Isaiah 28:11 – “Very well then, with foreign lips and strange tongues God will speak to this people.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Isaiah 28:11 is a warning to the people of Israel that God will use foreign nations to deliver His message because they have rejected His prophets and ignored His words. The “foreign lips and strange tongues” refer to the languages of invaders, such as the Assyrians or Babylonians, who would come as instruments of God’s judgment.
This verse points to the consequences of Israel’s hard-heartedness. Because they mocked and dismissed God’s message delivered in their own language, they would now hear it through the unfamiliar and frightening voices of foreign conquerors. This was not just a punishment but a wake-up call, intended to lead the people back to repentance.
Historical Context
Isaiah prophesied during a time when both Israel and Judah were turning away from God, relying on political alliances and false gods instead of trusting Him. Despite repeated warnings from prophets like Isaiah, the people refused to listen. As a result, God allowed foreign nations, such as the Assyrians and Babylonians, to conquer them. These invaders’ languages would serve as a sign of God’s judgment and the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy.
The phrase “foreign lips and strange tongues” also reflects the reality of exile, where the people of Israel would find themselves living among foreign nations, far from their homeland and the comforts of their own culture.
Theological Implications
This verse emphasizes the seriousness of ignoring God’s word. When people reject His truth, they often face consequences that make His message unavoidable. The use of foreign tongues shows that God’s plans are not limited by human resistance; He will accomplish His purposes, even if it means using unlikely means.
The verse also highlights God’s patience and persistence. Even in judgment, He continues to speak to His people, using every opportunity to call them back to Himself.
Literary Analysis
The phrase “foreign lips and strange tongues” is both literal and symbolic. It describes the actual languages of invading nations while also serving as a metaphor for how God’s message becomes harder to understand when His people reject Him. The verse’s tone shifts from warning to inevitability, signaling that God’s judgment is both just and certain.
This verse builds on the preceding verses, where the people mocked Isaiah’s teaching. Their dismissal of God’s simple, clear message now leads to the complexity and fear of judgment delivered in foreign languages.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 28:49: God warns that He will bring a nation whose language they do not understand as part of His judgment.
- Jeremiah 5:15: A prophecy of a foreign nation coming against Israel, whose language the people will not know.
- 1 Corinthians 14:21-22: Paul references this verse in the context of speaking in tongues, highlighting how God uses different means to communicate His message.
- Acts 2:4-12: At Pentecost, God uses foreign tongues to declare His message, showing His power to communicate across all barriers.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians, Isaiah 28:11 serves as a reminder to listen to God’s word when it is clearly presented. Ignoring His message can lead to consequences that make understanding Him more challenging. This verse encourages believers to be attentive and responsive to God’s teaching, rather than dismissing it as irrelevant or unimportant.
It also reminds us of God’s sovereignty. He can use any means—whether familiar or unfamiliar—to accomplish His purposes and draw people to Himself.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident even in this verse of judgment. His willingness to speak to His people through “foreign lips and strange tongues” shows that He does not give up on them. Even when they reject Him, He continues to reach out, using every possible means to communicate His truth and call them back to a relationship with Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s communication to humanity. As the Word made flesh (John 1:14), He speaks God’s truth clearly and directly to all people. While Isaiah 28:11 highlights God’s use of foreign languages as a sign of judgment, Jesus breaks down language and cultural barriers, offering salvation to all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).
At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to speak in many tongues (Acts 2), showing that the gospel message is for everyone, regardless of language or culture. Through Christ, God’s word is no longer confined to one nation but is shared with all the world.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge you to listen to God’s word and respond with humility?
- Are there areas in your life where you may be resisting God’s message? How can you turn back to Him?
- How does this verse encourage you to trust in God’s sovereignty, even when His methods are unexpected?
- How can you share the gospel with others in ways that bridge cultural or language barriers?
- How does Jesus’ life and mission demonstrate God’s ultimate desire to communicate His love and truth to all people?
Isaiah 28:11 reminds us of the importance of listening to God when He speaks and trusting in His ability to use all circumstances for His purposes. Through Jesus Christ, we see God’s ultimate desire to draw all people to Himself, breaking down every barrier to bring His message of hope and salvation to the world. Let this verse inspire you to remain attentive to His word and to share it with those around you.