July 22

Isaiah 28-30 (biblegateway.com)

Trusting the Wrong Things

Following Hosea’s passionate pleas to Israel (yesterday’s reading), the prophetic spotlight now shifts south to Judah through the voice of Isaiah. The Northern Kingdom faced judgment for its unfaithfulness, but Judah was not immune to the same spiritual decline. Isaiah 28–30 picks up the narrative in a time of political instability and growing arrogance, where leaders in Jerusalem, like those in Samaria, placed their trust in foreign alliances rather than in the Lord. These chapters continue the theme of divine warning, exposing empty religion, prideful leadership, and the danger of ignoring God’s voice. Yet amid the rebuke, Isaiah also echoes Hosea’s message of grace, offering hope to those who will return and rest in God.

Isaiah 28 – Woe to the Proud and a Call to Trust the Cornerstone

Isaiah continued his theme of judgment with a series of “woes” against various groups opposing his words. Here he was attacking primarily the rulers of the Northern and Southern Kingdoms for failing to heed God’s Word and looking to other means for protection. They were trusting in their wealth (chap. 28) and foreign alliances (chaps. 30-31). But neither of these, Isaiah said, could help them. Only the coming Deliverer could save them from the enemies around them (chaps. 32-33). The strong pronouncements in this chapter are directed against the Northern Kingdom (v. 1-13) and the Southern Kingdom (v. 14-29).

Isaiah 28 opens with a pronounced “woe” against Ephraim, representing the northern kingdom of Israel. The leaders of Ephraim are marked by pride and drunkenness, symbolizing their moral decay and lack of spiritual discernment (v. 1, 7-8). Samaria, Ephraim’s capital, was a lavish and fertile city, built by Omri and set on a hill overlooking a fruitful valley (v. 4, 1 Kings 16:24). Its beauty earned it the poetic title of a “wreath” or “glorious crown” (v. 1), but Isaiah warns that it is a fading flower, about to be trampled underfoot. God is preparing to send a “mighty and strong one,” likely Assyria, who will sweep through the land like a storm, bringing swift and devastating judgment (v. 2). Just as ripe figs are easily plucked and devoured, so too will Samaria fall in its pride and spiritual corruption (v. 4).

Isaiah paints a disturbing image of the people and their leaders—priests and prophets—so drunk they stagger at their posts, participating in a banquet where the tables are covered in vomit (v. 7-8). Even those who were supposed to have spiritual vision and judicial clarity were intoxicated, rendering corrupt decisions and spreading deception. With such leadership, it is no surprise the nation was ripe for judgment!

But Isaiah shifts focus in verses 5–6 to a hopeful word for the future. In that day, the Lord Himself will be a crown of glory to the remnant of His people, offering strength and justice. Even though judgment looms, a faithful remnant to whom God promises restoration remains.

Verses 9–10 likely reflect the sarcastic voices of the priests and prophets mentioned earlier in verses 7–8. Offended by Isaiah’s message, they scoffed at being treated like children who needed instruction. Viewing themselves as capable and mature, they mocked Isaiah as if he were speaking baby talk to them. The repeated phrases—“do and do, do and do, rule on rule, rule on rule”—are rhythmic Hebrew sounds (tsav latsav, tsav latsav, qav laqav, qav laqav) that mimic the repetition used when teaching small children. By ridiculing Isaiah’s message as simplistic and condescending, they were rejecting both his words and his prophetic authority. “A little here, a little there” suggests a dismissive attitude toward gradual, step-by-step instruction, further revealing their unwillingness to take God’s word seriously or submit to correction. In response, God declares that He will speak to them through “foreign lips and strange tongues” (v. 11), likely referring to the invading Assyrians, a judgment for their refusal to listen. Paul later references this in 1 Corinthians 14:21, connecting it to the role of tongues as a sign of judgment for unbelief.

The warning of destruction by foreign invaders, originally directed at Israel, also applied to Judah. The people of Judah were not innocent in God’s eyes. Like the leaders of the Northern Kingdom, Jerusalem’s leaders were charged with guiding the nation in righteousness but failed. Instead of humbly accepting responsibility, they scoffed and took pride in several misguided boasts.

Verse 14 shifts to address the leaders in Jerusalem who have made a “covenant with death” (v. 15), trusting in political alliances (probably with Egypt) to protect them from the Assyrians. They said since they had made a covenant with death, the scourge could not touch them, and a lie and a falsehood were their hiding place (v. 14-15). But God declares that this covenant will not stand. Instead of trusting in worldly strength, God calls them to trust in the foundation He Himself has laid: a tested, precious cornerstone in Zion (v. 16).

This verse is crucial in biblical theology and is quoted in Romans 9:33, 1 Peter 2:6, and Ephesians 2:20, where the cornerstone is clearly identified as Christ. That sure foundation, embodied in Jesus Christ, is the good news that God saves as no one else can. Trust in Him brings security, but rejecting Him brings judgment.

In verses 17–22, the Lord responded to each of these boasts. God speaks of a coming storm of judgment and urges the leaders to stop mocking His message, warning that their deal with death will be annulled, their lie would be swept away (v. 17), and they would be defeated by the scourge (v. 18) that would continue day after day (v. 19). The coming destruction is described vividly with imagery like hail and overwhelming floodwaters. Yet the tone is not one of finality—there’s still a plea for repentance and trust in God’s foundation.

The chapter closes (v. 23–29) with a word of comfort in the form of a parable about a farmer. This judgment would be temporary, intended not to destroy but to purify the people. Just as a farmer must thresh and crush his crops to yield their best, God’s discipline is purposeful. The farmer uses different tools for different grains and stages of harvesting, reflecting precision and care. Similarly, God’s methods of judgment and instruction are wise, intentional, and tailored. This concluding illustration highlights that even in discipline, God’s actions are guided by justice and divine wisdom, not aimlessness or cruelty.

Isaiah 28 presents a sobering yet hopeful picture of God’s justice and mercy. He is a righteous Judge who cannot ignore sin. Yet, He graciously offers a secure foundation for those who trust in Him. The chapter exposes how religious pride and superficial worship can blind people to truth and invite judgment. God’s judgment, though severe, is never reckless—it is measured and purposeful, like a farmer skillfully threshing his crop. Ultimately, Christ is revealed as the true cornerstone (Romans 9:33; 1 Peter 2:6), and the only unshakable foundation for life.

Isaiah 28 challenges us to examine where we have placed our confidence: Are we relying on human wisdom, cultural norms, or shallow religion? Or are we building on Christ with humble, obedient hearts? God’s Word may seem repetitive or simple to the proud, but it becomes the path to wisdom, stability, and life to those who listen in faith.

Isaiah 29 – Blindness, Judgment, and the Promise of Redemption

In this second of five “woes” in chapters 28-33, Isaiah continues with the theme of the last part of the first woe (28:14-29). Judgment was coming on Jerusalem and on Judah, and its purpose was to get the nation to return to God. Unlike the judgment that would sweep away the Northern Kingdom, this judgment on Jerusalem, though very severe, would be averted by the Lord. Jerusalem would not fall into the hands of the Assyrians.

Isaiah 29 opens with a lament over Ariel, another name for Jerusalem, meaning “altar hearth” or “lion of God” (v. 1). Despite being the center of worship and religious tradition, Jerusalem is spiritually dead. God promises to bring distress upon the city (v. 2-4), reducing it to a whispering voice from the dust, symbolizing humiliation and defeat. Though the people go through the motions of their religious festivals “year by year” (v. 1), their worship is empty, and judgment is imminent.

Verses 5–8 describe the suddenness of God’s intervention. The nations who come against Jerusalem will vanish like a dream (v. 7), highlighting God’s sovereignty. Though Jerusalem is under judgment, the Lord will ultimately defend His city and frustrate the plans of its enemies. This dual theme of discipline and deliverance reflects God’s fatherly role: He disciplines, yet He always preserves a remnant.

In verses 9–12, the focus turns to spiritual blindness. In this section, a contrast is drawn between the people’s present spiritual insensitivity and their future spiritual understanding. The people and their prophets are spiritually asleep (v. 10), unable to perceive God’s word. Even the educated can’t understand it, and the uneducated won’t even try (v. 11–12). This echoes Romans 11:8, where Paul applies these verses to Israel’s hardened heart in rejecting the Messiah. Isaiah critiques a religious culture that honors God with their lips but keeps their hearts far from Him (v. 13). This verse is quoted by Jesus in Matthew 15:8-9 and Mark 7:6-7, condemning the hypocrisy of outward religion that lacks inward devotion.

God responds in verse 14 with a powerful promise: He will do “a marvelous work” that overturns human wisdom. This sets the stage for the radical nature of the gospel. Paul quotes this in 1 Corinthians 1:19, contrasting worldly wisdom with the wisdom of the cross. Isaiah criticizes those who think they can hide their plans from God (v. 15–16), flipping morality upside-down and behaving as if the Creator can’t see His creation.

In verses 17–24, the chapter turns toward hope. A day is coming when Lebanon (a symbol of power and pride) will become fruitful, and the deaf will hear, the blind will see (v. 17-18). This anticipates the ministry of Jesus, who healed the physically and spiritually blind (see Luke 7:22). The humble and poor will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel (v. 19), while the ruthless and mockers will be cut off (v. 20–21). God promises to redeem and restore Jacob (v. 22–24), assuring that shame and confusion will be replaced with understanding and reverence. This section reflects the ultimate redemption found in the new covenant, where hearts are transformed by grace.

Isaiah 29 presents a powerful challenge to examine the authenticity of our worship and relationship with God. The Lord confronts false religion and outward ritualism, declaring that honoring Him with words while the heart remains distant is unacceptable. He desires deep, heart-level devotion, not superficial displays of piety. The chapter also reminds us that human wisdom cannot replace divine truth. God’s plan often confounds the proud and self-assured but uplifts the humble, revealing that true understanding comes only through submission to His will. Spiritual blindness is both a condition and a form of judgment that only God can reverse.

Yet, despite this sobering reality, Isaiah also offers hope. God promises future restoration, especially for those who humbly recognize their need for Him. As believers, we are called to live with humility and dependence on God’s wisdom rather than our own. The gospel continues to open eyes and transform lives, and we are invited to be part of that ongoing work—walking in reverence, faith, and obedience to the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 30 – Trust in God, Not in Egypt

Isaiah 30 confronts Judah’s rebellious spirit, particularly their misguided attempt to seek protection from Egypt rather than trusting in the Lord. The chapter opens with a divine rebuke: “Woe to the rebellious children” (v. 1), who make plans that are not God’s and form alliances that are not guided by His Spirit. In verses 2–5, Judah sends envoys to Egypt, hoping Pharaoh will offer military aid against Assyria. But God declares this trust misplaced. Egypt’s help will be utterly useless. Instead of strength, Judah will find shame and disgrace (v. 3-5), because relying on human power over divine wisdom always leads to spiritual ruin.

The prophet is instructed to write this rebellion down as a witness against the people (v. 6–8). The journey through the wilderness to seek Egypt’s help is described as dangerous and futile (v. 6), filled with hardship and symbolic of their spiritual direction—trusting in “worthless and empty” promises (v. 7). Egypt is mockingly nicknamed “Rahab Who Sits Still,” highlighting her boastful name with no real action or strength.

In verses 9–11, Isaiah reveals the deeper problem: the people don’t want to hear the truth. They reject the prophetic word and demand messages that are smooth, pleasant, and affirming, even if false. This reflects the human tendency to avoid conviction and seek comfort, a theme echoed in 2 Timothy 4:3, where Paul warns of people gathering teachers to suit their own desires.

Because of their refusal to listen, God warns them that their rebellion will result in sudden disaster (v. 12-14). Their sin is compared to a high wall that suddenly collapses without warning, breaking into shards too small to use. Yet even amid judgment, God’s grace is offered: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be your strength” (v. 15). Tragically, they would not accept this offer. Instead, they trusted in horses and military escape (v. 16-17), only to find themselves pursued and overwhelmed.

Yet God’s mercy is not absent. In verses 18-22, He waits to be gracious. Though He must bring justice, He longs to show compassion (v. 18). A day will come when the people will dwell in Jerusalem in peace, and their eyes will see their Teacher (v. 20-21). God will guide them personally, saying, “This is the way, walk in it” (v. 21). In repentance, the people will destroy their idols (v. 22), signaling a return to covenant faithfulness.

The chapter ends with hopeful images of restoration (v. 23–26). God will bless the land with rain, fruitful crops, and healing. Even the moon and sun will shine with extraordinary brightness, symbolizing the renewal of God’s favor. This restoration follows judgment and reflects God’s consistent pattern: discipline, then redemption. In verses 27–33, Isaiah describes God’s coming judgment on Assyria. His anger is fierce and majestic, and His voice will shatter the enemy (v. 30–31). The reference to Topheth in verse 33—a site of fiery judgment—reveals the fate awaiting Assyria and all those who oppose God. The wrath of God, while terrifying, is always just.

Isaiah 30 delivers a powerful message about trust and obedience. God desires His people to place their confidence in Him rather than in earthly powers such as money, influence, or political alliances. Ignoring God’s Word leads to destruction, but repentance opens the door to restoration. Throughout the chapter, God reveals Himself as both just and gracious—He disciplines His people for their good, yet He longs to extend mercy and forgiveness. He speaks directly and guides His people personally, showing that He is not distant or indifferent. True peace and prosperity come from obedience to God, not from relying on political or worldly solutions.

This chapter challenges modern believers to reflect on where we place our security, especially in times of fear or uncertainty. It calls us to reject comforting but empty affirmations and instead embrace the convicting truth that leads to restoration. God patiently waits to be gracious, inviting us to repent, listen for His voice, and walk faithfully in His ways. Our true strength lies not in striving but in resting in His faithfulness.

Conclusion

Isaiah 28–30 challenges us to consider where we place our trust when life becomes uncertain. Do we rely on our own plans, resources, or alliances? Or do we return to the One who offers true rest? Judah’s leaders chose political maneuvering over spiritual repentance, but God still invited them back: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength” (Isaiah 30:15). These chapters remind us that God doesn’t just call us away from false security—He calls us toward Himself, offering a peace that cannot be shaken. The cornerstone is still in place, and the invitation still stands: trust in Him alone.