., aligning with destructive behaviors or systems, believing they are immune to their consequences? 10. How does the parable of the farmer demonstrate God's wisdom? 11. In what ways can we apply the lessons from the farmer's parable in our daily decision-making processes? 12. How can we ensure that we are building our lives on the Cornerstone instead of relying on our deceptive securities? 13. In what ways can the impending divine judgment be a call to personal transformation? 14. How does the repeated theme of redemption amidst judgment in Isaiah's prophecy offer hope to us today? 15. What actions can you take to avoid the spiritual complacency warned against in this chapter? 16. How does the message of Isaiah 28 encourage you to develop a deeper relationship with God? 17. How can the imagery and prophecies in Isaiah 28 inspire your prayers and conversations with God? 18. How can the teachings in Isaiah 28 help us to better understand the character of God? 19. What steps can you take in your life to embrace the wisdom offered by God, as opposed to the wisdom of the world? 20. How can we be more discerning of God's prophecies and teachings in a world that often distorts these messages? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions