COMMENTARY ON ISAIAH 28-35. In this section, Isaiah renews his message of judgment on Israel and Judah. It is split by six ‘woes' in Isaiah 28:1; Isaiah 29:1; Isaiah 29:15; Isaiah 30:1; Isaiah 31:1 and Isaiah 33:1. Compare the six woes of Isaiah 5:8. This appears to be an Isaianic pattern. The six m... [ Continue Reading ]
THE FIRST WOE. THE COMING JUDGMENT ON EPHRAIM BECAUSE OF ITS PARLOUS CONDITION (ISAIAH 28:1). Here Israel is depicted as a drunken festival king, proudly wearing a garland of faded flowers, while sadly unaware of its true condition, who is soon to be dragged down to earth by the Lord's ‘strong one'... [ Continue Reading ]
FLASH FORWARD - THE COMING DAY OF DELIVERANCE (ISAIAH 28:5). In the future Yahweh will have a proper crown available for those who serve Him. Analysis. a In that day will Yahweh of hosts be for a crown of glory (Isaiah 28:5 a). b And for a diadem of beauty, to the residue of His people (Isaiah 2... [ Continue Reading ]
BACK TO THE PRESENT. THE CONDITION OF JUDAH (ISAIAH 28:7). Many view this movement back to the present as commencing a reference to Judah (see Isaiah 28:14), as against Israel in Isaiah 28:1, which would explain the reason for the intervention, which was to turn attention to the coming David and th... [ Continue Reading ]
HIS OPPONENT MOCK ISAIAH'S TEACHING (ISAIAH 28:9). Isaiah's opponents mock him because all that he does is proclaim a repetitive message. In their view that is to treat them like children. But his reply is that God will indeed speak to them through what they see as babbling, because He will bring a... [ Continue Reading ]
ISAIAH STERNLY WARNS ABOUT THE THREATENING FUTURE IF THEY WILL NOT LOOK TO GOD'S SURE FOUNDATION (ISAIAH 28:14). The leaders of Judah reply that they are not afraid of his threats because they have got it all worked out. They have an agreement with Egypt to come to their assistance, while meanwhile... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PARABLE OF THE FARMER AND HIS CROPS (ISAIAH 28:23). The point behind this parable is that the wise farmer thinks carefully about what he is doing and does not get bogged down in one activity. He looks at things as a whole, and does each thing in its proper course, ready to change as the occasio... [ Continue Reading ]