Isaiah 28:1

CHAPTER XXVIII

This chapter begins with a denunciation of the approaching ruin

of the Israelites by Shalmaneser, whose power is compared to a

tempest or flood, and his keenness to the avidity with which

one plucks and swallows the grape that is soonest ripe, 1-4.

It then turns to the two tribes of Judah and Benjamin, who were

to continue a kingdom after the final captivity of their

brethren; and gives first a favourable prognostication of their

affairs under Hezekiah, 5, 6;

but soon changes to reproofs and threatenings for their

intemperance and their profaneness, 7, 8.

They are introduced as not only scornfully rejecting, but also

mocking and ridiculing, the instructions of the prophet, 9, 10.

To this God immediately retorts in terms alluding to their own

mocking, but differently applied, 11-13.

The prophet then addresses these scoffers, 14;

who considered themselves as perfectly secure from every evil,

15;

and assures them that there was no method under heaven but one,

by which they could be saved, 16;

that every other vain resource should fail in the day of

visitation, 17, 18.

He then farther adds, that the judgments of God were

particularly levelled against them; and that all the means to

which they trusted for warding them off should be to no

purpose, 19, 20;

as the Almighty, who, on account of his patience and

long-suffering, is amiably described as unacquainted with

punishing, had nevertheless determined to punish them, 21, 22.

The prophet then concludes with a beautiful parable in

explanation and defence of God's dealing with his people,

23-29.

NOTES ON CHAP. XXVIII

Verse Isaiah 28:1. Wo to the crown of pride] By the crown of pride, c., Samaria is primarily understood. "Sebaste, the ancient Samaria, is situated on a long mount of an oval figure, having first a fruitful valley, and then a ring of hills running round about it" Maundrell, p. 58. "E regione horum ruderum mons est peramoenus, planitie admodum frugifera circumseptus, super quem olim Samaria urbs condita fuit;" Fureri Itinerarium, p. 93. The city, beautifully situated on the top of a round hill, and surrounded immediately with a rich valley and a circle of other hills beyond it, suggested the idea of a chaplet or wreath of flowers worn upon their heads on occasions of festivity, expressed by the proud crown and the fading flower of the drunkards. That this custom of wearing chaplets in their banquets prevailed among the Jews, as well as among the Greeks and Romans, appears from the following passage of the book of Wisdom: -

"Let us fill ourselves with costly wine and ointments,

And let no flower of the spring pass by us:

Let us crown ourselves with rose-buds before they are

withered."

Wisd. 2:7, 8.