Purpose

To call Judah to repentance and reveal God's plan of salvation through the coming Messiah.

Author

Isaiah, son of Amoz, was a prophet to the southern kingdom of Judah for over 60 years. He was highly educated, had access to the royal court, and is considered the greatest of the Old Testament prophets.

Historical Context

Written: 740-680 BC. Prophecies during the reigns of four kings of Judah, including the Assyrian crisis.

Significance

Contains more prophecies about Jesus than any other Old Testament book and is quoted most in the New Testament.

Key Themes

God's Holiness, Messiah, Salvation, Judgment, Restoration

Interesting Facts

• Isaiah is quoted in the New Testament more than any other Old Testament book (over 65 times)
• Contains the clearest prophecy of Jesus' virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14)
• Isaiah 53 describes Jesus' crucifixion 700 years before it happened

Prophecies

• The virgin birth of Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14) Fulfilled: Jesus born of the virgin Mary (Matthew 1:23) (700 years later)
• The suffering servant who would die for our sins (Isaiah 53) Fulfilled: Jesus' crucifixion and atonement (700 years later)

Isaiah Chapter 28 presents a powerful juxtaposition of judgment and hope, particularly focusing on the proud and complacent leaders of Ephraim. The chapter opens with a vivid description of the prideful crown of the drunkards of Ephraim, signifying their moral and spiritual decline. God, through the prophet Isaiah, warns that their glory will soon be trampled underfoot. He contrasts their fleeting beauty with His promise of a true crown of glory for the faithful remnant. The imagery of storms and overwhelming waters illustrates God’s might and impending judgment upon those who indulge in debauchery and falsehood. Isaiah's message continues by addressing the leaders, priests, and prophets of Jerusalem, who have also succumbed to drunkenness and corruption. Their inability to discern God’s truth leads to a profound spiritual blindness. The repetition of 'precept upon precept' emphasizes their failure to grasp God’s teachings, which leads them to stumble and fall. Despite their arrogance, God promises that He will speak to His people through foreign tongues, a foreshadowing of the impending Assyrian invasion that would serve as both judgment and a means of delivering His message. The chapter highlights the false security that the leaders have placed in their covenants with death and Sheol, believing they can escape the consequences of their sinful actions. God responds with a declaration of judgment, indicating that their agreements will ultimately fail. The introduction of the ‘precious cornerstone’ serves as a messianic prophecy, indicating that true hope and stability can only be found in God’s foundation, contrasting sharply with the instability of their falsehoods. The conclusion of the chapter underscores the futility of their reliance on human schemes and highlights God’s commitment to justice and righteousness. The vivid imagery and strong warnings serve a dual purpose: to provoke fear in those who have turned away from God and to offer hope to the remnant who remain faithful. Ultimately, Isaiah 28 encapsulates the themes of judgment, restoration, and the promise of divine intervention in the face of human failure.