Chapter 28 begins, again, a series of six woes: to Ephraim, David’s City, to those who try to hide their plans from God, to obstinate children/nation, to those who rely on Egypt (power other than God), and woe to the destroyer/betrayer (ch 28-33). These woes are followed by a final judgment on the nations and a song of celebration for the redeemed (ch. 34).
Again, Isaiah’s message of judgment and hope are woven together to make clear that God in his righteousness offers both. There will ultimately be judgment for all those who reject his rule and there will be hope (redemption and reward) for those who trust in him.
Verses 7-16 are especially condemning because the prophet declares the judgment that will fall on those who are supposedto be leading Israel–prophets and priests who “stagger from beer and are befuddled with wine.” These violators of God’s laws are burdening the people with “rule upon rule” says verse 10. The result? Since these people who were asked to speak for God in serving his people have done jus the opposite, God will use “foreign lips” to speak to the people. Their own deception and legalism will become their ruin (vs. 13).
But the hope is again declared beginning in verse 16. God will “lay a stone in Zion” and the one who trusts in this stone will never be disappointed! This prophetic word of Isaiah is what Paul declares in Romans 9. The “stone” that has been laid is the “chief cornerstone.” It is the very foundation of the hope of the world. It is Jesus Christ! The stone causes some to stumble–those who refuse to believe. But the stone is a rock and a refuge for those who believe.
How persistent God is with this message! How hard of hearing we are! How gracious he is to continue to woo us through the prophets. How amazing that he was willing to send his only beloved Son to tell us of this hope!