Isaiah 28 Devotional
by Pastor Mark Hudson

In Is 28-33, Isaiah reminds his listeners the folly of trusting in other nations rather than God.  Remember in 722, Assyria removes Israel and then in 701, Sennacherib attacks Jerusalem. In those years in between, Israel seeks help from Egypt (Is 30:3-5).  Isaiah really has one sermon: trust God not the nations.  Isaiah has to keep saying it because Israel and now Judah refuse to listen.

Oswalt looks at this section and sees three sections.  Chapters 28-29 show foolish leaders, a multitude of enemies, the false counsel that something must be done at once, humanly speaking for there is no hope in God.  Chapters 30-31 depicts the proposed solution: dependence on Egypt.  32-33 the revelation of the true King and his presence in their midst (p. 505). 

In verses 1-13 Isaiah predicts the northern tribes’ doom by addressing Ephraim. Is 28:14-29:14 is the next section; the folly of Jerusalem.  Pride is prominent with the northern tribe but even more so is drunkenness. Yet, the promise is that “the Lord of Hosts will be a crown of glory” v. 3 instead of the “crown of the drunkards of Ephraim” in v. 1.

                In vs. 7-8, we witness false priests and prophets who swallow so much wine, they are swallowed by wine.  Their tables are full of vomit they drink so much.  They can barely walk let alone fulfill their responsibilities.

                The mocking of the leaders against Isaiah’s message is found in vs. 9-10.  He is so simple he is only able to teach children seems to be the sense of their mocking.  Verse 10 in the original sounds like saw, saw, saw, and qaw, qaw, qaw.  Then since they refuse to listen to God, they will be taught by people of strange lips.  This word provides rest, but they will still go into exile.

                Then v. 14, Isaiah turns toward Jerusalem but the words quoted sound like members of a satanic cult speaking, “We have made a covenant with death . . . we have made lies our refuge and in falsehood we have taken shelter” v. 15.   God responds with this familiar verse quoted in I Peter 2:6.  They have made a covenant with death, He has laid a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone . . . a sure foundation v. 28:16. They make a poor covenant with death; God lays a foundation, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation. 

                In v. 17, God will sweep away their lies and their covenant of death in v. 18 will not stand.  In v. 19, this phrase, “as often as it passes through” may refer to the Assyrians repeated invasions.  They did not just invade and pillage once.  They returned to repeat their violence against the same cities.  God’s work of judgment is strange and alien for such a God who is so full of love and grace.  Scoffers they were but Isaiah told them not to scoff because God has decreed destruction v. 22.

                In v. 23-29, Isaiah reminds them of the wisdom that God provides to peasants or farmers.  The farmers, for instance in Michigan, do not plant corn in January or attempt to harvest corn in June.  God has given farmers knowledge which produces a crop.  They know how to plant and how to harvest.

There is no interpretation, so we are left to determine why this is here.  While I can’t prove this, my sense is Isaiah’s point is if God can direct farmers to plant and harvest crops, so people have food and since He shows His knowledge over the natural world, don’t you think He knows what He is saying about Assyria, Egypt, and your future.  You should trust the One who knows everything.  He is leading you to do what is right and should be trusted.  So, Isaiah asks, who you are trusting? 

                For us, do you trust Him for your children’s future?  Do you trust Him if you spouse has passed?  Do you trust Him or are your trusting your homeschooling, your devotions, or your church attendance?  Ask yourself probing questions: where I am going to for comfort?  Do I trust God for my own future?  Do I trust Him when my child is sick, I am unemployed or under employed?   Do I trust Him when I have enough money or am I trusting in money with the gospel covering those funds like a thin layer of frosting? 

                “Fear not” is repeated often in the Bible.  Admit you fear things and tell God you need Him now more than ever.  Grieve and mourn your losses.  Take your time but grieve as a Christian.  Are you still single when you want to be married?  Do you trust God even in that area of your life?  Are you worried about a child?  Are you concerned your spouse is not a believer?  Trust God right there.  Right where it hurts the most.

                In those doubts, fears, and cries of anguish do you believe the gospel there?  Keep preaching the gospel to your-self.  Exhort yourself to trust God in those areas you struggle with.  Don’t give up.  Believe the gospel where you doubt, where you are afraid, and where you experience anxiety. 

                Father, I can see the problem with Israel and with Judah with perfect clarity.  Yet, my own sin and unbelief is easy for others to see but for me, that sin is not that big, not significant, and understandable, almost justifiable.  But You see all with perfect justice and mercy.  Help me to live out this verse, “But this is the one to whom I will look:

                He who is humble

                And contrite in spirit and

                Trembles at my word.  Is 66:2

                May Your Spirit make me into that kind of a person, whether anyone takes notice at all.  In the name of the One who sees and rewards His trophies of grace. Amen