Overview

Isaiah 28 is a prophetic warning against pride, drunkenness, and false security. The chapter begins with a strong rebuke of the leaders of Ephraim, the northern kingdom of Israel, who had become spiritually blind due to their arrogance and indulgence in wine. Isaiah describes them as a fading flower, a people who once had beauty and strength but now face destruction because of their rebellion against God. The prophecy warns that judgment is coming in the form of an invading army, which historically refers to the Assyrian conquest of Israel in 722 B.C.

The second section of the chapter shifts its focus to Judah, the southern kingdom, warning them not to follow in Israel’s footsteps. The leaders of Judah are also condemned for their drunkenness and arrogance, believing they are secure when, in reality, they have made a false covenant with death. Isaiah proclaims that true security can only be found in God, specifically pointing to a “precious cornerstone” that He will lay in Zion. This cornerstone is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the firm foundation for salvation.

The chapter continues with a contrast between God’s righteous judgment and His wise instruction. Isaiah uses agricultural imagery to illustrate that just as a farmer knows how to plant, cultivate, and harvest, God also knows how to discipline and restore His people. His judgment is not random or cruel but is executed with wisdom and purpose.

Isaiah 28 ultimately calls God’s people to reject false security and arrogance and instead place their trust in Him. The prophecy warns of judgment but also offers hope in the promise of a true foundation, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. It teaches that rejecting God’s wisdom leads to destruction, while trusting in His Word brings salvation and stability.

Historical and Literary Context

Isaiah 28 was written during a time of political and spiritual crisis in both Israel and Judah. The northern kingdom, Ephraim (Israel), had turned away from God, relying on alliances with foreign nations instead of trusting in Him. Their leaders had become corrupt, indulging in excess and ignoring prophetic warnings. In 722 B.C., Assyria conquered Israel, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy of judgment.

Judah, the southern kingdom, faced similar temptations. They believed that their religious practices and political alliances would protect them from disaster, but Isaiah warned them that their trust in anything other than God would lead to destruction. The mention of a “covenant with death” refers to Judah’s reliance on political treaties, likely with Egypt, instead of trusting in God for protection against Assyria.

Isaiah uses poetic and prophetic language to warn of impending judgment while pointing to the future hope of restoration. The reference to the “cornerstone in Zion” stands out as a messianic prophecy, later confirmed in the New Testament as a foreshadowing of Christ (1 Peter 2:6-8). The chapter’s use of agricultural metaphors demonstrates God’s wisdom in judgment and restoration, showing that His discipline is meant to refine rather than to destroy His people completely.

Isaiah 28 is structured as a prophetic warning with alternating sections of judgment and hope. The first part condemns Israel’s leaders for their corruption, the second part warns Judah not to follow their example, and the final section provides a picture of God’s sovereign wisdom in how He deals with His people. The chapter reflects the broader theme in Isaiah of God’s justice, His call to repentance, and His ultimate plan to provide a lasting foundation for His people.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

God’s sovereignty is evident throughout Isaiah 28. The chapter demonstrates that He is in control of the nations and their destinies. Israel and Judah may place their trust in political alliances and their own strength, but it is God who determines their future. This aligns with Proverbs 19:21, which teaches that while people may make plans, it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

The danger of pride and false security is a central theme. Both Israel and Judah had become complacent, relying on external strength rather than on God. Their leaders were blinded by arrogance and indulgence, ignoring the warnings of the prophets. This serves as a reminder that pride leads to destruction (Proverbs 16:18), and true security is found only in God.

The cornerstone in Zion is a profound doctrinal point. Isaiah 28:16 introduces this concept, declaring that God will lay a stone in Zion, a tested and precious cornerstone for a firm foundation. This is a direct prophecy of Jesus Christ, as confirmed in 1 Peter 2:6-8. Christ is the sure foundation for those who trust in Him, but for those who reject Him, He becomes a stumbling block. This verse highlights the necessity of faith in Christ for salvation.

God’s wisdom in judgment and discipline is another key theme. Isaiah uses the metaphor of a farmer who knows exactly how to handle his crops, illustrating that God’s judgment is not reckless but intentional. Just as a farmer carefully sows, threshes, and harvests according to the needs of each plant, God disciplines His people with wisdom and purpose. Hebrews 12:6 affirms this by stating that God disciplines those He loves for their growth and refinement.

Isaiah 28 ultimately emphasizes the contrast between human foolishness and divine wisdom. The people mock Isaiah’s message, dismissing it as simple and repetitive, but the prophet warns that rejecting God’s instruction will lead to disaster. This highlights the biblical truth that the wisdom of God often seems foolish to the world (1 Corinthians 1:18-25), but it is the only path to true life and security.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis 

Isaiah 28:1-4 

“Woe to that wreath, the pride of Ephraim’s drunkards, to the fading flower, his glorious beauty, set on the head of a fertile valley—to that city, the pride of those laid low by wine!” (Isaiah 28:1)

Isaiah opens with a strong pronouncement of judgment against Ephraim (the northern kingdom of Israel), condemning its leaders for their pride and drunkenness. The imagery of a fading flower represents the fleeting nature of their strength and prosperity. Instead of relying on God, they indulged in self-indulgence and moral corruption. The phrase “laid low by wine” highlights how their spiritual blindness and arrogance led to their downfall.

• Doctrinal Insight: Proverbs 16:18 teaches that “pride goes before destruction,” which is evident here as Israel’s leaders are warned of the coming judgment. This prophecy was fulfilled in 722 B.C. when the Assyrians conquered the northern kingdom.
• Application: Pride and self-indulgence lead to destruction. Believers must guard against complacency and be watchful of anything that leads them away from dependence on God. Instead of seeking temporary pleasures, they should pursue righteousness and humility (James 4:6).

Isaiah 28:5-6 

“In that day the Lord Almighty will be a glorious crown, a beautiful wreath for the remnant of his people.” (Isaiah 28:5)

While the leaders of Ephraim wear a “fading wreath” of pride, Isaiah contrasts this with the true crown—the glory of the Lord. Though judgment is coming, God will remain the strength and beauty of those who trust in Him. This points to the faithful remnant who will not be destroyed.

• Doctrinal Insight: The theme of a “remnant” is found throughout Scripture, particularly in Isaiah (Isaiah 10:20-22). God always preserves a faithful group, ensuring His promises endure.
• Application: Christians should seek their identity and glory in God rather than in worldly achievements. Unlike the fading beauty of human pride, God’s presence is eternal and sustaining.

Isaiah 28:7-8 

“And these also stagger from wine and reel from beer: priests and prophets stagger from beer and are befuddled with wine; they reel from beer, they stagger when seeing visions, they stumble when rendering decisions.” (Isaiah 28:7)

Isaiah extends his rebuke beyond Israel to include Judah’s leaders. Even priests and prophets, who were meant to guide the people in righteousness, were corrupted by indulgence. Their drunkenness represents both literal excess and spiritual blindness, as they are incapable of leading justly.

• Doctrinal Insight: Spiritual leadership carries great responsibility (James 3:1). Leaders who are consumed by worldly desires will inevitably lead others into destruction.
• Application: Christians, particularly those in leadership, must remain sober-minded and vigilant. Spiritual discernment requires self-control and dependence on God’s wisdom (1 Peter 5:8).

Isaiah 28:9-10

“Who is it he is trying to teach? To whom is he explaining his message? To children weaned from their milk, to those just taken from the breast?” (Isaiah 28:9)

The leaders mock Isaiah’s message, treating it as simplistic and repetitive. They dismiss his words as though they were nursery lessons for infants. The phrase “precept upon precept, line upon line” in verse 10 reflects their scorn, as they reject God’s truth as meaningless repetition.

• Doctrinal Insight: This parallels 1 Corinthians 1:18, where Paul states that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing. Those who reject God’s instruction do so because of hardened hearts.
• Application: Believers should never treat God’s Word lightly. Spiritual growth requires a willingness to receive and apply God’s truth, even when it challenges personal comfort or understanding (Psalm 119:105).

Isaiah 28:11-13 

“Very well then, with foreign lips and strange tongues God will speak to this people.” (Isaiah 28:11)

Since Israel refused to listen to God’s clear instruction, He declares that they will be spoken to by “foreign lips”—a reference to the coming Assyrian invasion. This passage is quoted by Paul in 1 Corinthians 14:21-22 to illustrate how foreign languages serve as a sign of judgment.

• Doctrinal Insight: When people reject God’s message, He may use unexpected means to get their attention. Just as Israel ignored the prophets and was judged through Assyria, those who resist God’s truth face consequences.
• Application: Believers must be sensitive to God’s warnings. Repeated rejection of His Word leads to spiritual dullness and discipline. It is better to listen and respond in obedience (Hebrews 3:15).

Isaiah 28:14-15 

“You boast, ‘We have entered into a covenant with death, with the realm of the dead we have made an agreement.’” (Isaiah 28:15)

Judah’s leaders falsely believed they could escape judgment by making political alliances, possibly with Egypt, instead of trusting in God. They saw their actions as security, but Isaiah exposes them as deception.

• Doctrinal Insight: True security is found only in God. Jesus teaches in Matthew 7:24-27 that those who build on anything other than God’s foundation will ultimately collapse.
• Application: Christians must be cautious not to put their trust in worldly solutions over God’s provision. Relying on human strength instead of divine wisdom leads to failure.

Isaiah 28:16

“See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.” (Isaiah 28:16)

This verse is a messianic prophecy pointing to Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, this verse is quoted in Romans 9:33, 1 Peter 2:6-8, and Ephesians 2:20, all identifying Jesus as the cornerstone upon which faith is built. Those who trust in Him will stand firm.

• Doctrinal Insight: Jesus is the only foundation for salvation. Any other foundation—whether personal effort, religion, or worldly security—will ultimately fail.
• Application: Believers must ensure that their lives are firmly rooted in Christ. A life built on Christ stands strong amid trials and uncertainty (Matthew 7:24-25).

Isaiah 28:23-29

“Listen and hear my voice; pay attention and hear what I say. When a farmer plows for planting, does he plow continually? Does he keep on breaking up and working the soil?” (Isaiah 28:23-24)

Isaiah uses an agricultural metaphor to illustrate God’s wisdom in judgment. Just as a farmer knows how to handle each crop differently, God disciplines His people according to their needs. He does not destroy them but refines them for growth.

• Doctrinal Insight: God’s discipline is never random. Hebrews 12:6 states that the Lord disciplines those He loves to produce righteousness.
• Application: Trials are not meant to destroy but to refine faith. Believers should trust that God is using hardships for their spiritual growth and ultimate good (Romans 8:28).

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Isaiah 28 points directly to Jesus Christ as the true and only foundation of salvation. The prophecy in Isaiah 28:16 declares that God will lay a “precious cornerstone” in Zion, a sure foundation for those who trust in Him. The New Testament confirms that Jesus is this cornerstone, the fulfillment of God’s promise to establish a lasting foundation for His people. In 1 Peter 2:6-8, Paul in Romans 9:33, and Ephesians 2:20, Jesus is identified as the tested and precious cornerstone, chosen by God, upon whom the church is built. Those who believe in Him will never be put to shame, but those who reject Him will stumble. This chapter warns against false security and pride, showing that anything built outside of Christ will ultimately collapse. The leaders of Israel placed their trust in their own wisdom and political alliances, but Isaiah makes it clear that true security is found only in the foundation that God provides. Jesus fulfills this truth, offering Himself as the only solid rock upon which salvation and eternal life are secured. The judgment against Israel and Judah serves as a foreshadowing of the greater judgment against those who reject Christ, while the promise of a firm foundation reveals the certainty of salvation for those who trust in Him.

Connection to the Father

Isaiah 28 reveals the Father’s sovereign control over judgment, salvation, and wisdom. He is the one who brings judgment upon the arrogant and indulgent, ensuring that those who reject His ways face the consequences of their actions. The condemnation of Israel’s leaders shows that the Father holds those in authority accountable for how they lead His people, reaffirming that He is a God of justice. At the same time, He provides a path of redemption by laying a cornerstone in Zion, demonstrating His faithfulness in offering a way for salvation. The Father’s wisdom is illustrated through the analogy of the farmer, revealing that He disciplines with purpose. Just as a farmer knows exactly how to handle each crop, God knows how to refine and correct His people in ways that will bring about growth and restoration. His discipline is never random, but is a demonstration of His deep care, ensuring that His people become who they are meant to be. Isaiah 28 ultimately highlights that the Father is both just and merciful, bringing judgment upon the rebellious while also providing a secure foundation for those who place their trust in Him.

Connection to the Holy Spirit

Isaiah 28 points to the role of the Holy Spirit in teaching, convicting, and bringing clarity to God’s truth. The leaders of Israel rejected Isaiah’s message, mocking it as though it were simple and repetitive. This rejection of divine instruction shows the necessity of the Holy Spirit, who enables people to truly understand God’s Word. Jesus later affirms that the Holy Spirit is the one who leads believers into all truth (John 16:13). The imagery of the cornerstone also connects to the work of the Spirit, as Ephesians 2:22 states that believers are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Just as Isaiah speaks of a foundation that will not fail, the New Testament reveals that the Holy Spirit works in the lives of believers to establish them firmly in Christ. The Spirit is also the one who convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). The people in Isaiah 28 rejected God’s correction, but the Holy Spirit softens hearts and leads people to repentance. The theme of God’s wisdom in judgment and discipline further points to the Spirit’s role in sanctification, refining believers through trials so that they grow in righteousness.

Connection to God’s Love

Isaiah 28 reveals God’s love through both discipline and provision. His judgment upon Israel and Judah is not out of cruelty, but out of a desire to turn them back to Him. Like a loving Father, He does not allow His people to continue in their rebellion without consequences. Hebrews 12:6 reinforces this truth, stating that the Lord disciplines those He loves. Even in judgment, God provides hope by offering a firm foundation. The prophecy of the cornerstone is an act of divine love, showing that while human wisdom fails, God has provided a way of salvation through Jesus Christ. His love is also displayed in His patience, giving His people repeated opportunities to repent before destruction comes. The metaphor of the farmer at the end of the chapter shows that God is not reckless in how He deals with His people. Just as a farmer carefully tends his crops with wisdom and precision, God disciplines His people in a way that refines them rather than destroys them. His love ensures that His correction is always meant for restoration. Ultimately, Isaiah 28 demonstrates that God’s love is both just and merciful. He does not allow sin to go unchecked, yet He offers grace by laying a foundation in Christ, giving all who believe a place of security and salvation.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Title: “A Sure Foundation: Trusting in God’s Wisdom Over Human Pride”

Introduction

Begin with a question: What is your life built on? Many people place their security in wealth, success, or personal wisdom, yet Isaiah 28 reminds us that anything not built on God’s foundation will ultimately collapse. The people of Israel and Judah had placed their trust in political alliances, indulgence, and false confidence instead of in God. This led to their downfall. However, in the midst of judgment, God offered hope by declaring that He would lay a “precious cornerstone” in Zion—a firm foundation for all who trust in Him. This cornerstone is Jesus Christ, the only secure foundation for salvation.

Transition: Isaiah 28 teaches three key lessons: the danger of false security, the necessity of trusting in God’s foundation, and the wisdom of God’s discipline.

Main Points

1. The Danger of False Security (Isaiah 28:1-15)

The chapter opens with a warning to Ephraim (Israel), whose leaders had become arrogant, drunken, and spiritually blind. They placed their trust in their own strength and alliances rather than in God, leading to their destruction by Assyria. Judah also followed in their footsteps, believing they had made a “covenant with death” that would protect them.

• Application: Relying on anything other than God for security leads to downfall. Whether it is personal pride, wealth, or human wisdom, everything apart from God is temporary and fragile. Christians must ask themselves: Am I trusting in my own strength, or is my life fully built on God’s truth?
• Illustration: Imagine building a house on sand. It may stand for a while, but when storms come, it will collapse. Jesus used this same analogy in Matthew 7:24-27, emphasizing that only a life built on God’s Word will endure.

2. The Only True Foundation (Isaiah 28:16-22)

God declares that He is laying a cornerstone in Zion, a sure foundation that will never fail. This is a direct prophecy of Jesus Christ, who is called the “cornerstone” in 1 Peter 2:6-8. Those who trust in Him will stand firm, while those who reject Him will stumble and be broken.

• Application: Christ alone is the foundation for salvation. No good works, religious rituals, or worldly achievements can replace faith in Him. Believers must daily rely on Christ, ensuring that their thoughts, actions, and decisions are rooted in His truth.
• Illustration: A strong skyscraper requires a solid foundation. Without it, the entire building is at risk of collapse. In the same way, a life without Christ as the foundation will eventually crumble.

3. God’s Wisdom in Discipline (Isaiah 28:23-29)

Isaiah concludes the chapter with an illustration of a farmer who carefully plants, threshes, and harvests his crops according to each plant’s needs. This analogy shows that God disciplines His people with wisdom and purpose. He does not destroy for the sake of destruction but refines for the sake of righteousness.

• Application: Trials and discipline are not punishments but opportunities for growth. When facing hardship, Christians should ask, How is God shaping me through this? Instead of resisting God’s discipline, they should trust that He is making them stronger in faith.
• Illustration: A goldsmith purifies gold by putting it through fire. The heat removes impurities, leaving behind something valuable. Similarly, God refines His people through trials, not to destroy them but to make them more like Christ.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Summarize the three key lessons:

• Trusting in anything other than God leads to destruction.
• Jesus Christ is the only foundation that will last.
• God’s discipline is an act of love meant to refine His people.

Call to Action:

• For unbelievers: If you have placed your trust in anything other than Christ, today is the day to turn to Him. He is the sure foundation, and without Him, everything will ultimately fall apart.
• For believers: Examine your heart—are you fully depending on Christ? Are you allowing God to refine you, or are you resisting His discipline? Trust in His wisdom, and stand firm on His Word.
• For those facing trials: Do not see hardship as a curse but as an opportunity for growth. Ask God to reveal what He is teaching you and lean into His grace.

Close with a prayer, asking God to help His people build their lives on Christ, trust in His wisdom, and remain steadfast through trials.

Illustrations and Examples

1. The Illusion of False Security

A man once invested all his money in a business that seemed foolproof, believing he was set for life. However, the economy crashed, and he lost everything. He realized too late that his trust had been in wealth rather than in God. This mirrors Israel’s misplaced trust in political alliances and indulgence instead of in the Lord.

2. The Strength of a Firm Foundation

A lighthouse is built on a solid rock so that it can withstand storms and waves. Though the storms rage, the lighthouse stands firm because of its foundation. This represents how those who trust in Christ remain secure despite life’s challenges.

3. The Purpose of Discipline

A coach pushes his athletes through rigorous training, not to harm them, but to strengthen them for competition. In the same way, God’s discipline is meant to refine and prepare His people for the challenges of faith.

Application for Today’s Christian

Isaiah 28 challenges believers to examine their foundations. Many people trust in worldly security—money, careers, relationships, or personal strength—but these things will fail. Christians must ensure that their lives are fully built on Christ, who is the only foundation that will endure. Trusting in anything else leads to disappointment and collapse.

Spiritual growth requires humility and submission to God’s discipline. Many people resist correction because they do not want to change, but Isaiah 28 reminds believers that God’s discipline is wise and purposeful. Instead of complaining during difficult times, Christians should ask how God is shaping them and trust that He is refining their faith.

God’s wisdom far surpasses human wisdom. The leaders of Judah scoffed at Isaiah’s words, believing they knew better than God. Today, many people dismiss biblical truth in favor of worldly opinions. Believers must remain anchored in Scripture, refusing to be swayed by cultural trends or false teachings.

Living with an eternal perspective is crucial. The final gathering described in Isaiah 28:23-29 reminds Christians that God is bringing His people together for a greater purpose. Instead of chasing temporary pleasures, they should focus on faithfulness, knowing that God’s kingdom is eternal.

Isaiah 28 ultimately calls believers to humility, faithfulness, and dependence on Christ. The chapter warns against false security, urges trust in God’s foundation, and encourages submission to His wise discipline. The challenge for today’s Christian is clear: stand on the cornerstone of Christ, embrace God’s refining process, and remain steadfast in faith, knowing that His wisdom and salvation will never fail.

Reflection Questions

1. Isaiah warns against the false security of Israel and Judah. What are some things people today rely on for security instead of God? How can you ensure that your faith is built on the right foundation?
2. Isaiah 28:1-4 describes the pride and indulgence of Ephraim’s leaders. In what ways can pride and self-indulgence lead people away from God? How can you guard your heart against these dangers?
3. The leaders in Isaiah’s time dismissed God’s message as too simple (Isaiah 28:9-10). How does this attitude still appear today? How can you cultivate a heart that is teachable and receptive to God’s Word?
4. Isaiah 28:16 speaks of a “precious cornerstone” that God has laid in Zion. How does this prophecy point to Jesus Christ? What does it mean for Jesus to be the cornerstone of your life?
5. Isaiah 28 contrasts human wisdom with God’s wisdom. How does trusting in worldly wisdom lead to failure? What practical steps can you take to prioritize God’s wisdom over your own understanding?
6. The chapter ends with the analogy of a farmer carefully tending his crops (Isaiah 28:23-29). How does this illustration help you understand God’s discipline? How has God used difficulties in your life to refine and strengthen your faith?
7. Isaiah 28:22 warns that judgment will come if people continue to reject God’s Word. How does this serve as both a warning and a call to repentance? Are there areas in your life where you need to turn back to God?