Isaiah 28:14 – “Therefore hear the word of the Lord, you scoffers who rule this people in Jerusalem.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Isaiah 28:14 addresses the leaders in Jerusalem who mock God’s word and rely on their own schemes instead of trusting Him. By calling them “scoffers,” Isaiah highlights their arrogance and disdain for God’s guidance. These leaders, who should have been shepherding the people with wisdom and faithfulness, were instead leading them into further rebellion.
The verse begins with “Therefore,” connecting it to the warnings in the preceding verses. Because the leaders have rejected God’s truth and dismissed His messengers, God calls them to hear His word—a word of judgment and correction. It is a last effort to get them to acknowledge their error and turn back to Him.
Historical Context
At the time Isaiah delivered this message, Judah’s leaders were placing their trust in political alliances, particularly with Egypt, to protect them from the threat of Assyria. Instead of turning to God for help, they mocked His warnings through Isaiah and dismissed His calls for repentance. This misplaced trust in human solutions reflected their deeper spiritual problem: a refusal to submit to God’s authority.
Isaiah’s message was a direct challenge to these leaders, urging them to abandon their pride and reliance on worldly strategies and to listen to God’s instruction.
Theological Implications
This verse reveals the seriousness of scoffing at God’s word. Mocking or ignoring His truth leads to spiritual blindness and moral decay, especially among leaders who have influence over others. It also shows God’s justice—He does not ignore rebellion, especially when it comes from those entrusted with leadership.
At the same time, the verse reflects God’s mercy. By calling the scoffers to “hear the word of the Lord,” He offers them a chance to repent and turn back to Him before judgment comes.
Literary Analysis
The word “scoffers” carries a strong tone of condemnation, emphasizing the leaders’ attitude of arrogance and irreverence. The phrase “hear the word of the Lord” is both a command and an invitation, reflecting God’s authority and His desire for the leaders to respond. The structure of the verse sets up the judgment that follows, making it clear that their actions have serious consequences.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Proverbs 21:24: “The proud and arrogant person—’Mocker’ is his name—behaves with insolent fury.”
- Jeremiah 6:10: A lament over people who refuse to listen to God’s word, finding no pleasure in it.
- Psalm 1:1: A blessing for those who do not walk in the way of mockers, contrasting with the judgment awaiting scoffers.
- Hebrews 3:7-8: A warning not to harden hearts when hearing God’s voice, as the Israelites did in the wilderness.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Isaiah 28:14 serves as a warning against scoffing at God’s word or dismissing His guidance. It challenges believers to examine their hearts and attitudes toward Scripture and spiritual authority. Are we listening to God with humility, or are we relying on our own wisdom and dismissing His truth as irrelevant?
The verse also calls Christians in leadership to take their roles seriously. Leading others in God’s ways requires humility, faithfulness, and a willingness to submit to His authority.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in His desire to correct and restore His people. Even when they mock Him, He continues to speak to them, giving them an opportunity to repent and avoid judgment. His willingness to confront sin shows that He cares deeply about His people and their relationship with Him.
God’s love is also seen in His faithfulness. He does not abandon His people to their rebellion but persistently calls them back to Himself.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s word and the embodiment of His truth. Like Isaiah, Jesus faced scoffers during His earthly ministry—people who mocked His teaching and rejected His authority (Luke 22:63-65). Yet Jesus responded with love and persistence, continuing to proclaim the kingdom of God and inviting all to repent and believe.
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus offers salvation even to those who have mocked or dismissed Him, providing a way for them to be reconciled to God. He is both the warning and the solution, calling all people to hear and respond to God’s truth.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there areas in your life where you might be resisting or dismissing God’s word?
- How can you cultivate a heart that is humble and open to God’s guidance?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of godly leadership?
- How does Jesus’ example encourage you to respond to mockery or rejection with grace and persistence?
- How can you encourage others to take God’s word seriously and respond to His call?
Isaiah 28:14 is a sobering reminder of the consequences of rejecting God’s word and the responsibility of leaders to guide others faithfully. It also highlights God’s persistent love, as He continues to call His people back to Him, offering them the chance to repent and find life in His truth. Through Jesus Christ, we see the ultimate expression of God’s call and the hope of redemption for all who respond. Let this verse inspire you to listen to God’s voice and to live faithfully under His authority.