Isaiah 28: Judgement on Ephraim and Jerusalem

Introduction: Isaiah 28 is a chapter filled with judgment and hope. It begins with a pronouncement of woe upon the leaders of Ephraim and Jerusalem, who have become drunkards and have made a covenant with death. However, the chapter also contains a promise of a cornerstone, a sure foundation that God will lay in Zion. This cornerstone is a metaphor for the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, who will bring salvation to those who trust in Him. The chapter calls for repentance and warns against relying on human wisdom and strength. It is a call to trust in God’s plan and His promises.

I. Woe to Ephraim and Jerusalem (Isaiah 28:1-4)
Isaiah 28 begins with a pronouncement of woe upon the leaders of Ephraim and Jerusalem. These leaders are described as drunkards, who have become proud and arrogant. The chapter describes the coming judgment upon them, which will be swift and sudden. This judgment is compared to a hailstorm that will sweep away their refuge of lies (Isaiah 28:2). This section is echoed in Hosea 5:9, which also speaks of the judgment coming upon Ephraim. Similarly, Amos 6:1 warns against those who are at ease in Zion, which parallels the warning in Isaiah 28:1 against the complacent leaders of Jerusalem.

II. The Cornerstone (Isaiah 28:5-6)
In contrast to the judgment pronounced upon the leaders, this section speaks of a coming cornerstone that God will lay in Zion. This cornerstone is described as precious and a sure foundation (Isaiah 28:16). This is a reference to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is described as the cornerstone in Ephesians 2:20 and 1 Peter 2:6. This cornerstone will bring salvation and righteousness to those who trust in Him. This section is a call to repentance and trust in God’s plan.

III. A Covenant with Death (Isaiah 28:14-18)
The leaders of Jerusalem are described as having made a covenant with death, thinking that they will be able to escape the coming judgment (Isaiah 28:15). However, God declares that this covenant will be annulled, and the judgment will come upon them (Isaiah 28:18). This section is echoed in Hebrews 2:14-15, which speaks of Jesus defeating death and freeing those who were held in slavery by the fear of death. This section is a warning against relying on human wisdom and strength to escape judgment.

IV. The Plumb Line (Isaiah 28:23-29)
The chapter concludes with a parable of a farmer who uses a plumb line to measure and plant his crops (Isaiah 28:23-29). This is a metaphor for God’s careful and precise judgment. Just as a farmer knows how to plant and harvest his crops, God knows how to judge His people. This section is echoed in Amos 7:7-8, which also uses the metaphor of a plumb line to describe God’s judgment. This section is a call to trust in God’s wisdom and timing.

Conclusion: Isaiah 28 is a chapter that contains both judgment and hope. It warns against the dangers of pride and arrogance and calls for repentance and trust in God’s plan. The chapter also contains a promise of a coming cornerstone, Jesus Christ, who will bring salvation to those who trust in Him. The chapter is a reminder that human wisdom and strength are not enough to escape judgment, but that God’s plan and promises are sure. It is a call to trust in God’s wisdom and timing and to rely on His strength.